From Nate’s direction, a loud huff broke the stillness. Honor bit her bottom lip. Papa had tried for years to get her half brother to take proper care of his ranch. He’d offered Nate his help, instruction, and even money, but Nate had been determined to live life by his own terms and had distanced himself from Papa even more.
Teagan continued reading. “On the other hand, my daughter, Honor Katherine Cahill, born September 1, 1854, is a capable rancher and has been invaluable in running Rancho Regalo de Esperanza these past years. However, I fear that inheriting the remaining fifty-five hundred acres will be too much for her to handle on her own.”
The words cut Honor to the quick, just as they had months ago. She didn’t need help to run the ranch. She could do it with her eyes closed. But Papa had spoken, and she would abide by his wishes. Thank God, she’d found the copy of his will before he filed it away out of sight. Otherwise, her beloved ranch, the only home she’d ever known, might have been lost to her forever.
“After much deliberation, I choose to give the remainder of my land to Honor, under the condition that she is married upon the reading of this will.”
Ash squeezed her hand and shot her a glance. She wiggled free of his grasp and avoided his eyes. She’d done what Papa asked. She’d married before the will’s reading. So why did she feel like she’d done such wrong? Was God pleased with her honoring her father’s wishes, or angry she’d married a stranger?
“If Honor is unmarried, my executor, Teagan Donovan, should sell the land and cattle within sixty days at a fair value determined by the court. Proceeds from the sale of the land should be used to pay my debts, of which there are few, and the remaining monies should be split evenly between Nathaniel and Honor. The contents of my home should go to Honor, as well as my saddle horses. If a suitable buyer cannot be found within sixty days, only then may Nathaniel purchase all or part of the land at half the court’s assigned value. Should he choose to do so, the proceeds of the sale should go to Honor. Signed, Orrin Augustus Cahill on this day, November 14, 1874.”
As Teagan finished reading, silence enveloped the courtroom. Across the aisle, Nate scowled and shook his head.
Judge Sutton cleared his throat. “Since Miss Cahill is unmarried, I will assess a fair price for the sale of—”
“Excuse me, Your Honor …” Heart pounding, Honor snatched the certificate from her husband’s pocket and shot to her feet.
The judge scowled. “What is it?”
“I am married, sir.”
Honor’s brother bolted up. “Liar! You ain’t married!”
Behind them, surprised murmurs filled the air.
Ash stared up at his pretty bride, his thoughts reeling. No wonder she’d seemed full of trepidation. Honor had married him without telling a soul—at least in this room. He’d known her desire to marry had to do with keeping her ranch, but he hadn’t realized their union was such a secret until that moment.
She was bold. The young woman had a determination like no woman he’d met before, but a question suddenly lodged in his mind. Once the ranch was legally hers, would she remain his wife or seek to annul their marriage? Hopefully not the latter. He hadn’t married her just to end their union a matter of weeks later.
“Come to order.” The judge banged his gavel once.
The room dulled to stunned silence.
“Based on the reaction in my courtroom, I take it this is recent news.” The judge leaned forward. “Explain yourself, Miss Cahill.”
She reached for Ash’s hand and tugged him to his feet. His face flushed at the judge’s glowering expression. Not a good idea to anger judges … though he’d answered the man’s question honestly. As her husband, he would act as her counsel.
“I have a signed certificate that says I am Mrs. Ashton Rutherford, if you’d care to see it.”
The judge’s scowl deepened, and he beckoned her forward. “Bring it to me.”
Ash stepped into the aisle, feeling the weight of everyone’s gazes. He pinned his focus on his bride as she slipped out and turned toward the judge’s bench. The man’s jaw muscle popped as he spread the document out and read, then refolded the paper.
“Sit.” The judge handed Honor the certificate then looked Mr. Donovan’s way. “May I see the will, please?”
Ash slid back into the row, and Honor retook the seat beside him. Nathaniel glared their way, throwing enough heat to melt the ice from a Pennsylvania winter.
