Page 475 of Conveniently Wed
He hung his head and turned away. He was so confused. The changes in her were undeniable. In every way she was loving.But could he take on another man’s baby? Could he accept being second choice?
He never wanted to face the pain of that kind of rejection again.
Katie didn’t want their closeness to end. She would be willing to put up with Emmaline indefinitely if it meant she could go on holding Josiah’s hand at will or snuggle as they sat together in the evening. She loved taking the opportunity to drop kisses on his cheek or place her arm around his waist as they walked from room to room. She had a few more days, and she would make the most of it.
“Ah, Josiah, you’re first to supper. Such a wonderful improvement from days gone by.” Katie smiled up at him as she moved in close.
She wrapped both arms around his neck as his eyes darted around the dining room.
“Where is she?” he asked.
“I don’t much care.” She pulled his head down to meet her.
An immediate response was her reward. His lips moved over hers, while his hands held her close.
“Um-hm.” Emmaline stood in the doorway.
They jumped apart, and Katie smoothed her hands down the front of her dress.
A muscle in Josiah’s cheek jumped. He ground out an angry breath and leaned close to whisper in her ear. “Please talk to her tonight. She has to go.” He grabbed his hat and crushed it on his head. “I’m no longer hungry.” He strode from the room.
Katie’s gaze followed him out. Was he angry at her for kissing him? At himself for his obvious reaction? Or at Emmaline for the interruption? She had no idea.
“You two are sure acting different than when I arrived.” Emmaline took her place at the table. “A tad too unbelievable, if you ask me.”
Katie’s face grew hot. “First, Emmaline, our marriage is none of your business. And second, we both think it’s time you go.”
“Why dear, whatever have I done?” She dabbed at the corner of her eyes with her handkerchief, though no tears were visible.
“You’ve spent a lifetime manipulating situations, just as Ma warned. What is it you want? A free place to live, money?—”
“I care about you.”
Anger boiled in her throat. “You don’t care about me. I’m not sure you have the capacity to care about anyone. Sad to say, I had hoped you would.” Her heart ached knowing her birth mother would never fill that lost piece in her history.
“Josiah—"
“And every time we’re together,” Katie said, “all you want to talk about is Josiah, as if you have some fixation on him. You’re making him very uncomfortable. I’ve insisted you stay because I believe you need Jesus, but?—”
“Jesus? I’ll never believe in that nonsense, and neither will your husband.”
“You talked to him about it?”
“Of course we did. And a whole lot more.” She arched brows, her voice dropping low and sultry.
“He wants you gone.” Katie swallowed to keep her voice from wavering. She needed to show confidence.
Emmaline patted her arm as if comforting a dullard. “He doesn’t want me to go. Let’s be honest, Katherine. He feels obligated now that you’re with child. He’s torn. You see the way your husband devours me with his eyes.”
“I see no such thing.” Katie stepped away. “You’re delusional, Emmaline. It’s time to pack your bags. We’ll arrange to get you to the train station in the morning. Help yourself to dinner. I’m no longer hungry, either.”
As she walked out of the room Emmaline spoke in a low tone. “You’re the delusional one. Just you wait and see.”
Katie woke to sounds coming from Josiah’s room. Another nightmare. She jumped from the bed, pulled on her wrapper, and opened the adjoining door. The smell of her favorite perfume scented the air, and a figure leaned over her husband—a woman with raven black hair spilling down.
Katie stood in a daze as her stomach pitched and rolled. Was that Emmaline draped over her husband? Had Josiah been tempted all along? A tremble took to Katie’s limbs. Had he not begged her to get rid of Emmaline? It was not natural the way they’d been apart for way too long. Could Josiah have succumbed?
No. Tentacles of fury spread like fire through her veins. The scream that filled her lungs came from deep inside her body. “Josiah, what’s going on?” Her voice pitched high with the anger pulsing through her.
