Chapter Twelve
“Damn it, Maria, no one is supposed to know!” Spence complained.
“No one? But they wouldn’t be upset. Your mama and papa will be very happy.”
“It’s too hard to explain. Get some clear soda and crackers and I’ll go check on Mel.” He pushed away from the table. He was getting tired of this morning stuff. Poor Melanie must really be tired of it.
He met her in the hall as she returned to the dining room. “You okay?”
She nodded.
He started to warn her that Maria knew about the baby, but she pushed past him. Conversation hadn’t been their strong point this morning.
Maria came back into the room from the kitchen with the crackers and soda just as Melanie reached her seat. “Here, this will help. It always did me.”
Melanie’s eyes widened and she looked at Spence. “You told her?”
“Nah. She guessed. Coffee affected her the same way,” Spence explained. “But, Maria, you mustn’t tell anyone except Pedro. Mom and Dad don’t know and we’re not going to tell them until we have to.”
Maria frowned but nodded. “You might try the coffee cake. Something a little sweet always helped me, too.”
“Thank you, Maria.” Melanie waited until Maria left the dining room. “I didn’t know Maria had children. Do they live here, too?”
“Maria couldn’t carry a baby to term. None of them survived.”
“Oh, no,” Melanie said with a gasp, her eyes filling with tears.
“Mel, honey, drink your soda,” he urged. If he comforted her, he was afraid he’d take her upstairs. These close encounters were getting to be hard on his self-control.
She followed his direction as he cut her a slice of Maria’s coffee cake. Nibbling on the cake, she seemed to be okay and he breathed a sigh of relief.
“How long will you keep being nauseous?”
“It’s supposed to end after three months,” Melanie said with a sigh.
“Hey, that’s great. You should be feeling better about the time we get back from our honeymoon,” he said, feeling a little better.
She suddenly stopped chewing. “I don’t believe we’ve discussed a honeymoon.”
“Well, I didn’t have a lot of time, and that part of the marriage is the groom’s responsibility. But I won’t keep our destination a secret. I thought Hawaii would be nice.” He sat back, waiting for her approval and appreciation.
She licked her lips and stared at her plate.
“Don’t you think you’ll like Hawaii?”
“I can’t go.”
He barely heard her, and her words didn’t make sense. “What did you say?”
“I’m sorry if you’re going to lose money, but you’ll need to cancel the trip or go alone. I can’t.” Her voice was stronger now and she stared at him.
“Go alone? On my honeymoon?” He couldn’t believe her outrageous suggestion.
She took another bite of coffee cake and said nothing.
“Melanie, what’s going on?”
She sipped her soda before she answered. “I’m starting a new business, Spence. I have to be here.”
“Your business can’t wait until you come back from your honeymoon?”
She lay down her fork with a sigh. “I have a job, too.”
“At the restaurant?”
She nodded.
“Melanie, did I tell you I’m willing to invest in your store? After all, we’re—”
“Not!”
Spence sighed now. “Honey, I haven’t been married before, so I may do things wrong. I certainly have made a few wrong moves this week. But you gotta give me some help here. What’s the problem?”
She didn’t answer at once. Spence figured they were going to have the longest breakfast on record because he wasn’t going to leave the table until they sorted things out.
Finally she said, “Spence, I can’t keep taking from you. I’ve debated breaking off the marriage, but. . . but my baby deserves the best. But you’re giving me your name, your family. . .everything.”
“And you don’t think you’re giving me anything?”
She shook her head no, refusing to meet his gaze.
“Our marriage is just like any other. We share what we have with each other.”
“We’re not going to have that kind of marriage,” she said hurriedly.
“What kind of marriage?” Although he was afraid he knew.
“A normal marriage. You said it wasn’t necessary to. . .to do that.”
Spence was growing more and more depressed. Not only was he apparently not going to have a honeymoon, he wasn’t going to have anything!
“I don’t think I said that.” Stupid, stupid, stupid, if he had. “But, honey, we’re getting along well, aren’t we?”
“Yes, but we’re not in love, Spence. You took pity on me at Cal’s wedding, and now you’re trapped. I’m not going to force myself on you. Besides, I’m getting fat.”
Force herself on him? He almost burst out laughing. He was having a hard time keeping himself from chasing her around the table. “Mel, I’ve already told you—”
But she didn’t wait for him to tell her he wanted her. “So I’m going to pay my own way,” she continued. “I need to get my store working at a profit as soon as I can, and until I do, I’m going to continue to work at the restaurant.” Then she took a quick look at him from under her lashes. “Anyway, even if I had the time, I can’t afford a trip to Hawaii.”
“Let me get this straight,” he said, finding their conversation difficult to believe. “You’re not going to bed with me, so you’re paying for everything.”
She nodded.
“Honey, that sounds like—Never mind. How are we going to have a real marriage?”
“You said it was all right if we didn’t.”
He wished she wouldn’t keep reminding him of his stupidity. “And I meant it. Sort of.”
