by Vanessa Lee
“But husband,” Erica said glumly, “You cannot love someone who you cannot trust.”
He lifted his head and smiled at her. “My love,” he said, “I trust you indefinitely. I know your character and I know your heart. I have complete faith in you that you will always try to do your best by me.”
Tears of great joy and love sprung into Erica's eyes. Nick was giving her the words she very much needed to hear. She loved him more at that moment than ever before. “I will, Nick. I am yours, forever.” Her mouth reached up to join his in a scorching kiss, sealing her promise.
This time when they broke off, Erica leaned into Nick, her exhaustion from the day's events catching up to her. She also had not been sleeping very well the past few weeks, for worrying about Nick being angry with her.
Nick straightened away from the tree trunk and said, “Come, let's get you home.”
More than ready to put the day behind her, Erica nodded and said, “Yes, husband. That would be most lovely.”
Nick offered her his arm, and they walked slowly back to the group of people that were waiting for them. Before they reached everyone, Nick said, “Oh, and by the way, my brother has returned from the
Americas. He has just arrived this afternoon.”
Surprised, Erica looked at Nick and said, “Oh? Why has he returned?”
Shaking his head, Nick said, “He found the life he was looking for, only to have it violently taken away from him.”
Erica frowned, disturbed by the fate his brother had endured. “That's just terrible! Is he home for good?”
“Yes, he is,” Nick replied. Erica could tell that this pleased him greatly.
“Well, then we'll just have to put him up in his own rooms, won't we?”
Nick covered her hand with his and squeezed it, loving her kind heart. “That, we will. In fact, he will have your old rooms.” he said, teasingly.
Erica smiled at him, “Oh! But I had grown so very fond of them!”
Nick shook his head at her, “A pity. You will be housed in my room indefinitely from now on,” he said, with great heat in his eyes.
Erica shivered in pleasure and said, “Well, if I must.”
Nick suddenly looked up and said to one of the men who was waiting for them in the drive, “Ah, Darren. Come and meet my wife, Erica.”
A younger man who looked like Nick, but still had his own handsome appeal, came forward and smiled at her. He held out his hand and she placed hers in it. He bowed over it and said, “Sister-in-law, it is such a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Erica smiled at the man, liking him immediately. “It is a pleasure, indeed. Welcome home. You must be exhausted after your voyage from the Americas.”
Darren nodded and said, “I am sure that you are just as exhausted from your ordeal.” Turning to Nick, he said, “Shall we take our leave, brother?”
Nick was in full agreement. He was anxious to get Erica home. He wanted to get her into their bed and hold her. Today had been too damn close. “Yes, let's head for home.”
They said their goodbyes to everyone who had come to help that day. Nick assisted Erica into the carriage. He got in behind her and sat next to her. Darren entered the carriage with them. Closing the door behind him, he knocked on the carriage, signaling the driver to go.
When the carriage was in motion, Nick pulled Erica to sit across his lap. Looking deeply into her eyes, he smiled at her and kissed her forehead. She snuggled against him and promptly fell asleep. Nick sat there, holding her close to him and enjoying the feel of her against him.
Darren smiled at the look on his brother's face. Nick look peaceful and content. Apparently, he and Erica had worked things out between them. Nick looked like he had the whole entire world sitting in his lap. The lucky devil.
Nick looked over at him and grinned. “I think she is going to be alright.”
Darren agreed. “I think you both are going to be alright.”
Nodding, Nick said, “What about you? What will you do with your life now that you are back here?”
Darren unbuttoned it the top of his shirt, allowing himself to breathe a little easier. “Well, I was thinking to rejoin you in the family business. If you don't have any objections, that is.”
Nick's smile threatened to split his face. “No objections at all. Other than I hope to hell you stay on, this time.”
Darren nodded, looking out the window. “Yes, I am here to stay this time. I am done trying to play pioneer.”
Nick looked at his brother, and said, “I know that you weren't playing. I am sorry for the unfortunate events that you endured on your farm.”
So was Darren. It was something that would haunt him until well into his old age. “Thank you, brother.”
Nick kissed the top of Erica's head, and she softly murmured against his chest in her sleep. Quietly,
Nick said, “Well, now we will need to find a wife for you, as well.”
Darren smiled slowly, and said, “About that. Tomorrow, I have an appointment to call on a particular young lady.”
Curious, Nick asked, “Anyone I know?”
Darren's smile deepened into a wolfish grin, as he said, “Justine.”
Watch for Darren & Justine's story in the upcoming novel,
"A Bride by Arrangement”
If you would like to send Ms. Lee a message, please feel free to email her at: [email protected]