The only consolation was that Beatrice hadn't been able to enter the room and make even more of a fuss.
What had she wanted? It was clear that Aaron's father had taken matters into his own hands and dealt with the woman. And he'd done it well enough that Beatrice had left.
But why had she come in the first place?
Rachel saw that Aaron was making his way over to her. His face was pale. No-one else seemed to have noticed what had happened. There was an urgency in the way that he wove his way through the guests, his eyes locked on her own.
Rachel felt Cassie touch her on the arm. "Is there a problem?" Cassie asked.
Rachel shook her head. "No, of course not," she said smiling.
"Aaron looks like he wants another dance," Cassie commented, watching Aaron coming toward them.
"He certainly looks like he wants something," Rachel added.
Aaron sat down next to Rachel. Cassie stood and made her way to another table. Aaron leaned in close to her and spoke quietly. "How is my new wife?" he said, his eyes bright.
Rachel frowned. "I'm fine Aaron," she said curtly turning her head away.
Aaron touched her arm. She felt a tingle and her cheeks warmed.
"What's wrong?"
Rachel kept her head lowered. "Nothing, Aaron. Everything's wonderful," Rachel murmured. The sound of the music filled her ears. At this moment all she wanted to do was listen to something pleasant. She didn't want to ask him the question that was burning in her mind.
"There's something wrong," Aaron insisted.
Rachel felt her eyes moisten. She didn't want him to see her like this. Not now. Not here.
Finally she lifted her head and looked at him. When Aaron saw her face, his mouth opened slightly.
"Why was she here?" Rachel asked in a quiet, level tone.
Aaron frowned. "Who?"
Rachel leaned closer to him. "That woman. The one your father was shouting with," she said.
Aaron's eyes shifted to the side. His lips tightened and his brows furrowed. Rachel could tell he wasn't going to give her an immediate answer.
"Your father obviously knew her. Do you know that she spoke to me a few days ago right here in this very room?"
Aaron flashed a sharp look at Rachel. "What did she say?"
Now it was Rachel's turn to be silent for a moment. She glanced around the room. Some of the guests were still dancing, some were at the tables drinking and chatting, some stood around in groups. Everyone was having such a good time.
"I'm not going to go into this. Not here," she said finally.
Aaron leaned in closer. "Whatever she said, it's not what you think Rachel."
Rachel frowned and leaned closer to Aaron. "I don't want anything to spoil our day, Aaron," she pleaded. Her voice cracked as she spoke, and she suddenly realized the level of emotion she was feeling. This wasn't the place for this kind of talk. The weddings of Martha and Cassie had gone off without a hitch. Why did her wedding have to be different?
Aaron stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. "Rachel. I don't want you to be upset. It's our special day. I only want you to be happy."
Rachel pressed her face against his hand. She closed her eyes for a moment and enjoyed the sensation of his smooth fingers caressing her skin.
Rachel looked into Aaron's eyes. He was so genuine that it touched her heart. She'd never seen such an earnest look on someone's face before. She believed him when he said he only wanted her to be happy.
"And I want you to be happy too, Aaron," Rachel said.
They were interrupted by the sound of Lily clearing her throat. "I don't want to stop you young newly weds, but there is a certain someone who would love to dance with the bridegroom," she said.
Rachel looked up and saw Lily standing with Emily holding her hand. Emily was looking at Aaron with wide, eager eyes.
Aaron smiled and stood up. "How could I possibly refuse such a gracious request from such a lovely young lady?" he said.
Emily's face lit up. Aaron reached out a hand and Emily quickly grabbed it.
Aaron led Emily out to the floor and started to guide her around gingerly. Emily looked so thrilled to be dancing with her uncle at his wedding. Rachel was sure the little girl would never forget this moment.
Lily sat down next to Rachel. "Are you happy Rachel?" she said with a soft and sympathetic voice.
Rachel looked at Lily. She did her best to hide the shadow of concern that she felt after the brief conversation with Aaron. "It's been a lovely day, Lily. I couldn't have imagined it any better."