The judge folded the will and cleared his throat. “It appears Miss Cahill and Mister Rutherford married this morning in Petaluma. The will stipulates that Miss Cahill be married before the will’s reading, which she was, so Rancho Regalo de Esperanza is legally hers. As with any will, the parties involved may contest the decision when this court reconvenes on the first Monday of the next month. We’re adjourned.” He banged his gavel and rose.
Honor grabbed Ash’s hand and dragged him into the aisle, speeding past everyone and ignoring the calls from the family who’d sat behind them. They were nearly to the door when her brother caught up, grabbed her arm, and jerked her to face him.
Heat washed through Ash, instincts on alert. “Unhand my bride.” He forced his way in front of Honor, stepping toward Nathaniel to create distance between brother and sister.
Though Nathaniel had no choice but to release her, he drew himself up and stood nose to nose with Ash.
“Nate!” Donovan’s sharp voice rang out.
Honor pulled at Ash’s forearm. “Ash, please. Don’t give him a thought.”
Ash and Nate exchanged glares. Don’t give him a thought? The man had just threatened his wife.
Nate cursed. “This won’t work. Rancho Regalo de Esperanza is rightfully mine, and I will have it.”
Chapter 3
Still gripping Ash’s forearm, Honor stared at his back. How quickly he’d stepped in to defend her, and against Nate. No man, save Papa and Teagan, had done that before.
“That’s enough, Nate.” Teagan’s voice rose as he stormed down the aisle. “You heard your father’s wishes. The ranch is not rightfully yours. It’s time you leave.”
Nate’s cold-eyed glare chilled Honor to her core. Growing up, she’d borne the brunt of his meanness and knew what he was capable of. Teagan, though, seemed unaffected. Her half brother scowled in Teagan’s direction before he shifted a fierce gaze her way. “This isn’t over.” He stomped out of the courtroom.
Teagan looked at her then at Ash. “Are either of you hurt?”
“No.” They spoke in unison.
Honor avoided Teagan’s eyes. She hadn’t wanted to face him and Ellie yet. Silly of her to think they’d be able to escape the courtroom without speaking to them. Even if they had, Ellie and Teagan would have simply followed them home.
Teagan offered Ash a reserved smile. “The name’s Teagan Donovan.” He waved for the rest of the family to join him. “This is my wife, Ellie, and our children, Julia, Ben, Levi, and Sam. We’re longtime friends of the Cahill family.” He thrust a hand toward Ash. “And you are …?”
“Ashton Rutherford the Third, sir, though I prefer to be called Ash.” Her groom’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he shook the man’s hand and nodded to the rest.
“A pleasure.” Teagan turned to his children. “Julia, boys … wait for us at the wagon, please. Your mother and I will be along directly.”
“Yes, sir.” As the boys slipped out the door, Julia gave Honor a lingering hug. “Are you all right?”
Honor answered her best friend’s question with a nod.
Ellie Donovan stepped closer. “Do as your father asked, Julia.”
The beautiful blond pulled away and slipped out the door.
Teagan’s gaze sharpened. “You want to tell us what’s going on here?”
Honor’s jaw went slack. “You just read what’s going on here. Papa’s will said I had to be married in order to keep my home.”
“I’m confused, darlin’. Orrin had Ellie and me act as witnesses to his will, but he d
idn’t let us read it. How’d you know what was in there?”
She hung her head. “I didn’t mean to, but I found a copy one day last year. I went into Papa’s office to fetch paper and ink, and his will was there. He must’ve just been writing it. I didn’t know what it was at first, so I read a few lines. Then I couldn’t stop.”
Ellie and Teagan exchanged silent glances. She rubbed her lips together. God, please, don’t let ’em be angry.
“So tell us,” Ellie said, “how, or where, did you two meet?”
Honor looked at Ash then closed her eyes. “I placed an ad in the Matrimonial News. …” In all her days, she never thought she’d advertise for a husband. No man in his right mind would look twice at a backward girl like her. Were it not for Papa’s stipulation, she would not have married now—and probably never would.
“Oh, child.” Ellie pulled her into an embrace. “Honey, Teagan and I could have told you there are far worse things than losing your home. We’d never allow you to be without a roof over your head.”
