Chapter 17

Audra had been watching the door, waiting for Carl to arrive. She was at a loss as to what to do, but she knew, somehow, she had to convey to him that she still cared. If he didn't return her feelings, she would be crushed, but would accept it.

She had been dancing with Jarrod when Carl made his appearance. Audra was thankful she had been dancing with her brother. She noticed that he hadn't come with a date and sighed with relief.

"Audra, are you alright?" Jarrod asked. "You're shaking."

Audra smiled at Jarrod.

"I'm fine. I just...I think I need some punch," she replied.

"I'll get you some."

"No. You go find Melissa. I can get it."

"You're sure?"

"Yes," Audra assured him then walked toward the refreshment table. Taking a dainty sip of the sweet liquid, Audra surreptitiously glanced around. She noticed that Carl stood with some of the other bachelors in the room. It would be forward to ask Carl to dance, but Audra wasn't sure how else she would get a chance to talk with him. She bit her lip in uncertainty. He hadn't made any efforts to talk with her since their last date. She'd made it clear she never wanted to see him again.

From across the room, Nick watched Audra with amusement. No one else seemed to noticed how she kept looking in the direction of Carl Wheeler. Carl, for his part, was talking with the men, and seemed to be oblivious.

Wonder if they'd appreciate some help? Nick asked himself. He whispered to Abby, kissed her cheek, then asked his sister for a dance. She agreed with a smile and was swept up in Nick's arms. It took some maneuvering, but Nick was able to bring them closer to Carl. Audra, who was chatting away nervously, never noticed what Nick was up to.

The music had just stopped, and Audra was about to walk away when Nick said, "Well, look who's here. Carl Wheeler! How have you been?"

Nick grabbed hold of Audra's arm as she began to move away. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she knew Abby would be a widow by the end of the night.

"Just fine, Nick," Carl replied, though his eyes were on Audra. He noticed she had tried to move away, and she looked angry. Inside, Carl sighed in frustration. He had been wanting to talk to Audra for quite some time, but wasn't sure if he'd be welcomed. By the look on Audra's face, he knew he had been wise to stay away.

"I've been just fine. Audra and I enjoyed our dance, and I'm going to find my beautiful wife. Carl, would you mind taking the next dance with Audra?"

Audra's eyes widened, and it was only the fact she knew her mother would reprimand her that Audra didn't kick Nick in the shin.

"It would be my pleasure," Carl replied. Audra sent Nick a withering look, and he in turn, smiled at her.

Their first touch was magical. They didn't talk for most of the song, each enjoying holding the other close. Carl wanted to get Audra alone so that they could talk, but with so many people at the party, that didn't seem possible. Seeing they had moved toward the veranda doors, Carl took a chance. He opened the door and gently pushed Audra through.

"Carl! What are you doing?" Audra asked, shocked.

"I'm sorry, Audra. I just needed to talk to you for a few minutes, and this seemed to be the best way. You can leave after you hear what I'm going to say."

"I love you, Carl."

Carl opened his mouth to talk, but Audra's words stopped him.

"You do?" he asked, incredulously.

"I have for as long as I can remember. You made me angry when you betrayed Nick. But I know he's forgiven you," Audra replied, looking away.

Carl put his finger under her chin to bring her eyes back to his face.

"Have you forgiven me?" he asked.

Audra nodded, unable to speak. Carl firmly held her jaw in one hand and leaned in to place a kiss on her lips. Audra's eyes closed in pleasure and she wrapped her arms around his waist.

Nick watched as Carl ushered Audra outside. He'd give them ten minutes, then he'd go after them. He hoped they would work things out. Abby saw her husband's grin and slipped her hand in his.

"And just what has you looking like the cat that swallowed the canary?" she asked.

"Just the fact that I'm married to the most beautiful woman," Nick replied gallantly.

"Oh, Nick," Abby said, smiling. "That's such a romantic thing to say."

"Well, you know me...Mr. Romantic!"

Abby laughed then said, "Now, will you tell me what has really made you so happy?"

Nick feigned being struck in the heart, but Abby wanted answers. She raised an eyebrow, and Nick knew he had to tell her.

"I have a prediction to make," Nick said.

"Oh?"

"That this time next year, my sister will be a married woman."

"To whom?" Abby asked, looking around. It was then that she noticed Audra and Carl Wheeler coming from the veranda.

"Nick, what did you do?"

Nick smiled. "I just helped, is all." He went on to explain how he'd asked Carl to dance with Audra. Abby rolled her eyes.