Lily nodded. "Aaron's a good man, Rachel. He's going to look after you well. We've tried to bring him up to be a man of honor. A man of his word."
"And I think you and Gabe have down a wonderful job with him," Rachel said.
"That's kind of you to say."
"We haven't known each other for long but I can tell he's a good man. I have to thank you for everything you've done. I mean, you brought us together," Rachel said.
Lily waved a hand. "Maybe I missed my calling. Perhaps I should have been a matchmaker," she said with a grin.
Rachel smiled. "You certainly seem to have a talent for it."
Lily shook her head. "Being a mother and a wife is more than enough. You'll discover that Rachel."
Rachel felt the need to change the subject. Right now, being a new wife was as much as she could cope with. "When are you and Gabe leaving?" she asked.
A shadow fell over Lily's features. "Tomorrow afternoon."
"So soon?"
"Emily needs to be with her parents."
"Are you ready and packed?"
Lily nodded. "We've already packed most of our things. But we're staying at the Bar T tonight? We'll pick our stuff up tomorrow on the way to the station,"
Rachel frowned. "You and Gabe are spending tonight at the Logan and Martha's?"
"Yes. It's a little surprise for you and Aaron. You and Aaron can be at our place tonight. Wouldn't do for Gabe and Emily and me to be there on your wedding night would it?"
Rachel shook her head slowly. She was almost lost for words. Why hadn't Aaron told her about this? She didn't want to continue talking about this. Not right now. "No I guess it wouldn't do, as you say. Are you sure about this? I don't want to feel as if we're putting you out."
Lily smiled. "Emily's thrilled to be staying at the ranch. She's crazy about horses."
Rachel looked at Aaron and Emily dancing. The little girl's happiness was really important. She'd have a hard enough time when she got home and had to deal with the difficulties her parents were going through. The sweet girl deserved every moment of joy they could provide for her.
"I guess you're right, Lily."
Lily looked over as the music came to a stop. "Looks like the dancing is over," she said.
Aaron and Emily made their way back to the table. Emily's face was flushed with excitement. "Did you see me dancing, aunt Rachel?" Emily asked.
Rachel was taken aback by being referred to as an aunt. But, it felt strangely appealing too.
"I think you danced divinely Emily. Didn't she Aaron?" Rachel said.
Aaron nodded. "She taught me a thing or two, I can tell you."
Emily looked up at him. "Did I uncle Aaron?"
Aaron rubbed the top her head. "You sure did."
Lily stood. "Come Emily. I think your grandpa wants to say something to you," she said.
With a smile at her son, Lily led Emily away.
Aaron sat down by his wife's side. "You and Lily looked like you were having quite a talk there," he said.
"She was telling me about the arrangements," Rachel answered.
"The arrangements?"
"For tonight?"
Aaron's head went back. "Oh that. I thought that was going to be a surprise."
"It was. Quite a surprise. When were you planning on telling me?"
"I wasn't," he said, a wide grin spreading across his face. "That's why it's called a surprise. You weren
't supposed to know. But now that you do, maybe we should take our leave of these fine folks."
Aaron leaned in closer and kissed her quickly on the cheek.
"Aaron Caldigate. Not here!" Rachel said leaning away from him. Secretly she was pleased at the kiss, although she hoped that no-one had seen it.
Aaron smiled. Rachel was happy that the incident with Beatrice hadn't cast too long a shadow over their special day.
Aaron stood and got everyone's attention with a fork on glass. He announced that he and his bride were about to take their leave. There was applause at this.
It took them a while before they had said all their farewells and made their way to the carriage. Every one of the guests followed them out and gathered outside the hotel entrance. The evening air was cool and the light was becoming softer.
Aaron helped his bride up onto the beautiful, golden carriage. Someone had attached wildflowers to the rear of it and they lay strewn out behind the carriage on the loose earth of the main street.