“But don’t I deserve something? I’ve worked that ranch since I was barely big enough to sit a saddle.” She clung to Ellie, her eyes burning. It was the only life she’d known, and the only life she wanted.
“Of course you do. I can only guess why your papa wrote his will the way he did.” Ellie twisted toward her husband.
“Darlin’,” Teagan said, “your papa was my best friend, but he was a fiercely private man. He didn’t share his thoughts on this matter, and out of respect, I didn’t ask.”
No, Papa wouldn’t have shared such details with anyone.
“Well, son?” Teagan shoved his hat to the back of his head. “Tell us about yourself.”
Ash cleared his throat. “My family lives in Philadelphia, where my father has a law practice. I recently graduated from Harvard after studying law.”
“And what brings you to California?”
Honor pulled out of Ellie’s grasp. “The trip was a gift from his parents to celebrate his graduation.”
Ash nodded. “Honor’s correct. I was to stay a couple of months, though I’ll be extending my stay indefinitely now.”
Teagan’s eyes narrowed. “And what are your intentions toward this young lady?”
“I assure you, Mr. Donovan, they’re nothing but honorable.”
A stranger stepped into the courtroom and shooed them out. Ash smiled inwardly. At least the questions would end.
Mr. Donovan turned to his wife. “Ell, why don’t you take Honor to see Julia for a minute. Ashton Rutherford the Third and I have a few things to discuss.”
Ash’s nerves jittered. Honor shrugged almost imperceptibly as Mrs. Donovan ushered her into the hallway beyond.
Heart pounding, he trailed after Mr. Donovan. They crossed the street to the large grassy square, Honor and Mrs. Donovan turning toward a parked wagon where the Donovan children waited.
Mr. Donovan stopped and, for several uncomfortable seconds, sized Ash up. “I don’t mean this to be insulting, but what do you know about running a ranch?”
Ash searched for his voice. “Not a thing in the world … sir.”
“Then what are you doing? What are you getting out of this?” Mr. Donovan pointed a finger at him. “And before you answer that, keep in mind that Honor Cahill is like a daughter to me.”
Honor Rutherford. He bit his tongue to keep from correcting the man. “May I speak plainly, Mr. Donovan?”
“Is there another way?”
Ash chuckled but sobered quickly. “Sir, my father is a controlling man. All my life, he’s dismissed my dreams in order to mold me into his vision of the perfect son. Life with him is stifling. He forced me to attend Harvard and study law. It didn’t matter to him that I hated it. From the time I was a baby, he has had my whole life planned out—from what I would study to where I would work. Even what type of woman I should marry.” He shrugged. “The longer I’ve been away, the more I’ve realized I want to find my own way.”
Teagan Donovan folded his arms. “I can respect a man wanting to make his own way, except your own way involves a young lady who my family and I care for. If I were a sharp-tempered man, you’d be staring at the business end of my scattergun about now.” He speared Ash with a glare. “If you hurt her, you’re likely to get me and that scattergun riled. Understand?”
Cold sweat broke out across Ash’s skin. Mute, he nodded.
“I’m glad we’re clear.” Mr. Donovan scanned the street. “You’ll need to keep your eyes open for Nate. Right now, he’s in the alley across from your wagon. If you want, my family and I can follow you home to be sure he won’t try anything along the way.”
Every fiber in him wanted to look. Instead, he stared at Mr. Donovan. “Do you actually think he’d try to harm us?”
The man chuckled. “This isn’t Philadelphia, son. One thing’s for certain. Nate’s an ornery cuss, and losing that ranch has him plenty riled.”
Ash’s heart stuttered. No, this wasn’t Philadelphia. The people here were rough and brash. This would take some getting used to. “I would appreciate the escort, sir.”
“Done.” Mr. Donovan motioned, and Honor hugged Julia, as well as Mrs. Donovan, waved to the three boys, then traipsed toward them.
Ash held out his hand. “Thank you, sir.”
A wry smile crossed Mr. Donovan’s face as they shook hands. “Best of luck. Ellie and I’ll be checking in on you two now and then.”
Honor joined them as Ash gave a sober nod.
“Wait until we pull around.”