"You should be glad it didn't back fire on you. What if they hadn't wanted to talk? What if Audra resents you interfering?"

Nick watched the other couple and brought his wife closer to himself.

"Just look at them," Nick whispered. "Does Audra look like she resents me?"

In truth, Audra and Carl both looked happy. Abby smiled and gave her husband a peck on the cheek.

"You're sweet to care so much, but I think you should stop playing Cupid."

Nick laughed and whisked his wife out onto the dance floor.

Heath and Ellen danced together until Ellen begged to sit down. Heath seemed determined to keep her all to himself, not allowing anyone to cut in. Ordinarily, she would have found it flattering, but the fierce look on Heath's face scared her a little. She'd noticed how he'd walked away from her before, and how Nick had spoken to him. When he'd returned to her side, she could tell he was upset. Ellen was intuitive enough to know she should keep quiet. She watched Heath's face and when he finally started to relax, she'd spoken to him. He listened to her words and smiled slightly. Ellen excused herself to take care of her personal needs, leaving Heath sitting in a corner. Although he watched the dancers, he didn't really see them.

"Where's Ellen?"

Heath looked up to see Victoria. He stood in deference to her and sat down when she did.

"She excused herself for a few minutes."

"Are you having a good time?" Victoria asked, noting that Heath seemed more quiet than usual.

"Yes. It's nice to see Jarrod so happy."

Victoria nodded. She'd just returned from seeing Ella and Jonathon off. They'd sneaked out the back to avoid seeing anyone.

"I wish Jonathon and Ella could have stayed," Victoria said. "Perhaps it was best that they go on home though."

Victoria, who was normally very observant, didn't notice how Heath tensed up. He found himself longing for something stronger to drink than punch.

"Mother, if you'll excuse me? I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Of course, dear. I'll let Ellen know you'll be back."

Heath nodded his thanks and made his way to the study. He was relieved to find there was no one else in the room. As he poured himself two fingers of whiskey, he fought with himself.

You fool! You should be happy they are going to work things out. Instead, you're as mad as a wet hen. What is it with you? Why can't you give her up? You know things will never work out between you and yet you hang on to this...this fantasy! You're obsessed. You're no better than an animal stalking his prey. Ella belongs to Jonathon. It's that plain and simple. Get her outta your head.

Heath took two more drinks before he felt calm enough to go back out to the party. Ellen was sitting beside Victoria, and the two were laughing about something. Heath took a deep breath, then approached his date, asking her for another dance. Ellen smiled up at him and agreed, excusing herself from Victoria.

When things began to wind down, Heath left to take Ellen home. The moon was full, and the sky was full of stars. Ellen smiled as she spotted the big dipper, craning her neck to find Orion's belt.

"What are you doing?" Heath asked as he watched her. He let the horses have their head, and they were keeping up a steady pace.

"Just looking at the stars. I love it when the night is clear like this," Ellen answered.

"It's nice."

They rode in silence for the rest of the ride to the boarding house. When they arrived, Heath held onto Ellen's waist as he helped her down from the buggy. She smiled up at him and was going to tell him "thank you," but his head was lowering and he gently brushed her lips with his own. She'd never experienced anything like that before. It was amazing! Ellen was hoping Heath wouldn't stop and was delighted when she felt his hand touch her jaw. He pulled on it slightly, and Ellen felt Heath's tongue push against her lips. She was totally inexperienced, but enjoyed the sensations Heath was bringing forth. Her tongue tentatively met his, and Heath drew her closer in a crushing embrace. When they broke apart, both were breathing heavily.

"I love you," Heath whispered. His eyes popped open when he heard the admission. He'd been thinking about Ella and the words just came out.

"Heath," Ellen said, clearly surprised.

"I'm sorry, Ellen. I...I..."

"No, don't apologize. It's just...I didn't expect to hear that."

Heath was calling himself every kind of fool. He didn't want to hurt Ellen. She deserved better. He wasn't sure what to do to make things right when Ellen spoke.

"Would you like to come in for a few minutes?"

"I should get back," Heath said. Ellen looked disappointed, but she smiled and bid him goodnight. Feeling guilty about what he'd done, Heath decided to try and make things up to her.

"How about if we go out for a ride tomorrow?"

Ellen smiled. "I'd like that."

"I'll see you then."

Ellen went to sleep that night with a smile on her face, not realizing Heath would barely sleep at all.