The emotion roiled inside her again. She saw the angry face of the woman; the penetrating stare of the tall stranger. They were to blame for this. Not Aaron. It wasn't his fault. But why couldn't he tell her the truth? Rachel didn't understand. She wasn't sure she wanted to.
All she really knew was that her wedding day was about to end in the most abominable way possible.
As Aaron led her silently upstairs, his arm wrapped lovingly around her waist, his head lowered, their eyes not meeting, it was all she could do to contain the tears that threatened to pour out of her eyes.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The platform of Sweetheart Falls' small train station was full of people. The sun was high and hot. Aaron stood with his father.
A few feet away, Rachel was stooping down and retying the bow on Emily's dress. Lily watched Rachel attending to his niece with a look of quiet approval.
Gabe looked at Aaron with a quizzical look. "You sure things are good with you and Rachel today?"
Aaron gave his father a stern glance. "What do you mean?"
"Well, when you've been around as long as I have, you get to be able to read people," Gabe said. "What I'm reading this morning is either you're tired or you're feeling a bit down. Either way, it's not what I expected."
Aaron cocked his head. "Look pa. I appreciate your concern, but I can assure you things are fine. Couldn't be finer." Aaron tried to sound as convincing as he could, but he could tell his father wasn't buying it.
The truth was, things were anything but fine this afternoon. The day had started with Aaron waking up alone and had gotten steadily worse as the day had worn on.
He'd left Rachel sleeping during the morning. Not wanting to disturb her, he'd spent some time sitting outside trying to understand what had happened the previous night.
He'd behaved like an idiot. That was for sure. He knew it and he was sure that Rachel knew it too. But when she'd asked him for answers he'd just had to clam up. He couldn't tell her about Beatrice because he wasn't sure about the woman. That was the truth.
Beatrice had been a friend all during their school years. They were both the same age. Aaron and Ryan had been in the same class at school as Beatrice. He remembered how the three of them used to spend time together.
It had all been innocent, the kind of fun that all young kids indulged in. Beatrice had been a bit of a tomboy. She'd liked to fish and hunt and shoot just like Aaron and Ryan.
But, one day, after they'd left school, and when the three of them had been trying to figure out just where they'd all go in life, Beatrice had decided to get sweet on Aaron, despite saying on many an occasion that it was Ryan she really liked.
Aaron and Beatrice had just been sweet on each other. Nothing else.
It had lasted only a few weeks.
But, when Ryan hadn't shown the same interest in Beatrice as before was when things started getting complicated.
Beatrice had tried to make Ryan jealous by pretending that she and Aaron were more than sweet on each other. Aaron had known it had been a lie. A youthful, silly lie.
The end result had been that all three of them had had a falling out. Big time.
It had almost finished off his friendship with Ryan for good. But after a cooling of period Ryan had seen through what Beatrice had tried to do. Aaron's friendship with Ryan had been the one thing about being in Sweetheart Falls that he could rely on. Aaron had been so relieved that he and his friend had put the past behind them. In many ways it had made their friendship stronger.
Then Aaron had left for the East.
But, what was eating Beatrice now? That was what Aaron couldn't figure out. He'd thought that they'd all moved on. Obviously Beatrice hadn't. The trouble she was causing between Aaron and Rachel was testament to that.
He didn't know how to handle it. But one thing was sure. He'd have to find out a way, and pretty soon. He couldn't allow a cloud from the past to hang over his relationship with Rachel. She meant too much to him.
So when Rachel had come to him in the kitchen that morning, Aaron had decided he needed to find out more about what was causing Beatrice to interfere the way she was doing. He wanted to know how to head off any more attempts by his former schoolfriend to cause trouble.
The morning had passed awkwardly and slowly. Neither of the newly weds seemed willing to discuss the previous night's events. Aaron thought it was best to leave things like that for the moment. There'd be plenty of time to talk after his parents had left with Emily.
Aaron spent the morning trying to figure out ways to make it up to Rachel. He felt responsible for almost ruining her special day.
When Aaron saw the expression on Rachel's face when she came into the kitchen that morning he felt something sink deep inside him. He didn't want the first day of their new life together to start like that.
Aaron brought his attention back to his father on the train platform.
"Before I go I have to tell you one or two things about the business," his father said.
"I hope you're not expecting me to be picking up where you left off. I just got married. I have a bride to attend to," Aaron said looking over at Rachel who was talking animatedly with Lily. He wondered what they were saying. Rachel sure looked fine this morning.
"I know it's going to take you a while to get familiar with things around here," Gabe said dragging Aaron's attention away from Rachel.
"You're only going to be away for a short while. I can handle things while you're away. As long as you haven't left me anything complicated to deal with," Aaron said.
Gabe frowned and cleared his throat. "That's the thing, son. One or two things didn't get dealt with as well as I'd have liked while I was laid low."
"Like what?"
The loud whistle of the arriving train cut the air. Gabe looked quickly up the track and then back at Aaron. "One or two property transactions turned out to be more complicated than I thought at first. That, and a few other things."
"What exactly are you trying to tell me, pa?"
Gabe looked worried for a moment. Then he seemed to regain his composure.