Ash nodded. “Yes, sir.”
They parted company, Ash offering Honor his arm.
Honor hesitated. “Why are we waiting?”
“Your brother is watching us, and Mr. Donovan offered to follow so he wouldn’t attempt anything.”
“Half brother. And that’s probably wise. There are lonely stretches of road between here and home.”
Ash scanned the street. In a waning patch of sunlight, Nate sat on his horse across the way, arms resting on his saddle horn as he glared at them. At the wagon, Ash turned and drew Honor to himself. Their bodies close, he brushed her lips. She stiffened, tried to pull back, but he shifted one hand to the nape of her neck, the other to the small of her back, and gently held her. His mouth inches from hers, he looked into her deep blue eyes.
“Relax, sweetness.” He brushed her lips a second time. “He’s watching. Let him think we’re in love.”
She remained rigid a moment longer. When he sought her lips a third time, she closed her eyes and responded, kissing him in return for half a breath before she tucked her chin and tried to draw away. Pulse racing, Ash angled his head and followed her mouth. Her lips were soft and yielding, her body a perfect fit in his arms.
His bride.
At the rumble of an approaching wagon, she broke the kiss but lingered, head bowed against his shoulder. Ash breathed in the scent of her. Perhaps this wouldn’t be a cold marriage after all.…
Teagan Donovan’s wagon stopped as she shifted a red-hot gaze to meet his. “This”—she stomped his foot, and he grunted, balancing on the other—“is for presuming to kiss me. And I already told you what would happen if you keep calling me sweetness.”
She wiped her mouth on her dress sleeve then scrambled onto the wagon bench and sat, spine rigid and jaw set.
Foot throbbing again, Ash struggled onto the wagon bench beside her. “I thought only to convince Nate that our marriage is one based on love.”
“I don’t care what Nate thinks. Papa’s will states only that I must be married. It doesn’t say anything about love.”
Chapter 4
The sun-dappled meadow was Honor’s favorite spot on the ranch, her thinking place. Water gurgled in the small creek, and tall trees lined its bank, offering cool shade without completely blocking the sun. She and Papa had often shared noon meals together in this serene corner of the ranch, and she came here by herself to reflect.
Was she ever in need of quiet
reflection lately.
She dismounted beside the little brook and shucked her boots and socks. A couple of quick turns of her trouser legs, and she set off along the bank. The lush grass was cool underfoot. She dipped a toe in the tepid water.
Three weeks had passed since she and Ash had married, three weeks since she’d gained possession of Rancho Regalo de Esperanza. Except for that ridiculous kiss in Santa Rosa, Ash had been a perfect gentleman. He’d attempted nothing further, though she sensed he hoped for more than separate bedrooms in the rambling ranch house. She owed the man for helping her keep her beloved ranch, but she wasn’t yet ready to cross that line.
It wasn’t that she didn’t like him. Ash was kind. Good-hearted. The way he’d stepped in to protect her from Nate in the courtroom still warmed her heart. But ranch work was as foreign to him as living a pampered life back East would be to her. At least he’d attempted the tasks she’d asked him to do.
Add to that Ash’s seeming frustration with her favorite choice in clothing—men’s trousers and Papa’s large shirts. She could tell he didn’t approve, though in her estimation, women’s clothing was completely impractical for ranch work. Papa had understood and dressed her accordingly when she was a little girl. If Ash didn’t care for it, he should attempt to ride horseback, herd cattle, or deliver a calf in a dress, petticoats, and corset.
The image of her husband in such a getup brought a giggle to her lips, and it blossomed into a full belly laugh. She kicked the water, the fat drops catching the sunlight as they arced through the air.
Honor sighed. As unknowledgeable as Ash might be about ranch work, they had managed to find a little common ground. They shared a love of books, of which Ash had many. During their first week, he’d seen Papa’s checkerboard in the corner and challenged her to a game. She’d beaten him soundly. Then he’d introduced her to chess. He’d proven himself clear and patient in teaching her the game’s intricacies.
The Convenient Bride Collection: 9 Romances Grow from Marriage Partnerships Formed Out of Necessity Page 40