Aaron looked at Rachel, searching for an answer. "We'll be fine. There are other places in town. The important thing is to fix this... mistake."
Beatrice came to the sofa. Aaron and Rachel stood. "I don't know how to thank you," Beatrice said, addressing them both. There were tears moistening Beatrice's eyes and Aaron knew that for once they weren't fake.
Rachel stepped forward and took Beatrice's arm. "You don't have to thank us. We want to do what's right."
Aaron looked at Rachel and felt a rush of admiration for his wife. She had made this happen and she had made it impossible for him to resist. If this was a taste of things to come, then Aaron wondered what kind of life they were going to have together. One thing was for sure, it was going to be interesting.
"Can I offer you both some tea," Beatrice said, still looking mildly shocked by what had happened.
Rachel shook her head. "No. We must be getting along. We've already taken up too much of your time," she said. "Besides. We have a busy day ahead of us, don't we Aaron."
Aaron nodded. "Of course. We have lots to do," he agreed, although he didn't have a clue what Rachel was referring to.
Rachel and Aaron made their way to the front door. Beatrice saw them both out onto the porch. "I really don't know how to thank you both."
Beatrice lowered her head and hesitated, for a moment deep in thought.
"I know I have been harsh to you both in recent times," she said finally. "I want to apologize. I had no idea what fine people you both are. I wish you a happy future together as man and wife."
Aaron felt his throat tighten. He knew just how hard it must have been for Beatrice to utter those words.
Aaron wrapped an arm around Rachel's waist. "That's very kind of you Beatrice. Thank you. And we wish you and your husband all the best in your new home."
Beatrice smiled.
Aaron led Rachel away. He turned and saw Beatrice standing on the porch waving at them. He waved back at her.
Rachel crooked an arm into his and they began to make their way home arm in arm.
After a while Aaron turned and looked at Rachel. "What just happened?"
Rachel smiled at Aaron. "Don't you know?"
Aaron shook his head. "No. I don't. And what did you think of going to her house alone."
"Beatrice is fine. She just wanted to know that everything was going to be alright. And now it is. That's all that matters. Isn't it?"
Aaron nodded reluctantly. "I guess so." He paused and frowned. "Is that the way you usually sort out problems?"
Rachel fixed him with a look. "Why? You have a problem with that?"
There was a mischievous look in her eye that Aaron found instantly appealing.
"No. I don't have a problem with that. Just that next time, give me a little warning."
Rachel nodded her head playfully from side to side and pulled closer to Aaron. "Maybe. I'll think about it."
Aaron stopped and drew Rachel close to him and kissed her briefly.
Rachel drew away. "Aaron! People will see us."
Aaron pulled her closer again. "I don't care. I want everyone to know how I feel about the most amazing woman in Sweetheart Falls. Is that a crime?"
Rachel pushed his chest. "You're the town lawyer. You tell me."
Aaron shook his head. "Let me take you home and show you just what I mean," he said.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Rachel enjoyed the simple pleasure of walking home, arm in arm with Aaron. They didn't speak much about the events at Beatrice's. Aaron seemed satisfied to have Rachel on his arm, and that was good enough for her.
On the way home she considered how she had come to be at Beatrice's. When Aaron had left her the previous night Rachel had thought long and hard about what was standing between them. She was determined to find out what Aaron had seen in his father's office. Once she'd been sure that Aaron wouldn't be coming downstairs and had probably retired for the night, she'd made her way to the office.
At first she'd been worried about what Aaron would think if he'd found her. But it was so important for her to find out what had affected Aaron so much, that she considered it worth the risk.
It hadn't taken long for her to guess what the problem was. The papers about the house had been on the table, under the light of the lamp. When she'd read them she knew that it wouldn't take a lawyer to explain to her the seriousness of the situation. She understood immediately.
Sitting in the office, at the table, she'd felt the disappointment at the prospect of taking ownership of a house which really belonged to someone else. She saw the confrontations with Beatrice in the restaurant and at the wedding in a new light, and realized they had been prompted by worry and not spite or jealousy.
Rachel wondered what on earth had possessed Aaron's father to be so careless, but that would be a question to be answered another day.
Rachel had felt sad. Of course it would have been ideal if she and Aaron could have moved into a wonderful new house. But Rachel knew that they couldn't do that anymore and keep a clear conscience.
It hadn't taken her long to consider her options. She could have asked Aaron to sort the mess out. Ultimately he'd have to anyway. But in the meantime she decided she would have a heart to heart with Beatrice, and try to set things up so that Aaron would simply have to finalize the deal. That way Beatrice could have the house that rightfully belonged to her, and Rachel could heal a rift that potentially could cause problems in her marriage.
She wondered what he would think of her once he discovered she had taken matters into her own hands. But, she was willing to take the chance that he would be upset. Deep down she felt that she knew him well enough already. He may even be pleased that she had decided to fix things.
And anyway, Cassie and Martha had always taught her to take responsibility for sorting things out in a marriage. This was her first chance to do so, and she found herself relishing the prospect of establishing some rules between her and Aaron. She was sure he'd understand.
