Marrying Kate by Kimberly Rae Jordan Read Free Book Online Page B

own body, but the wife does. 
    Kate knew in her heart that it had been God’s way of telling her that on their wedding night, she should be with her husband. But would Jared agree? What if he didn’t find her attractive? Panic beat in her chest. She knew he had admired Jen , and she was nothing like her. She still hadn’t gained any weight, in fact she had probably lost another pound or two in the past few days. There were no luscious curves beneath her clothes.
    "God, give me peace. Help me to do the right thing. Give me strength to go to Jared, and even more strength if he rejects me."
    Kate didn’t bother with an "amen" knowing she’d be adding to the prayer throughout the evening. She got up, took a quick shower and changed into the white satin nightgown she had purchased for her wedding night. Not sure how to do her hair, she finally decided to leave it down even though she’d have to hassle tangles in the morning. It felt like a protective blanket as it fell down around her shoulders almost to the middle of her back.
    She hesitated before putting a dab of perfume on her wrists then stood before the mirror wishing she didn’t look so scared. The intimacy itself didn't scare Kate. Something told her Jared would be gentle, if he wanted her at all. That was what scared her.
    What if his wanting to wait had more to do with him not wanting to be intimate with her right away? Kate had so much she wanted to give him, but what good was it to give, if the person being given to didn’t want what was given in the first place? Kate knew she was near panic when her own thoughts stopped making sense.
    Give and trust me for the rest, my child . The words echoed in her head.
    Kate closed her eyes. "I’m sorry for doubting, for questioning what You’ve given me peace about."
    Flicking off the light, Kate left the bathroom without looking at her reflection again. She also turned off her bedroom light and then sat down on the floor near the doorway to wait for Jared to come upstairs. From her vantage point she’d be able to see him when he went into the master suite. Then she would go to him.
    For close to half an hour Kate sat on the floor, praying because it was the only way to keep her panic at bay. She heard movement and lifted her head in time to see Jared enter the suite and close the door behind him. The time had come.
    She waited another five minutes then grasping the doorknob, Kate pulled herself up and stood for a moment, afraid to step for fear her legs wouldn’t support her. "Give me strength, Lord. Give me strength."
    Taking a deep breath, Kate left the sanctuary of her room and began to walk down the hall. Never had the hall seemed so long, and yet when she reached the door of the suite, it had never seemed so short.
    Kate pressed a trembling hand to her stomach. She was afraid she was going to be sick. The thought of the man she loved rejecting her was too horrible to contemplate and yet by knocking on his door, she opened herself up to that very possibility.
    She smoothed her hands over her hips and touched her hair to make sure it wasn’t all fly-away. Then she knocked. And waited. She heard no movement from inside. Had he fallen asleep already? She lifted her hand again and knocked. When again there was no answer, Kate turned to leave. I tried, Lord. Maybe tomorrow night.
    " Kate?" Jared’s voice came from behind her.
    Kate froze momentarily before turning to face him. He stood in the doorway, a towel wrapped around his waist. He’d been in the shower. His hair was damp and there were still drops of water on his chest. She stared for a long moment at the crisscross of scars on his chest, no doubt a result of his accident. Blushing, Kate dragged her gaze from his chest to his face. She didn’t want to meet his gaze , but she wasn’t sure she should keep staring at his chest either.
    " Kate?" he prompted again, his voice low and gentle. "Did you want something?"
    Give me strength, Lord. "Can I talk to