“Sort of? Cal said you’re a man of your word.”
“I am,” he hurriedly said, thinking he was going to have to have a talk with Cal. “But since we’ll be sharing a bedroom—”
She stared at him as if he’d said he’d murdered someone.
“Sharing a bedroom?”
“Well, honey, the minute my mother visits us, she’ll probably discover our sleeping arrangements. This used to be her house. Nothing is off limits to her.”
She swayed in her chair and he sped around the table to offer his support.
“I didn’t realize—I thought we’d each have our own room.”
“Nope. And I don’t know how long we can share a bed and not touch each other.” He couldn’t keep from smiling. “My resistance is getting lower every davy.
 
THE SHOWER was overwhelming. The community was so generous with their gifts and best wishes. Melanie made sure Mrs. Myers was invited. Her friend across the hall hadn’t made many friends because she didn’t have a car or much income. Melanie was pleased when she was invited to join a bridge club.
But mostly, Melanie simply tried to cope. She’d interviewed an electrician today and he was drawing up a plan for her store. He promised to present it to her Monday.
The carpenter said he could work around the electrician. She’d scheduled a painter in two weeks. The only thing she hadn’t done was pack.
When Spence arrived at the end of the shower, along with Cal, she remembered the biggest problem she had to face. Sharing a bedroom with him.
He was tender, sweet, considerate . . . and sexy as hell. His strong arms made her feel safe, and more alive than she’d ever felt. His lips could be soft and gentle. . .or hard and demanding, and she was beginning to prefer their second role.
So how was she going to sleep in the same bed with him and not touch him?
“Ready to go home, honey?” he asked, bending to kiss her cheek.
“Are you two living together already?” one of the neighbors asked, her eyebrows rising.
Melanie gagged on the fruit punch she was drinking. Fortunately, Edith answered the question. “No, they’re not. But it wouldn’t matter if they were. They’re in love and committed to each other.”
“I didn’t mean any harm,” the lady hurriedly said. “He just said. . .”
“It was a matter of speech. I’m trying to be a patient man,” Spence assured his audience with charm, “but she’s a mighty tempting woman.”
Melanie smiled, but she knew those words were going to come back to haunt them when her pregnancy became apparent. “I really should go. I still have a lot to do. But thank you all for your good wishes and all the lovely presents.”
Cal helped Spence carry them to his truck. They practically filled the back. Then he helped Melanie into the cab. “Do you want these carried up to your apartment, or is it okay to take them out to the house?” he asked.
“Oh, the house, please. It would be silly to put them in my apartment only to move them on Friday.”
“You’re right. Why don’t you come spend the night at the ranch tonight?”
“No, thank you. I need to do some laundry and at least start packing.” She stared straight ahead, afraid he’d press her to come.
“Okay.” He drove the few blocks to her apartment.
“There’s no need to get out. I know it’s late.”
“Melanie, honey, my mama always taught me to take a lady to her door. Besides, how else will I get a good-night kiss?”
Her body revved up with the thought of being in his arms. The climb up the stairs didn’t raise her blood pressure nearly as much as the thought of his kiss. He didn’t hesitate. As soon as they reached her door, he wrapped her in his arms and kissed the daylights out of her.
After several of those drugging kisses, he asked her again if she didn’t want to come to the ranch.
“I—I can’t,” she said, practically panting.
“Tomorrow night, you won’t have any excuses.”
“No. No, I won’t.”
He kissed her one more time. “I’ll see you at the church,” he muttered, his breathing as heavy as hers.
Then he was gone.
 
“EDITH, THANK YOU AGAIN for letting me wear this dress.”
Edith hugged her, careful not to damage the dress. “It looks wonderful on you.”
Edith had taken charge of Melanie’s wedding day, which was nice since her own mother already had plans for tonight and couldn’t make it.
After sleeping in, something she hadn’t done much of lately, Melanie had done some packing, mostly of her clothes and personal items. Edith had arrived at noon and taken her out for lunch. Then she’d insisted Melanie go to her beauty shop for a manicure, pedicure and hair-styling.
Next, she took her home with her and put her in a warm bath that almost relaxed Melanie. Almost.
Now they were at the church. Reality couldn’t be avoided any longer. She was repeating her mother’s sin. Forcing a man to marry her because of her baby.
She couldn’t ask Spence’s mother if she was making a mistake. But she badly needed reassurance. A knock on the door preceded Jessica’s arrival in a beautiful green silk gown.
“Jessica, come in,” Edith said, making room for Melanie’s matron of honor.
“I thought I’d see if Melanie needed any help. Oh, and Joe wanted a word with you, Edith.”
“Oh, mercy, what’s the problem now?” She turned and kissed Melanie’s cheek. “I’d better go check on Joe. He may have gotten into trouble.”
“Thank you for everything, Edith,” Melanie said, blinking rapidly to keep any tears from falling.
“It’s been a pleasure, dear.” Then she slipped from the room.
