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 didn’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.”