Chapter 19

Audra's eyes widened in surprise, as did Victoria's. Abby stood up in front of Nick, who looked ready to charge at his younger brother. She pressed her back against him and pushed. Nick knew she was trying to keep him from saying anything that would permanently damage his relationship with Heath. He placed his hand on his wife's shoulder to let her know he had gotten the message, but the look he was sending Heath spoke volumes. Thankfully, no one but Heath noticed.

Jarrod was the first to go forward and welcome his new sister-in-law into the family. He gave her a peck on the cheek, then shook hands with Heath. The rest of the family followed his lead, Nick bringing up the rear. He smiled at Ellen, but when his eyes met Heath's, they were cold.

Dinner was full of conversation, though Nick was strangely quiet. He speared his meat with his fork, not really paying much attention to the story of how Heath proposed. He was busy thinking of what he was going to say to Heath the next time he got him alone. Abby hated the tension radiating from her husband. She placed her hand on his thigh and was pleased when he took her hand in his own and squeezed.

Eventually, the family adjourned to the parlor. Carl and Audra excused themselves to take a walk and watch the sunset. The rest stayed inside and got to know Heath's new wife better. They learned that Ellen's parents had both died when she was quite young, and she was raised by her mother's elderly cousin. When he passed away, Ellen went to Teacher's college, taught for a few years in Nevada then moved to Stockton. Heath listened as Ellen told her life's story, realizing he knew very little about his wife.

His wife! What had he done? Heath's mouth seemed to keep saying things of their own volition. He'd told Ellen he loved her, then asked her to marry him. He couldn't believe what he'd done. Heath looked over at Jarrod and contemplated asking to speak with him about annulling the marriage. He and Ellen hadn't consummated it yet. But no, that would be unfair to Ellen. Yet, he was married to her now, and he knew he wasn't in love with her. What that fair? Heath was trapped. It was a trap he'd walked into with his eyes wide open. The weight of what he'd done was crushing him, and he needed to excuse himself.

"I'm going to go out to the barn and check on the mare that's getting ready to foal," Heath announced. He looked at Ellen who smiled and nodded, telling him she'd see him when he came back inside.

A few minutes after Heath left, Nick excused himself. Abby said a brief prayer that Nick wouldn't say or do something he'd regret later.

Heath checked on the mare and noted absentmindedly she'd probably foal within the next week or so. The last foal she'd delivered was a beautiful chestnut colored horse Audra had named Emperor. He was living up to his name and seemed to be a regal animal.

He looked up to see Nick coming toward him. He cursed, wishing to avoid the confrontation he knew was coming, but Nick had that determined look in his eyes. He grabbed Heath by the shirt and pushed him up against the stall.

"The only reason I'm not pounding you to a pulp is because I know it won't do any good. But you remember this, Ellen deserves better than you using her as a shield against your feelings for MRS. Sommers."

Heath pushed against Nick, causing the other man to drop his hands.

"Get your spurs outta me, Nick! This ain't your business!"

"I'm making it my business. How could you do that to her! You stood here this morning and admitted to me you loved Ella, then you go off and marry Ellen? What kind of man are you?"

Heath's nerves were already frayed and the confrontation wasn't doing much to help. He reared back to strike, but Nick was anticipating and grabbed Heath's arm, twisting it behind him.

"Don't! Don't start something you can't finish. Whether it be a fight with your brother or a marriage to a good woman you don't love."

Nick let go of Heath and stalked off. Heath sat down heavily on a bale of hay and put his head in his hands. He'd messed up royally, but he didn't know how to get out of it without hurting Ellen one way or another. He cared for Ellen and knew he could eventually love her. He debated in his mind what would be the lesser of the two evils. Having the marriage annulled and humiliating Ellen or staying married to her and learning to love her. He took a deep breath, then went inside to do what he thought was the right thing.

When Nick returned from the barn, Abby was relieved to not see any bruises on his face. That meant one of three things: either Nick didn't find Heath; or he did find Heath and beat him to a pulp without Heath getting in a punch; or Nick found Heath and they had talked. Abby was hoping the last option was the correct one. Victoria had taken Ellen upstairs to show her where her room was. Jarrod and Melissa decided to go to the study to play a game of chess while Audra and Carl were saying goodbye to one another at the front door.

Nick took Abby's hand and led her up to their room. Once they were inside, she asked him if he'd talked to Heath.

"Yeah, I talked to him."

"I take it it didn't come to blows?"

Nick looked at his wife and put his hands on his hips.

"Why do you say that?"

Abby smiled slightly, despite the seriousness of their conversation.

"You don't have any bruises. I would think Heath could get in one good punch."

Nick smiled, but it faded quickly.

"I've never been this angry with him, Abby. Never! How could he do such a stupid thing?"

Nick began pacing and Abby watched him, knowing he needed to move around.

"Nick, we need to give them a chance. You told me Jarrod and his first wife only knew each other a few days before they married."

"This is different!"

"How?" Abby asked.

"Jarrod loved Beth. He told me he knew from the moment he saw her that she was the one for him."

"And you're sure it isn't that way with Heath?"

"No!" Nick almost shouted. "He admitted to me this morning who he loved. And it wasn't Ellen. He's using her as a shield against his feelings for-"

"Nick! Lower your voice!" Abby begged, noticing that the door to their room had not closed all the way. She poked her head out and was relieved to see no one in the hallway. They continued their conversation in quieter tones, but the damage had already been done. Ellen quickly closed the door to Heath's room. She had been in the bathroom and was on her way back to the bedroom she and Heath would now share when she overheard Nick and Abby's conversation. A conversation she was never meant to hear.

Heath came in from the barn and was informed by Victoria that Ellen was waiting for him in their room. He smiled his thanks, then went up to speak with his bride. He found her sitting on the edge of the bed. Ellen had taken her hair down, and she was running her fingers through it, causing the curls to fan out. Heath couldn't help but notice how pretty she was. Her blue eyes met his, and she smiled. He sat down next to her and took her hand in his. Ellen stared at their hands, noting the contrast in them. His hands were bigger and much darker from the exposure to the sun. There were calluses on his palms too. Ellen's hands were dainty, with long fingers and rounded nails. He put his finger under her chin and brought her face up to look into her eyes. He licked his lips and leaned in to kiss her. Ellen closed her eyes and relished this moment. Heath took things slow, making sure she enjoyed every moment of their time together.

"I love you, Heath," she whispered, when she was able to breathe again. Heath held her close. They eventually fell asleep, each thinking of the decision they'd made to make this marriage work.