Indigo

by Beverly Jenkins

He walked further into the room. Without a word, he opened his arms wide. In silent answer, she slipped from the bed and ran to him, letting him encircle her with his strength, letting him hold her tight, so tightly she hoped he would never let go. Galen held her for a long time, savoring her, sheltering her. When he could bear to ease her away, he gently lifted her into his arms and carried her over to the rocker. He sat with her atop his lap. Moonlight and the night breeze streamed over them through the open window. Cradled against his chest, Hester felt safe for the first time in a long while. Since her aunt's death, her life had become so crazy she'd hardly had time to breathe. She'd had to be strong, dedicated, and stoic in response to all she'd experienced in life, but tonight she didn't want to be strong. For just this little while she wanted to be held as if she were precious to someone, and let that someone be her strength. Galen kissed the top of her head and basked in a contentment he'd never dreamed possible. He'd held many women in his arms, but could not remember finding such inner peace, such total ease of mind. The memory of her angry stance behind the rifle would haunt him for quite some time. He never wanted to see her so frightened by anything ever again. He'd been so eager to get back here and see about her, he'd practically thrown Quint from the coach when the driver stopped in front of his home. "Are you still angry with me?" he quietly asked.

This entire section is superb. Jenkins wrote from the heart here and you can tell