In the end it had all worked out well. Beatrice had gotten an agreement that would ensure the house would belong to her and her husband, and Rachel had removed a barrier between herself and Aaron.
As they arrived home she glanced at Aaron. She searched for signs of any worry but she didn't see anything obvious.
"What are you thinking?" she asked him.
Aaron looked into her eyes. "I'm thinking I underestimated you."
Rachel smiled. "You don't think I stepped over the line?"
Aaron shook his head and pulled her close. "Not at all. I should have told you about this last night, but I didn't want to ruin things."
Rachel tugged him closer. "You wouldn't have ruined anything. I'd have understood. You know that, don't you?"
Aaron smiled softly. "I know it now. Next time I won't be so stupid."
"You're not stupid. Don't say that. I'm just happy we managed to sort things out. But that leaves us with a problem, doesn't it? Where are we going to live after your parents get back."
"We'll sort something out. There are a few properties we can consider. That's the least of my worries right now though."
Aaron paused at the gate of the house. Rachel saw the look in his eyes and felt a soft glow in her middle. He really was the most handsome man she'd ever seen. She realized that now, as he reached over and ran the back of his fingers down the side of her cheek.
"You are amazing. You know that don't you?"
Rachel gave him a tentative, crooked smile. Aaron's eyes lit up and he leaned in and kissed Rachel. The softness of his lips and the firmness of his body made Rachel's legs go weak.
The kiss went on longer than any had before and Rachel settled in as close as she could to Aaron. She felt an overwhelming need to be close to him. Aaron wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. His lips transported her to a place she'd never been. The scent of his skin and the sound of his soft breath only intensified the sensations. Her mind went blank as she submitted to her husband
's intimate embrace.
The far off sound of a horse dragged her back to the present and she leaned away from Aaron. His face had disappointment written all over it. She glanced in the direction of the sound but there was no horse to be seen.
Rachel felt Aaron's hand gently draw her attention back to his eyes. His gaze was penetrating and fierce for a moment. Then he seemed to compose himself.
"I won't be denied," he whispered. Rachel felt the breath slide out of her.
Aaron ran his hand through Rachel's hair and placed his fingers around the back of her head. "We best be getting inside. Don't you think?" he said quietly.
Rachel searched for the words to say but her mind had gone blank. She found herself merely nodding.
Aaron took her by the hand and led her toward the front door of the house. Rachel followed him, watching his wide shoulders, his long back, his tall legs and felt her throat tighten. Her heart had begun to beat faster than she'd have thought possible.
Aaron's stride was purposeful and steady. He opened the front door and stepped inside. Aaron turned and took both of Rachel's hands.
Rachel found herself hesitating at the threshold.
Aaron gazed into her eyes and she saw the tenderness and want there. Butterflies danced in the pit of her stomach.
She still found that her voice had deserted her. Aaron gently squeezed her fingers and drew her into the hallway.
Rachel willingly stepped toward him and felt a singular pleasure at being drawn closer and closer to her husband.
Aaron embraced her and rested his lips on her own. Rachel suddenly knew that everything that had happened in the last few hours had led up to this moment, a moment of choice.
Their eyes met, a wordless question was asked and Rachel gave her answer with the most subtle of movements. Then the door was closed and they made their way upstairs, lost in the promise of each other.
****
Rachel awoke the next morning with Aaron lying beside her. The early morning sunshine bathed the room in a soft light. She looked over at Aaron and smiled.
She recalled his gentle touch and quiet persuasions. He had been so considerate, guiding her in such a way that every moment seemed to last for an eternity.
It had all seemed like a dream. But, here she was, by her husband's side. She slid over and wrapped an arm around his chest, savoring the soft movement of his chest as he breathed, deep in sleep.
Rachel closed her eyes and thought about how wonderful it was to be married, especially to such a strong but considerate man. Truly her own dreams had come true every bit as much as they had for Cassie and Martha.
She thought about her two sisters. Things had worked out wonderfully for all three of them now. Children were on the way. Rachel suddenly thought about the possibility of children of her own. The intimacy of the previous hours must surely result in a joy that she and Aaron could both share. She was sure of that.
Rachel liked it when she thought about herself, Cassie and Martha spending times together with their respective children. How things had changed since the dark days with their aunt and uncle back East. Those awful times seemed like a shadowy nightmare that she hoped would fade and be forgotten.
Now she had her happiness with Aaron and nothing would take that away from her. She was sure of that.
Aaron shifted slightly and Rachel withdrew her arm. She didn't want to wake him. She got up and threw on her dressing gown. It would be a good start to this new life if she went downstairs and started as she meant to continue. Rachel wanted to be the best possible wife to Aaron. She resolved that a hearty breakfast would be appreciated by Aaron when he finally woke up.
As she made her way downstairs she thought how nice it was to be in such a fine house, especially alone with Aaron. For the first time since they had married she felt truly at one with him.
Rachel started to prepare the breakfast. She realized she didn't yet know all of Aaron's preferences. That would take time. Just like so many things. She had the kitchen to herself. It would be her domain at least until they found a place of their own, she told herself.