"Just wait. If anyone asks about when I'm going to finish off some of the land deals, just tell them to wait."
"Speaking of property. I'm going to take Rachel to that house."
Gabe's brows furrowed. "That's the thing. Maybe best for you to hang back from that, 'till I get back."
"Why? It's going to be ours. I want to show Rachel where we're going to be living. She'll be thrilled. And, I need to find some way to keep her happy," Aaron said. "You know what new brides can be like."
"Just do me a favor. Leave that well alone. When I return we'll get it all sorted out."
Aaron was puzzled. Why did his father not want him to take Rachel to view the place where they were going to hopefully settle down together as a couple?
Lily came over to them. "Gabe, get the bags ready. The train's coming."
Emily started bouncing up and down, eager to see the train. Rachel laid a gentle, calming hand in Emily's shoulder.
She looked so comfortable with children, thought Aaron. She'll make the perfect mother, he said to himself, feeling a rush of emotion at the thought.
Another whistle from the train was accompanied by the rumbling of heavy wheels.
They gathered their bags and started to say their goodbyes. Lily's eyes started to moisten and Rachel hugged her tight, murmuring soft words that seemed to calm his mother. Aaron shook Gabe's hand. As usual his father's grip was tight and firm.
"Have a good trip, pa," Aaron said.
Gabe nodded. "You take good care of your new wife, son. She's a treasure. But I'm sure you know that already," he said.
Aaron nodded. He already was getting to realize that Rachel was probably the finest girl in Sweetheart Falls. He was proud he'd chosen her as his wife .
The train rolled into the station. They all kissed and hugged. Emily started to cry but Rachel stooped down and calmed her, whispering quietly in the little girl's ear. Aar
on would have loved to have known what Rachel had said. Whatever it was, it had the intended effect. Emily stepped up onto the train with a smile on her face.
Once they'd gotten themselves settled on their seats Aaron and Rachel waved one last goodbye and walked away to their carriage.
With his parents gone Aaron felt truly alone with Rachel. It felt good to know that he would have her to himself. There was so much to say and do.
He didn't know where to start. But he knew one thing. He'd have to start right away.
For the next few days he was going to devote himself to one thing.
Making his new bride as happy as he possibly could.
****
Rachel sat by Aaron's side on the carriage as they rode out of town. It was early afternoon and they were heading for Sweetheart Falls. Rachel knew the place well. She'd been there many times with her sisters. It was a beautiful spot, especially on a day as fine as today.
Aaron was quiet next to her, concentrating on the trail ahead.
After they'd left the station Aaron had asked Rachel what she wanted to do. The first thing that came to her mind was to sit with her new husband in a beautiful, secluded spot, by the side of cool water, a picnic laid out and with all the time in the world.
The Falls fitted the bill completely.
"I haven't been to the Falls for years," Aaron said to her.
"It's my favorite place," Rachel said.
"Ryan and I used to swim there as kids. It's a fine spot, especially on a hot day," he said.
Rachel saw his eyes glaze over as he remembered the past. She could so easily forget that he'd lived here before she had even arrived. She reminded herself that he'd have so many memories of all the places in and around the town. He had so much he could teach her about living in Sweetheart Falls.
"You mean you swam there?" she asked, feeling slightly shocked at the thought.
"Yeah. That's actually where I learned to swim. I used to go there with my parents and my sister."
The thought of Aaron swimming brought a flush to Rachel's cheeks.
Aaron looked at her. "I'm a pretty good swimmer, actually," he said with a grin. "Maybe I can show you how good I am."
Rachel dug an elbow into his side. "Don't you go playing with me Aaron Caldigate."
Aaron laughed. "What about you. Don't you swim?"
"Ladies don't swim. In case you hadn't noticed, I am a lady," Rachel said.
Aaron threw his head back and smiled. "Oh. I can just see you in a bathing costume, dipping your toes into that clear, cold water."
"Aaron! You're embarrassing me."
"I thought that was part of my job. Aren't husbands supposed to tease their wives?"
Rachel tried hard to contain her smile, but she failed miserably. She turned her head away to hide the obvious pleasure she was taking from their conversation.
Soon Aaron pulled the carriage to a halt by the side of a track that ended in some trees.
"I know a shortcut from here," he said.
Rachel realized this wasn't the usual route she took to the Falls. Her husband certainly knew his way around better than she did.
Rachel had packed a picnic. Aaron lifted the whicker baskets, one in each hand. He let out a playful groan. "I needed some exercise anyway," he said, pretending to struggle with the weight of the baskets.
Rachel smiled. "You've been spending too much time reading law books."
"Hopefully I won't be doing much more of that for a while," he said.
Aaron led Rachel through the trees. He pushed branches away, ensuring her dress didn't get caught on anything.
They emerged from the trees to the familiar sight of the Falls. Rachel allowed Aaron to draw her close to his side. She sighed, taking in the stunning view. The waterfall emerged from the top of a high rocky bluff. The roar of the tumbling tower of water filled the tree enclosed space. The wide pool of water led out to a narrow outlet which left the valley and headed out to the plain.
Rachel sighed again in satisfaction. Aaron looked pleased when he saw her expression.