“You’re getting a great mother-in-law,” Jessica assured her, a smile on her lips.
“But I feel so guilty,” Melanie protested, her agony in her words.
“About what?”
“Forcing Spence to marry me. I told him I could manage on my own, but he . . . he feels so responsible.”
“So you don’t love him?” Jessica asked gently.
Melanie couldn’t look her in the eye. She sank onto the bench in front of the mirror, the old satin rustling as she moved.
“Melanie?”
“That doesn’t matter. What matters is that he’s only marrying me because of the baby.”
“Is that the only reason you’re marrying him?” Jessica probed.
“No, it’s not. But that only makes things worse.”
“Why?”
“Because it will hurt more when he. . .he gets tired of me and the baby.” She finally raised her gaze to Jessica’s, reflected in the mirror. “I’m afraid I’m doing the wrong thing.”
“I think you’re doing the right thing. Especially since you love him.”
“I didn’t say that!”
“No, you didn’t, but you do.”
Melanie closed her eyes. “I tried not to.”
Jessica laughed. “Well, quit trying. It’s okay to love your husband. In fact, it’s glorious.”
Melanie thought their situations were different. Everyone knew how much Cal adored Jessica.
As if she’d read her thoughts, Jessica said, “I haven’t heard Spence protesting. In fact, he seems like a very eager groom, to me.”
“It’s time,” Edith called in a loud whisper, stickin her head past the door. “Are you ready, dear?”
Melanie took a deep breath and stood. “Yes, Edith, I’m ready.” For better or worse, she was committed to the marriage because it would be too embarrassing to end it now. She’d just have to be strong.
Edith gave her an endearing smile, a motherly smile, and Melanie almost fell to her knees. She’d have to find a way to make Spence happy, because he was giving her the world.
 
As THE MUSIC CHANGED, Spence turned to watch for his bride. When she stepped through the church door and started down the aisle, he stopped breathing.
The bridal gown was old-fashioned but it seemed perfect for Melanie. Her cheeks were rosy red, like those of a shy young woman. Her gaze was modestly cast to the carpet on which she walked. Her hand was tucked into his father’s arm.
With Cal standing beside him and Jessica on the other side of the preacher, Spence stepped forward to take Melanie’s hand from Joe, eager to finally be able to claim her as his own.
Tuck and Mac were acting as the only ushers since there hadn’t been time to plan a big wedding with more attendants. His two single friends had wished him well, though Spence could see they weren’t as enthusiastic as Cal.
He nodded to the two of them as he took Melanie’s hand in his. Then he turned to face the preacher.
“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here to. . .”
Only a short time later, after he and Melanie had repeated their vows, the minister pronounced them man and wife and instructed Spence to kiss his bride.
His heart full, he lifted the veil, revealing Melanie in all her glory, and lowered his lips to hers. It should’ve been difficult to forget where they were, in front of a churchful of people, but he did. His arms encircled her, pressing her against him, his lips moved on hers, and he might’ve started seeking the nearest bed if the pastor hadn’t interrupted.
“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Hauk,” he said after clearing his throat.
Spence raised his head, startled, then grinned sheepishly. His bride still seemed to be in a haze of sexual desire. He whispered, “Welcome home, Mrs. Hauk.”
Her gaze sharpened, intensified, and she whispered, “Mr. Hauk.”
Turning her around to face the crowd, Spence supported her with his arm. He could feel her trembling knees and hoped she made it through the rest of the evening.
The pastor introduced them as a married couple, then the music swelled and Spence and Melanie strode down the aisle, this time together.
The reception was at Jess’s restaurant, of course, where at least half of their time, their battles, their discussions, had taken place. And where his wife still intended to work.
That bothered Spence, but he figured he’d fight that battle another day. He had more important things on his mind right now. Like tonight.
Even though it was a short walk, two blocks, to the restaurant, Spence had parked the car he’d purchased for Melanie, a Lexus, outside the church. He helped her into the passenger seat.
“Whose car is this?” she asked distractedly as he slid behind the wheel.
“Yours.”
She stared at him in shock.
“I thought you’d need a car to drive, Mel.”
“But this car is brand new.”
Hoping to avoid another confrontation on the subject of money, he said, “I just never drive it. It’d get messed up driving it around the ranch.”
Since they’d reached the restaurant, she said nothing else, and Spence counted it as a triumph. He led her inside. They were having the reception in the dance hall portion of the restaurant. When they passed through the dining room, however, everyone applauded.
“I think they’re impressed with my beautiful bride,” he whispered in her ear. “We should give them a show.” Then he swept her into his arms and kissed her again. Those kisses were addictive.
Melanie blushed again, much to everyone’s approval.
The band, waiting for their arrival, swung into an upbeat version of The Wedding March. Even though the wedding party and guests were only now arriving, Spence didn’t hesitate to swing his bride onto the dance floor for their first dance.
Which is when he realized he never intended to let her go.