Page 30 of The Awakening
“I know so little about your time in Montana. Will you tell me about it? The rumors, the flinching, the woman who was in my kitchen. What’s the story? Maybe if I know more about your past, I’ll be able to help you feel more comfortable with me.” I reached out for her hand and guided her to the living room couch to have this conversation.
Once she was settled, I gave her a few moments. I wouldn’t make her talk if she didn’t want to. Crouching in front of the fireplace, I threw in the paper I had wadded up.
Her voice was distant when she spoke. “My father had a vision for a community where everyone worked together, shared resources and just wanted to live a life that provided well for families.” Taking a ragged breath, she looked out the window across from her instead of looking at me.
“The people of the community looked to my father for guidance, and at some point, that went to his head. He heard about things that were happening in large cities and didn’t want outsiders infiltrating our group, so he made sure the women of the community were sheltered at home. Teams had been arranged to go to town for supplies when needed, but unless you were part of that group, you didn’t leave.”
She lowered her head, wringing her hands in her lap before she continued, and I couldn’t stand the idea of not touching her, comforting her, as she spoke, so I sat beside her on the couch.
“When I was younger, we could leave the compound, but then, almost overnight, it was forbidden. The penalty for leaving was shunning for a week. Each offense after that would be a week added on. When I got my fourth violation, no one spoke to me for a month. Except Ray. He had been so nice, and I’d been so thankful for the company, but then turned on me at the end of my month. I had to confess in front of the entire community that I had disobeyed our leader by speaking to Ray. They accused meof luring him in. That’s when they decided I would marry Ray. That way, according to them, he would keep me under control.”
My blood boiled at the images her story created. The hatred I was beginning to have for the life Ellie had been living was growing rapidly.
“Marrying girls off who were ‘trouble’ was my father’s answer. So that’s how I ended up engaged to Ray. My father never raised his hand to anyone, and his punishments were harsh, but they were consistent. Ray, on the other hand, would fly off the handle if I looked at him wrong, if I laughed at him or dared cross him about anything.” She stopped talking and wrapped her arms around herself.
When she didn’t continue, I placed a gentle hand on her knee. “I want to fly to Montana right now and deal with your father and Ray myself.” Clenching my fists, I took a few deep breaths to calm myself. How could anyone treat another human like that? Especially one like Ellie. She was a beautiful woman who deserved the world.
Chapter Nineteen
Ellie
We sat in silence until Gavin’s stomach rumbled so loud I was sure his mother heard it. “Why don’t I get us something to eat?”
“I’ll ever say no to that. Would you like some help?”
“No, I’m fine.” I stood and went to see what snacks I could find. The kitchen was surprisingly well stocked for being vacant.
“Gavin, who lived here last?” I called as turned on the oven.
“I think one of the hired hands stayed here a few months ago. He was married with a family, so mom put them up here so they could have their own space.” He stopped at the entryway and answered my question before braving the storm to get more wood.
We had pulled the couch as close to the fireplace as possible and sat together, not saying a word, as the room warmed and ate the crackers I had found in the pantry.
Gavin rested his arm on the back of the couch behind me, and shifting slightly, I leaned into him. He moved his arm to wrap around my shoulders and pull me to him. “I will never letyou feel like you did in Montana. You’re safe here Ellie., I have wanted to tell you that from the moment we set foot here.”
“What took you so long, then?”
“I was afraid you were too vulnerable and might break.”
“Just because I looked like a helpless girl in Montana, doesn’t mean I am one. I’ve had to learn to be tough.”
“I’m learning that.” He pressed his lips to mine. The sparks that had been present since the night he kissed me in front of my father erupted, heating me from the inside.
I repositioned myself so I straddled his legs, and Gavin rested his hands on my thighs. The warmth radiated to my core as he slid them until they were resting on my inner leg.
“Did I see a fireplace in the bedroom at the top of the stairs?” I whispered between kisses, relishing the feel of his arousal beneath me.
“You are very observant, and is that a hint? Should we move locations?”
“It might be more comfortable.” I let my head fall back as Gavin attacked my throat with trailing kisses.
“Let’s go. I will grab the wood.”
“Oh, I plan on grabbing some of my own very soon,” I said as I shot him a look over my shoulder on my way out of the room.
I giggled at his reaction. Gavin’s mouth was open, and I thought his brain might explode.
Running up the stairs this time, I needed to get the room ready. The big bed had a drop cloth covering it, just like everything else in this house. When I pulled off the cloth, I found the most beautiful double wedding ring quilt I had ever seen. My mother was a quilter, but as I looked at this piece of art, I was in awe. This was done by someone with great care and attention to every detail.
