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Chapter 14
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California Secrets: Book #4 Boarding House Brides Chapter 15
Cole POV “I haven’t done near enough.” Her words only intensified the emotions flowing through me. I wanted her so desperately, but I wanted our first time together to be special. She deserved that. She deserved to feel like the most important thing in my world, because she was. The more I learned about her, the more I understood how perfect we were for each other. But in that moment, all I could think about was bringing her pleasure. She was caged against the wall, my body flush with hers, our tongues fighting for dominance, as her hands roamed through my hair. I groaned into her mouth when she lightly tugged on the hair at the nape of my neck. I broke the kiss, my lips traveling down her jawline, and I found the sweet spot in the crook of her neck. I nipped her gently and she moaned in ecstasy. My right hand left its place on the wall and traveled to her arm, gently sliding across her bare skin. My hand roamed down to her elbow then slid under her arm to her ribs, then over to he
California Secrets: Book #4 Boarding House Brides Chapter 16
Charlotte POV When I stepped off the stage and met Cole’s aunt, I immediately felt a kinship with her. I didn’t know why but I felt as though I had known her my whole life. Then she teased Cole by dismissing him like he was a hired servant and I knew that she and I would have lots in common. One of my favorite things was to tease Cole, her teasing being more of an older sibling. On the other hand, my teasing usually led to passion. As I took in Cole’s house, our house, actually, I was impressed. He really had done well for himself. A white Victorian style home with a wrap around porch and two stories. I noticed that many of the homes had at least two stories, similar to those in St. Louis. As we climbed the steps to the porch, I took note that one section of the house was curved, giving a turret feel to the home. Upon entering the house, I realized the curved area was the parlor with several tall windows for natural lighting. The parlor was stunning, but not quite my style. I decide
California Secrets: Book #4 Boarding House Brides Chapter 17
Chapter 17 Cole POV Her parents! What was going on? How did Aunt Bea know her parents? I was stunned and couldn’t voice my questions because at that moment, a knock sounded at the door. Aunt Bea rose to answer it. Charlotte was just as stunned as I was, probably more so. During our trip home, she had confided that she had been having dreams of her mother so she knew she was alive. She had many questions for her mother but was worried that she would never get to meet her, even though her mother often told her that they would meet very soon. Charlotte’s grip on my hand tightened and I watched as every emotion you could imagine crossed her face. Shock. Disbelief. Anger. Joy. Curiosity. Worry. I knew she was battling with how to react to the news that her parents were here in San Francisco. She was also struggling with the fact that they were in fact, now here, at Aunt Bea’s house. I wanted to comfort her but didn’t know exactly what she needed, so I just held her hand and waited. A
California Secrets: Book #4 Boarding House Brides Chapter 18
October 1866 Charlotte POV It was a shock to see my parents face to face for the first time in my life. But it only took one look for me to know that I was their daughter. I could see bits of myself in each of them. It must have seemed like an eternity to them, but it was just a matter of seconds before I was flying across the room into my mother’s arms. As they folded their arms around me, I finally felt the hole in my soul filling up. However, I wasn’t quite ready to call them mother and father. After a few moments, Conor said, “You are more beautiful than my dreams allowed. We have much to discuss, but for now, please know that we agonized for years about the decision we had to make. Your mother is right, Matilda was the perfect choice to be your adoptive mother.” I nodded slightly, my head still on Esther’s shoulder. We stayed like that for a few more moments and then I lifted my head and stood tall once more. I had so many questions and although I was overjoyed to have finally
California Secrets: Book #4 Boarding House Brides Chapter 19
December 1866 Cole POV Since we have arrived home, it has been very busy. I was busy with the growing shipping company, while Charlotte was busy learning from her parents and at first, it consumed her. But then in October, something shifted. She realized that neither of us were spending time together so she cut her time with her parents short and was waiting for me at home, when I arrived after work. I was delighted to learn that she had planned for us to have a quiet evening at home. No aunts, no parents, no talk of the future, no training. Just her and I in our own little haven of love. While she was explaining the bonding ceremony, she had a vision of it. It was the first time that she had seen her own future. I was happy for her, but even more happy when she said it was beautiful. I knew that one of her fears was the Cordelia would return before we could become bonded. But Aunt Bea had assured us that Cordelia would stay away until after the new year. I trusted Aunt Bea but I a
California Secrets: Book #4 Boarding House Brides Chapter 20
January 1867 Charlotte POV The mating ceremony was lovely. It felt like such a sacred moment. When I arrived at the altar with my parents, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the area. Candles and flowers were laid at the base of the altar, adding to the romance of the scene. The moon was almost at its culmination and was shining down on the clearing. Anxiously I stood at the end of the altar, waiting for Cole. I had on nothing but my shift and a crown of flowers resting on my brow. When my father had placed them on my head, he called me his princess. Tears had come to my eyes as I thought about all of the times I missed out on hearing him call me that. Seeing my tears, he reached out and wiped them away and promised that he would always be near when I needed him. It was a beautiful moment between us and its one that I will remember for always. Mom stepped up and reminded me of the vows we would make. Then together, she and Dad explained how I was to cut Cole’s hand for the blood ri
California Secrets: Book #4 Boarding House Brides Chapter 21
Three Years Later Charlotte POV Watching Cordelia stomp away, I took a deep breath and sagged into Cole’s side. I was grateful that he had his arm around me, for I would have fallen. I was emotionally drained from her antics and I needed to sit down. Sensing my need, Cole swept me up into his arms and carried me into the house. As he made his way to the parlor, he quipped, “Not exactly how I planned to carry you over the threshold, but it’ll do.” I giggled in response and snuggled into his arms as he sat on the chaise lounge. I looked up and my parents were joining us. “She came through the house. Can you check it? I don’t want any surprises,” I asked. “No need. We cleansed the house a few days ago,” Aunt Bea said. Then my dad spoke up, “I had the coven put a protection spell on it as well. She can’t spell it, ever. You both are protected within this house.” I smiled and snuggled into Cole once more. His arms tightened about me. We sat in silence for a few moments, replaying the
California Secrets: Book #4 Boarding House Brides Chapter 22
Cole POV The day after we received the letter from MJ, I began my search for the bronze dagger. I wrote to Chang asking if he had any knowledge of such an item. I also told him that I would be happy to attend his wedding ceremony, since Charlotte had convinced me that I should attend. I wanted her to travel with me but she wasn’t keen on the idea. She said that she would know when the time came if she should go or stay here. I knew it would be at least two months before we had an answer from Chang, so Charlotte and I also searched locally. We spoke with her parents and the coven. No one knew of a bronze dagger. The coven agreed to also search and inquire with their contacts for the dagger. They had contacts that most people didn’t know existed. The strain of not having a child had been difficult on Charlotte. As the weeks became months and the months became years with no babies, I watched the spark in her eyes slowly fade. And it broke my heart. I had tried everything I could imagin
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- California Secrets: Book #4 Boarding House Brides Epilogue
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- California Secrets: Book #4 Boarding House Brides Chapter 22
- California Secrets: Book #4 Boarding House Brides Chapter 21
