Chapter 29

Surely his mind was playing tricks on him. He was tired from the trip. Yes, that had to be it. There was no way he'd heard what he thought he'd heard.

"I know what I've said is a shock," Jonathon said. What an understatement, Heath thought. "I have my reasons for asking you, but I can't tell you now. Tomorrow, Drew and Ella will go riding, and we'll have time to talk then."

Heath nodded but was sure he still wore the shocked expression on his face. Ella chose that moment to come into the bedroom, saving Heath from replying.

"So, how have you been, Heath? How's the family?" Ella asked, sitting next to Jonathon on the bed.

"Um...ah...good. They're all doing good. Audra and Jarrod's wife, Melissa, are both due with babies soon. Wouldn't surprise me if they both hadn't already delivered by now."

"Oh, that's wonderful. I'm sorry you're missing seeing the newest Barkley's. I'm sure Jonathon won't keep you too long. You've got to be eager to get back." Before Heath could reply, Ella asked, "I haven't written to Audra in a while. Would you be willing to take back a small gift to her for the baby?"

"Of course." Heath excused himself, saying he wanted to wash up from his long trip. Ella again informed him of where his room was, telling him she'd see him at dinner. They all ate together in the bedroom where Jonathon was. A small table had been placed in the corner, but Heath hadn't noticed it earlier. The food was probably very good, but he didn't taste a thing. His mind was still reeling from Jonathon's announcement that afternoon. He watched Ella, wondering if she knew what her husband was going to ask him. Ella was the same person Heath knew back in Stockton: friendly, outgoing, attentive. He noticed that when her eyes landed on her son, they brightened considerably, and when she looked at her husband, there was an undeniable love.

Once dinner was finished, several servants came in to clear the table. Ella sat next to Jonathon in a chair, while Drew climbed up next to his father on the bed. Heath watched as Drew shared with his father all about his day. That Drew thought the world of Jonathon was clear. The boy left out no details and when he was finished, even Heath felt as though he'd been by Drew's side all day long.

Ella sent Drew off to bed. He said his goodnights to his parents and to Heath. Heath excused himself, feeling weary. The long trip, coupled with the news Jonathon had shared with him, made Heath feel as though he'd run a thousand miles.

Despite his shock over Jonathon's announcement, Heath slept well that night. He arose and again had his meal in Jonathon's room. After breakfast, Ella and Drew went for a ride, leaving Heath and Jonathon alone. Heath sat in a chair close to the bed and waited for Jonathon's explanation.

"I'm sorry to just spring this on you, Heath," Jonathon started.

"Does Ella know what you asked me?" Heath asked, feeling upset with Jonathon. The other man smiled, glad to know that Heath was thinking of Ella's feelings. He knew he'd chosen well.

"No. And if she did, she'd be very angry."

Of that, Heath had no doubt.

"What are you thinking, Jonathon? She's your wife! She's not available for marriage, even if I was looking for a new wife, which I'm not!"

"I'm dying Heath. It won't be much longer."

Heath's eyes widened slightly. Jonathon indeed did not look well, but the man had been bedridden for ten years. How else would he look?

"How do you know?" Heath asked quietly.

"My heart is giving out on me. Doc says it won't be too much longer. I've had a series of mild heart attacks, but he thinks they are just leading up to one big one and then..."

Jonathon paused, looking out the window. Heath didn't know what to say, so he remained silent, waiting for Jonathon to continue.

"I fear for what will happen to Ella and Drew once I'm gone. Her parents died about five years back and since, her brother Charles has been in charge of the family. At least he likes to think so. I don't know how two wonderful people could ever have raised such a selfish and mean spirited son, but Ella's parents managed it. He's made it clear to me that once I'm gone, he wants this land and the property in Stockton for himself. He knows I won't sell it to him and that Ella will refuse as well. He's planning on forcing her into a marriage with his business partner. I know it seems totally outrageous, but Ella's other brothers have all come to me with the same concerns."

"Why would he do this?" Heath asked.

"Charles feels as though I've taken his place in the eyes of his siblings. They come to me and ask for advice instead of going to him. It's almost like he wants revenge. I don't know his reasonings. His business partner is Hal Markam. He's a cruel man, Heath. He can't even treat his dog right. Philip, one of Ella's brothers, came to me and told me he saw a contract signed by Hal and Charles that Hal will sign over the deed to this land once he is married to Ella."

"But doesn't Ella have a say in this? She could just tell him no."

"Ella knows her brother isn't a good man, but she will want to keep family harmony. You don't know Charles. He will make this family miserable until he gets his own way. He hates it that Jeffery, Ella's nephew, bought part of our land. He's made it miserable for everyone. Jeffery is good at holding his own, but I think Ella would wear down and eventually give in for peace and harmony."

Jonathon stopped, his voice catching. Heath knew this had to be difficult for him. Jonathon took several deep breaths then continued.

"She's a special woman. She's only 30 years old and about to become a widow. She's made me feel like the luckiest man on earth, made me believe I can do anything, even though I'm stuck in this bed. She deserves to be happy, Heath."

Heath nodded, agreeing that Ella deserved happiness.

"But why me?"

Jonathon smiled.

"Several reasons. One, she already knows you. Two, you live in Stockton, and I want Ella to be as far away from Charles as possible. And three, you're an honorable man who will do right by my wife and son. You'll make them your own. And that's what I want. I don't want this to be a marriage of convenience. I know it probably will be at first because, well, things will be awkward. She isn't marrying for love. You'll have a head start on her in that department."

Heath's eyebrows raised at that last statement.

"I overheard a conversation between you and Nick, shortly after you married Ellen. I know you, at least at one time, loved my wife. Or believed you did. I'll admit it made me feel threatened for a time. But you made a go of your marriage with Ellen and I know you never tried to steal Ella from me. You're a man of integrity"

Heath stood and walked toward the window. He had no idea Jonathon had known of his feelings for Ella. If he were honest with himself, he wasn't sure if he still had those feelings. Yet he knew, it wouldn't take much for him to go in that direction. In fact, the only thing keeping him from that was the fact Ella was married. He'd never ask her to betray those sacred vows.

"Heath, I hate to rush you, but I need your answer. If it's no, I'll have to find another way to protect Ella and Drew."

Heath nodded his head but didn't turn around. He saw Ella and Drew just returning from their morning ride. How would she respond to Jonathon's plan? Would she feel as though he were doing the same thing to her as what her brother wanted to do? Didn't she have the right to choose who she wanted to marry, or even if she wanted to marry again? Heath sighed and turned around.

"I'll do whatever I can to protect Ella and Drew. You have my word," Heath said. He walked from the room without a backward glance. Jonathon sagged against the pillows, relief flooding him.