Page 122 of Conveniently Wed
They both knew this marriage was in name only. He’d said as much when he’d proposed to her—such as it was. He didn't think of her like that, and she had no romantic inclinations toward him. This was an agreement, only in place until they reached Oregon.
"...for the mutual society, help, and comfort that the one ought to have for the other, both in prosperity and adversity."
Now Owen did twitch. His head tipped slightly toward her. She'd registered the movement before she'd thought better of it and found herself caught in his blue-eyed gaze. He would’ve been handsome, if she could stand him.
She should feel a pang of guilt, shouldn't she? Hollis's words as part of the ceremony—such as it was—were the crux of her dilemma. She needed Owen's company, needed his help.
His eyes narrowed slightly and she dropped her gaze.
She couldn't imagine the man offering her comfort. Not with the way he felt about her. The way they felt about each other.
His name and his help were enough.
She still couldn't understand why he'd made the offer to marry her, but she wasn't fool enough to turn it down.
She had nothing to offer him. No worldly goods. No money. He couldn't want her company.
But it mattered not what his motives were. He'd promised to get her to Oregon. Somehow, she'd beg or borrow money to tag along with an eastbound company. Go home.
More tears smarted at the thought of the small cottage she'd shared with Evan—sold now, and most of their furniture with it. Of her mother, back in the small town where Rachel had grown up. Rachel blinked the tears away.
The baby twisted strongly inside her and she couldn't hold back a small gasp. She pressed one hand against the lower part of her belly. This earned a look from both Owen and Hollis.
"Keep going?" Hollis asked.
Face flushed, she nodded.
"If any man can show just cause why these two should not be married, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."
For a moment, her chest locked tight with a breath that wouldn't draw. Would August speak?
I can't marry you. Not when my heart belongs to someone else.In a fit of desperation, she'd asked August to marry her, to protect her. He'd chosen Felicity instead. The two of them were clearly in love. He had to know Rachel was marrying his brother for mercenary reasons.
Surely August had concerns. Maybe the same ones Leo had.
But no one spoke until Hollis cleared his throat. "You two gonna face each other?"
It seemed to take an interminably long time for Owen's feet to shift. She hadn't intended to move until he did. When they fully faced each other, there was a faint frown on his lips.
"Clasp hands," Hollis said.
"That's all right?—"
"No, thank you?—"
Owen's refusal, spoken at the same time as Rachel’s prim words, made August cough. Or was he covering a laugh? She found herself frowning. What made Owen balk over holding hands with her?
Hollis wasn't amused. "That wasn't a question. You want me to continue or not?"
There was a long beat before Owen reached out both hands, palms up.
Warily, she slipped her hands into his larger ones. His clasp was warm and dry.
"Wilt thou have this woman as thy wedded wife... Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her... as long as ye both shall live?"
Hollis's words knocked into her with the same force she'd felt that first night when Owen had tackled her to the ground.
It isn't real. But it didn't matter what she told herself.
