Captured by Love (Michigan Brides #3)(98)
He reached out a hand to help her up the last several steps the branches provided. “I didn’t dare look at you,” he said as she lowered herself on the branch next to him. “If I’d allowed myself even one glance, I would have marched over to you, slung you over my shoulder, and carried you to St. Anne’s to marry you myself.”
“And I don’t think I would have resisted.”
“Of course you wouldn’t have.” His tone was warm and playful. “Since when have you been able to resist me? I’m irresistible, you know.”
“I can resist you if I want to,” she teased, pivoting so that she faced him.
“I’d like to see that.” His dark eyes sparkled and matched his smile. The shadows from the branches above only made his face more handsome.
“Very well.” She lifted her fingers to his lips and traced the edges, skimming the fullness of his mouth.
His smile faded, and the spark in his eyes changed to a flash of desire.
She let her fingers make a trail to his smooth chin, then to his neck, giving herself the liberty to taunt him.
He leaned toward her, determination etching his features.
Her middle fluttered in anticipation of his kiss. But when he lowered his head near hers, she placed her hands on his cheeks to slow his descent. She forced his head back and instead rose so that she was leaning into him, so that her lips were near his but not quite touching.
She grazed lightly against his mouth, taking a soft nibble of his lower lip.
He gave a low moan.
She leaned in closer, but then pulled back so only her breath touched him. His mouth chased hers, but she quickly turned and all he found was her cheek.
“You’re teasing me.” His whisper against her ear sent a shiver through her.
“I’m resisting you.”
He pressed a kiss against her ear, the heat of his breath making her tremble. “I admit,” he whispered, “you’re the irresistible one. I can’t stop myself from wanting to kiss you every time I see you.”
She smiled. “Every time?”
“I’ve had to use way too much restraint around you,” he said quietly, “more than humanly possible for any one man. I’m thinking it’s about time to cut the chains holding me back. But first you have to answer Jean’s question.”
“What question?”
“You will marry me, won’t you, Angelique?”
At the worry that flickered in his eyes, she caressed his cheek. “Jean was right. You’re the only one I’ve ever loved. And no matter where you go or what you do, I want to be by your side for the rest of my life.”
“You know I can’t stay on the island. I have to leave this afternoon. I can’t take any chances that the British might see me alive.”
“I don’t have much to pack. I can be ready whenever you are.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded. “I’m going with you, Pierre, as your wife. I want to be with you the rest of my days, whether that’s in a canoe in the wilderness or sitting up in this tree on our island.”
He studied her face as if testing her words. “I guess it’s settled then, because I won’t go anywhere either unless you’re there with me.”
Joy bubbled deep inside her. “And if I climb down this tree and go to St. Anne’s for a wedding at noon?”
“I’ll be right by your side.” He smiled. “In fact, I’ll race you there.”
She smiled back. “What are we waiting for?”
“For this.” He leaned in to her, his breath warm and eager. And when his lips met hers, she knew she was right where she belonged, that no matter where they went she was where she wanted to be for the rest of her life.
Author’s Note
Michilimackinac Island is known to most of the world as Mackinac Island, a popular tourist and vacation destination in northern Michigan. But long ago, before the island became famous for its horse-drawn carriages, fudge, and Grand Hotel, the island was important for its strategic location in the fur-trading business.
Fur trading in the early 1800s dominated the Northwest. Great Britain, France, and the new country of the United States of America all had holdings in the Great Lakes region. Michilimackinac was in a pivotal location and of great importance to the fur industry.
In their efforts to gain the upper hand in the profitable trade in beaver, fox, mink, otter, and other pelts, the nations fought for control over the tiny Mackinac Island and even built an army fort on the bluffs of the island for its protection.
By the time of the War of 1812, the Americans had been in control of the island for close to fifteen years. So it was with great disappointment and fear that the American captain in charge of Fort Michilimackinac lost the island at the beginning of the war after the British invaded and pointed their cannons at the fort.
As portrayed in Captured by Love, the American men who refused to sign the Oath of Allegiance to the invading British Army had to leave Mackinac. Those who remained had to swear allegiance to King George.
The British had a decided advantage over the Americans during the war because they had cultivated friendships with the area’s Indian tribes. The British plied the Indians with presents in order to win their loyalty. And so with the help of their Indian allies, the British regained control of the upper Great Lakes for the duration of the war.