Page 12 of A Touch of Fate

Was I happy? I didn’t think so. First of all, I was overwhelmed and suspicious of the arrangement. “Why?”

Danilo pulled his hands away, then got up and perched on the sofa next to me. “Because our families are both important and—”

“Please don’t say it’s to strengthen our bond.”

His mouth twitched in a ghost smile that was gone before it could really manifest. “It’s one reason, of course. It’s always been done this way. You know that.”

“I also know that our families are already bonded because of your engagement to Sofia, and I know I’m not the most sought-after bachelorette on the market. It doesn’t make sense for Samuel to choose me unless he hopes to get bonus points for marrying a cripple.”

“Emma,” Danilo growled, “don’t use that word.”

“I can call myself whatever I want,” I said firmly. I hated the word with every fiber of my being, but it got my point across.

“Samuel wants a good, caring wife, and that’s what you’ll be. He doesn’t care if you’re in a wheelchair.”

I wanted to believe that, but doing so would have been foolish, and I didn’t like being a fool.

“Just be happy, alright? This is good for you. You have a bright future ahead of you with an important husband and a family of your own.”

Most of all, Danilo wouldn’t have to worry about me as much as he would had I stayed a spinster. Maybe he would even have felt obligated to let me live under the same roof with him andSofia. It was better this way—definitely for Danilo and for me too. Annoyed, I wheeled back until I could turn around. “I need some water.”

“I can get—”

“I’ll get it myself,” I said, moving toward the small kitchen area of the suite. I opened the minibar and took out one of the tiny San Pellegrino bottles. I could practically feel Danilo’s questioning gaze burning into my back as I emptied the bottle in a few gulps, not even bothering with a glass. My annoyance had barely lessened, but I knew I had to continue this conversation. With a sigh, I put the bottle on the counter, then returned to my brother, who honestly looked confused by my reaction.

Had he thought I’d be overjoyed?

Maybe I should be happier? I promised myself not to doubt Samuel’s decision. “Does Mom know?”

“Of course. She’s delighted. We both are, Emma.”

Of course, she was. She’d been deeply worried that I’d end up alone. Spinsters were looked down upon in our world.

“When will it be announced?” I asked. The news would spread like wildfire, and people would spread rumors just as quickly. This was a bond nobody had expected, and thus, it would be dissected until it was a tattered, dirty thing.

“Tomorrow after my official engagement to Sofia.”

My eyes grew wide in alarm. “You’re going to announce it at your engagement party? What does Sofia say to that? It’s her day, after all.”

“I didn’t ask her. It seems like the best time. After all, we’re here, and it doesn’t make sense to travel all the way to Minneapolis just for an announcement. Samuel and I are both busy.”

“Danilo,” I said in exasperation. I couldn’t believe he hadn’t asked Sofia. “I don’t want to hurt Sofia’s feelings.”

His puzzled expression made it clear that the thought hadn’t even crossed his mind. “It’s just an announcement. And it’s not like it’s our wedding day. Don’t overthink this. Just be happy. In two years, you’ll be Samuel’s wife.”

I forced a smile. “Thank you.” I could tell Danilo was disappointed by my lackluster reaction, but I couldn’t think straight. “I’m going to bed so I’m well rested for my big day tomorrow.”

Danilo pressed a kiss to my cheek like he always did, and I wheeled into my bedroom. After a deep breath, I moved into the bathroom to change into my nightgown. I arrested the brakes of my wheelchair, then pushed myself up and scooted down to the edge of the seat. Twisting to the right, I used my left hand to shove down my skirt, then did the same with the other side until the fabric pooled at my feet. I lifted one foot after the other, then bent down, picked up my skirt, and put it over the vanity chair. I removed my pullover, then pulled my nightgown over my head. Grabbing the handles, I pushed myself up, supporting myself with my legs until the nightgown slid down over my bum before I dropped back into the seat of my wheelchair. When I was done with my evening routine, I returned to the bedroom.

The mattress was softer than what I was used to at home, so my hand sank in when I tried to slide from my wheelchair into the bed, almost causing me to slip down. I caught myself and released a sigh. Traveling days were always hard on my body and mind. For one, they gave me anxiety. I always felt physically drained in the evening of such a day, meaning my legs were less capable of supporting my weight.

Once I lay in the dark, I couldn’t fall asleep for hours. My thoughts kept revolving around Samuel. I couldn’t deny it. He would have been my top choice if I could have chosen a husband from the available bachelors. I didn’t mind that he was eight years older. I actually preferred it. Maybe it was because of myaccident, but I was more mature than boys and even girls my age.

Not to mention that I found Samuel attractive. Really, who didn’t? Many girls in our world talked about his looks. There weren’t many blonds around, and his blue eyes always sent a pleasant shiver down my back. And he was tall and fit…

I bit my lip.

Our interactions after the funeral were pretty much nonexistent except for a few shared pleasantries here and there. I didn’t know him, not that I had expected to know my husband. That just wasn’t likely in our circles. I only knew things about him, mainly from Danilo or the occasional snippet of gossip. Samuel had been a favorite topic ever since his twin sister’s kidnapping and his failed attempt to save her. His entire family had been dragged down the gossip hole.

---