"Isn't it lovely?" she said, contentment filling her voice.
Aaron nodded. "It sure is. Let's get the picnic unpacked. Where do you want to sit?"
Rachel's favorite spot was over by the side of the pool close by the waterfall. The air was cool there, and she loved the sound the water made. She had so many memories of being here, but that was the one place that meant the most to her.
They walked over. Aaron put the baskets down with an exaggerated sigh of relief. Rachel laughed as she unpacked the blanket and started to lay out the food.
There was chicken and salad, fruit and bread. It all looked delicious. They sat down on the blanket and ate the food.
Aaron talked about growing up in Sweetheart Falls. He remembered just how small it had been when his parents had moved to the town. The railroad station had just been built and there had hardly been any businesses or stores.
Rachel couldn't imagine how basic life must have been for the new settlers. Compared to how it had been when Aaron's family had arrived, the town was positively huge now.
Aaron's father had quickly established his business. There had been no shortage of legal problems; everything from land disputes to helping the local town council deal with the inevitable crimes in the town. Sweetheart Falls wasn't immune to evil.
Aaron finished eating his chicken and vegetables and took up the fruit. Rachel watched him eat the sliced apples and pears. She felt a soft sensation inside as she watched how he placed the fruit in his mouth and chewed it. How could watching a man eat be such a pleasurable thing, she thought?
Rachel had to keep on drawing her gaze away from him, lest he become aware of the way she was scrutinizing him. She didn't want to make it too obvious, but she was finding it hard to disguise her fascination.
After finishing their food, they took a stroll along by the side of the pool. The Falls looked beautiful and Rachel felt relaxed and at ease with her new husband, walking in her favorite place on such a lovely day.
Aaron kept on glancing at Rachel. She knew he was checking to see how she was feeling; whether the events of the previous night were still a barrier between them. While Rachel still felt the sharpness of the disappointment, she was determined that it wouldn't stand in the way of them getting their life together off to the best possible start.
They came close to the waterfall. Aaron wrapped an arm around Rachel and pulled her close as they both stood taking in the beauty of the tumbling water. The roaring sound of the water pounding into the pool filled Rachel's ears.
"Beautiful," Aaron said.
Rachel smiled. "It is."
"No. I mean you," he said, turning and leaning in.
Rachel smiled at Aaron. His eyes were filled with a sincerity that took her breath away.
Aaron's head dipped toward Rachel and then his lips were on her own. For a moment Rachel was consumed with sensation; Aaron's passionate attentions; the sound of the Falls; the damp cool of the moist afternoon air.
Their lips parted. It had been an all too brief, delicate kiss. They gazed into each other's eyes. The moment seemed to go on for an eternity. Rachel felt the now familiar comfort and ease at being in Aaron's presence.
They walked back toward the picnic. Aaron held Rachel close the whole time. It felt good to be here in this place with him. She was pleased that no-one else was visiting the Falls. It was as if the place was reserved for them and them alone. No-one else was allowed to intrude on their private space.
They arrived back at their picnic place."You know what I feel like doing?" Aaron declared suddenly.
"What?"
"I feel like taking a swim," Aaron said.
Rachel's eyes widened. "No!"
Aaron smiled and started to unbutton his shirt. "Yes!" he said, a wide grin breaking out across his face.
Rachel looked around quickly. "What if someone comes here? What will they think?"
"They can think what
they like," Aaron said loosening his shirt and taking it off. He wore a soft woollen undershirt. Rachel didn't think it was particularly fetching, but she could see the width of Aaron's chest underneath it.
"But people come here all the time. You're surely not going to swim..."
"What? Without anything? Of course not. I'll keep my shirt on, if that's what you mean."
Aaron stood up and started to undo his pants. He burst out laughing when he saw the shocked expression on Rachel's face. "I do believe my wife is embarrassed," he said with a sly grin.
Rachel turned away. She definitely didn't want to watch Aaron disrobe like this.
She heard a loud, comical scream and she glanced around just in time to see Aaron clad in his full undergarments leap barefoot into the cool water. The splash was loud and some of the water carried back onto the blanket, but thankfully not on the remaining food.
Aaron disappeared under the water.
Rachel could hardly believe what she had seen. Was this the same man who had behaved with such decorum during their brief courtship; the same man who had maintained an air of quiet dignity throughout the marriage ceremony.
The ripples of water spread out. Aaron was still under water. Rachel was surprised by how deep the water was. She hadn't realized the depth of the pool.
Aaron still hadn't come back up to the surface.
For a moment a worry flashed into her mind. What if there were hidden obstacles under the surface? What if Aaron had gotten snagged up in something under there?
The ripples spread out and the surface was starting to settle. He was definitely down there too long, Rachel thought.
She took a step toward the side of the pool. The water reflected the sun and she couldn't see quite down into the depths of it. She kneeled down by the side and covered her eyes with a shielding hand.
She couldn't see Aaron at all.
"Aaron?" she called out.
The only reply was the sound of the roaring falls and the lapping of the water against the side.
"Aaron? Are you there?" she said, raising her voice.
Rachel dipped a hand into the water and started to move it back and forward. There was no sign of him.
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