Aaron took the reins and looked at Rachel. "Ready?"
Rachel smiled at her new husband. She was thrilled that she was going to start her new life with a journey in the very same carriage that Martha had taken when Logan had driven her to the Bar T ranch after their wedding.
"I'm ready," she answered.
Everyone cheered as Aaron flicked the reins and they moved off. Once again they were the center of attention as Aaron steered the carriage up the main street.
"The reception was wonderful, wasn't it?" Rachel said.
Aaron nodded. "It sure was. I couldn't have wished for anything nicer. The people we love. Everything was perfect."
As the carriage made it's way past the mercantile Rachel saw the door open and someone stepped out. Her heart froze. It was that woman again, only this time she wasn't alone. There was a tall man in a dark suit with Beatrice. He was the same man she'd seen watching her after she'd emerged from the church. She didn't know who he was. But, what was he doing with Beatrice?
The two paused on the boardwalk and spoke briefly. Then they both became aware of the passing carriage. Beatrice's gaze fixed on them. The man's eyes locked on Aaron.
Rachel saw Aaron stiffen as he also saw the two emerge from the mercantile.
"What the..." she heard him start to say. He quickly composed himself and fixed his gaze forward.
After a moment he glanced over at Rachel. She was sure he was checking to see if she had noticed. Nothing was said between them, but it was clear to Rachel that they both had seen the pair.
Aaron prompted the horses to move on quicker. The moment passed, and once again they were on their own.
Seeing the two outside the mercantile made Rachel feel a hollow in the pit of her stomach. Why could she not get through her wedding day without the presence of unwanted people who apparently were intent on spoiling her precious day.
Sensing her feeling, Aaron reached over and placed a hand on her arm. "We'll be home in a few minutes," he said.
"Home?" Rachel asked, her eyes moistening.
Aaron nodded. "Yes. Home. At least for a while."
Rachel glanced over at the church. It had all started so beautifully only hours before. But now it seemed so different. She so desperately wanted to be happy; she really wanted to make Aaron happy. They didn't truly even know each other yet.
Then again, neither had Cassie and Ethan and look how well that marriage had turned out. As far as Rachel was concerned, Cassie and Ethan were a perfect couple. That was what she wanted her and Aaron to be. The perfect couple. It wasn't asking too much was it? Rachel didn't think so.
So how come there were shadows lurking that threatened to prevent that? Why was it that every time you took one step forward to seize your destiny, other people tried to stop you?
That was the way it seemed to her. As she watched her husband guide the carriage toward the white boarded house, Rachel wondered whether the happiness she so wanted would ultimately prove to be elusive.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
"May I have the pleasure of carrying my beautiful bride over this threshold?" Aaron said.
He'd helped her down off the carriage and taken her hand, leading her up to the front door of his parent's house. His face had a mixture of pride and expectation written all over it.
The nagging worry Rachel had felt on the journey over faded away when she looked into Aaron's eyes and saw the eagerness of a new husband desperate to please his new wife.
Rachel smiled. "Of course you may," she answered.
Aaron opened the door and turned to her. "I'm not going to miss the chance to carry my bride over a threshold."
Rachel smiled and lowered her head suddenly overcome by shyness.
Aaron smiled, reached down and literally swept Rachel up in his arms. Rachel laughed like a child as she sank into his strong, supporting arms. Aaron drew her close to him and she laid her head against his broad chest. Rachel breathed in the intoxicating scent of her new husband.
She couldn't believe that her husband had just lifted her as if she weighed the same as a feather. He was stronger than she'd given him credit for.
Aaron leaned his head down and kissed his bride. His lips were soft and gentle. Rachel lifted her head and savored the caress of his mouth.
Their lips parted and Aaron stepped forward carrying her into the house. His shoes made a clear, firm sound on the wooden floors. Rachel looked up and glanced around the familiar hallway.
Aaron smiled down at her. "Welcome," he whispered. Rachel returned his smile.