It was an organized kitchen, as she would have expected of someone like Aaron's mother. Rachel was careful with everything in the kitchen. The last thing she wanted was to do anything to upset Aaron's mother. She'd been so sweet to Rachel that she felt it her duty to treat the kitchen with respect.
It took longer than she expected for the breakfast to be ready. But, after what seemed like an eternity, she finally had a spread laid out that she was sure would satisfy Aaron. It was really their first breakfast after their becoming a true couple.
She stood at the head of the table, hands on her hips, and surveyed her work. Nodding to herself in satisfaction she headed out to the hall and called upstairs. Her voice echoed in the house. She was calling her husband to breakfast! What a fine thing to be doing, she told herself.
There was no reply so Rachel made to start up the stairs. Her foot halted on the bottom stair when she heard a sound from outside. It was the sound of a buckboard drawing up. And she was sure she could hear the sounds of female voices. Familiar ones.
Rachel turned and made her way to the front door. She took off her apron and thrust open the front door. The morning sun shining in her eyes made her squint.
"Martha? Cassie?" she exclaimed.
What on earth were her two sisters doing here at this time in the morning?
Martha stepped down off the buckboard seat. She glanced at Rachel revealing wide, reddened eyes and a pale, drawn expression. Martha helped Cassie down off the buckboard. Cassie's face was even more ghastly looking than Martha's.
Rachel bolted out the door and raced toward her two sisters.
"What's the matter?" she demanded.
Cassie rested a hand over her belly. "Oh Rachel," she sobbed.
Rachel went to Cassie and took her by the arms. "What's wrong. What has happened?"
Rachel stared at Martha when it was clear that Cassie was in no fit state to give her an answer.
Martha said nothing and merely shook her head slowly.
"Tell me!" Rachel demanded. "What has happened?"
Rachel looked back and forth at her sisters. A wave of panic rose up and threatened to overwhelm her.
Finally Rachel took charge. "Come inside. Cassie you need to get off your feet."
Cassie nodded, still tight lipped. Rachel led Cassie into the house. Martha followed behind. They took their seats in the parlor. Rachel could see Cassie close up now and was shocked at the expression on her face. Cassie looked as if she was going to faint.
"I'll get some water for you," she said.
Rachel went to the kitchen and poured some water into a glass. She hurried back to the parlor and found Martha reassuring Cassie with quiet words.
Cassie took the water and gave Rachel a weak smile.
Rachel sat down next to Cassie and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Just take it easy. When you feel up to it, you can tell me what this is all about," she told Cassie.
"Don't hurry yourself Cassie," Martha said. "Everything is going to be fine. Aaron will sort it out, just like I said."
Rachel fired a sharp look at Martha. "What do you mean Aaron will fix it. What will he fix?"
Cassie finally spoke one word. It seemed to take all her strength to say the word. "Ethan."
Rachel stiffened. "What about Ethan?"
Martha stroked Cassie's arm. "Shall I tell Rachel?" she asked Cassie.
With a quick nod of her head Cassie gave Martha permission.
Martha looked directly at Rachel. There was a seriousness in Martha's eyes which Rachel hadn't often seen. A hard knot of nerves settled in Rachel's stomach.
Martha sighed. "Ethan has been arrested," she said softly, glancing at Cassie. Rachel saw Cassie's lips purse.
"What!" exclaimed Rachel.
"Ethan's sitting in the jailhouse right now," said Martha, her voice straining.
"How can that have ha
ppened? What has he done?" Rachel asked.
"He hasn't done anything. That's the thing."
"Then how did he end up in the jailhouse?"
"It isn't to do with anything he's done in Sweetheart Falls. At least not officially."
Rachel frowned. Martha wasn't making sense. "If he's in jail he must have committed a crime. Or at least been accused of committing one."
Cassie shook her head. "It's all my fault," she murmured. Martha reached over and stroked her sister's shoulder. "What did I tell you on the way over here. It's not your fault. You can't go blaming yourself," she said.
"But it is my fault. If I hadn't gotten him to do what he did then none of this would have happened."
Rachel was beginning to feel a strong irritation that she immediately felt ashamed of. "You still haven't told me. What's he been accused of?"
Martha cleared her throat. "Ethan's been accused of abduction."
Rachel felt the color drain from her face. "Abducting who?"
Martha looked at Cassie. She seemed to get a final small gesture of agreement from her.
Martha stared aghast at Rachel. "Ethan's been accused of abducting you and I."
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Aaron awoke with a start.
He'd been dreaming of Rachel and the wondrous events of the night before. But, the reverie had been interrupted by a distant scream.
He stretched in bed and reached over, expecting to find his beautiful wife by his side. But that side of the bed was cold. He wondered what had prompted Rachel to get up so early. Maybe there was a surprise awaiting him downstairs.
Aaron smiled as he recalled the events of the day and night before. Life with Rachel was certainly going to be interesting, that was for sure. She was already showing herself to be a resourceful young woman, in many respects unusually mature for her years. He liked that and he was sure he'd get used to her taking the problems of life and dealing with them head on.
Mail Order Blessing Page 16