Aaron set her down on her feet. Rachel stood tall and straightened her dress, composing herself as best she could.
The house was quiet. Rachel suddenly had the strong sense of them being completely alone. It was the first time she and Aaron had really been alone anywhere together. She'd assumed she would be overjoyed, even relieved to be alone with Aaron at last. But that wasn't how she felt. Not at all. For some reason she suddenly felt awkward.
She stepped away from Aaron.
He came to her and tried to take her in his arms. Rachel tensed at first, but then let him take hold of her. Aaron looked into her eyes, searching and probing.
"What?" Rachel asked.
"I want you to know that I feel very privileged to have made you my wife," Aaron said. "I know at first it was awkward and difficult for us. But you took me by surprise. I never expected anyone like you."
Rachel felt her face color. "Your making me blush," she said.
"And I hope I always make you blush," Aaron whispered. "I'm never going to stop telling you how wonderful you are. I feel so lucky to have you. And I want you to know exactly how I feel."
Aaron kissed her gently. Rachel's heart began to race. She felt the heat rise in her. Aaron held her close, his presence insistent and forceful.
Rachel leaned her head back, her lips parting from his.
Aaron looked at her, his brows creasing slightly.
"What is it Rachel?" he asked.
Rachel turned her head away. "It's nothing, Aaron. Your words are just so sweet. I don't know what to say."
Aaron let out a breath. "Say that you feel the same as I do," he said. "Say that there may be a chance that, with time, we both may feel strong affection for each other. I know it's early in our time together. But maybe with time, something wonderful can grow between us," he said.
Rachel suddenly sensed the emptiness of the house again. It surprised her that she felt like that, here, now.
Rachel looked at Aaron. "I hope so too Aaron. But that can take time. Can it not?"
Aaron nodded. "The heart needs time to grow in affection. Yes. It does. But tell me there's a chance."
Aaron pulled Rachel closer to him, his eyes fixed on her, awaiting her reply.
Rachel nodded slowly. "Yes, Aaron. There is a chance. How could I have married you if that wasn't the case. It's just that..."
Aaron's gaze intensified. "What?"
Rachel paused. Should she eve
n broach the subject again? "Some things aren't quite right," she said.
Aaron frowned. "What do you mean?"
Rachel swallowed. She wasn't sure she could say the words that hovered in her mind. But, she knew that she would have to sometime. So, why not now? "What exactly was your relationship to that woman?"
Aaron's lips tightened. "Let's not discuss that. Not now."
"Didn't you see how she looked at us as we passed the mercantile? And who was that man with her?"
Aaron took a step back. "I don't know who he was."
"He was watching us at the church. He made me feel...uncomfortable."
Aaron ran a hand around the back of his neck.
Rachel sensed that she had gone too far. She didn't want to drive him away from her. Not at this moment. But the worries about those two intruders on their happiness were too insistent to ignore.
"I'm sorry they've made you feel that way, Rachel. What can I say?"
Aaron stepped away and thrust his hands into his pockets. The moment had been ruined and Rachel felt a stab of regret. How could she undo the discontent she had created by bringing this subject up?
One look at Aaron told her it was too late for that just now.
It was clear that Aaron wasn't going to pursue the subject any longer.
Rachel felt suddenly isolated standing in the hallway of the strange house that would never be her own. She felt momentarily estranged from the man she had just married. That single thought made her stomach turn with a knot of pain.
Why pain? Why now?
Suddenly Rachel felt tired. She placed a hand over her abdomen and turned away from Aaron. A soft sound came out of her mouth. She saw Aaron turn in alarm.
"Rachel. Are you well?"
Aaron moved toward her but Rachel held up a hand. "I'm fine Aaron. I'm just a little tired. That's all. May I lie down for a while?"
"Of course. A room has been prepared upstairs. You can use that. It was intended for..."
But Aaron didn't finish that last sentence. Rachel knew that the room had been intended for them both. But that wouldn't happen. Not now. Not tonight.
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