Colorado Dawn by Erica Vetsch Read Free Book Online Page B

it’s for the best? I’m getting railroaded every which way from Sunday. I never would’ve thought Karen capable of coming up with an idea like this. It’s so unlike her. More something Mother would do if she got the bit between her teeth.”
    Clearing his throat, Sam shifted his weight. “Well, truth be told, the idea did originate with Mother—Now, don’t explode. She had the full backing of Father, and Karen just went along with it. You hit it square when you said Mother had the bit between her teeth. And her plan worked, too. You’re out of the study, dressed, and things are moving forward for the wedding.”
    David fisted his hands and pounded his thighs. “You’re joking, right? This was all Mother’s idea?” And he’d fallen right into it. “I’m such an idiot.”
    “You aren’t going to back out now, are you? Mother will kill me for opening my big mouth. Things are so close to working out between you and Karen. You won’t let this upset the ore cart, will you?”
    Impotent anger washed over David. He was no more than a rag doll. Without his sight, he couldn’t even fight back, falling into the trap Mother had laid for him. And Karen, dancing to Mother’s tune, though she didn’t bear as much blame since she hadn’t known his mother as long as he had. “I won’t back out now. I’ll give Karen the protection of my name, and she’ll be provided for, but don’t be fooled into thinking this is some sort of happily-ever-after. Eventually, she’ll regret marrying me and she’ll leave, or she’ll stay and be miserable. And you and Mother and Father will have to live with knowing you pushed us both into this.”
    Sam tapped him on the leg. “You know, time’s going to prove you wrong. When you’ve been happily married for ten years and have half a dozen kids, I’m going to remind you of this little discussion.”
    “Stop kidding around. Time isn’t going to change the fact that I’m helplessly blind and no fit husband for any woman. This is a legal move, nothing more.”
    His brother moved to the door. “I’ll expect you to name at least one of those kids Sam. See you in the morning, bridegroom.”

Chapter 6
    I don’t think I can do this.” Karen drew a deep breath, then several more. The bouquet of flowers from the conservatory trembled in her hands.
    Jesse leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Don’t let my son’s sour face fool you. Deep down, he’s getting what he wants. Believe it. David loves you and needs you. This is for the best.”
    She pressed her free hand against the hummingbirds bombarding her stomach.
    With little ceremony, Jesse led her into the parlor. Sam stood beside David and ran his finger around his collar as if he was the one getting married. Dear Pastor Van Dyke, his suit rumpled and his white hair running amok, held his Bible before him like a shield. Matilda smiled and nodded encouragement, and beside her, David’s cousin Marcus stood. He didn’t meet her gaze, and he checked his watch as if he’d rather be anywhere else.
    Marcus. He had been one of the first people she’d met when she first got her job at the registry office. She lost count of the times he’d asked her permission to call. Though he was nice enough, she just wasn’t interested, especially after meeting David.
    She glanced at her soon-to-be husband. He looked like he might try to beat Marcus to the door in a footrace. She blinked back tears.
You’re doing the right thing, even if he doesn’t realize it right now. Once he learns that your love for him hasn’t changed, he’ll feel safe showing his love to you. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will his confidence return overnight
.
    Jesse put her hand into David’s, and the ceremony began.
    David didn’t falter in his vows, though his voice lacked enthusiasm. She repeated her promises, squeezing his hand when she vowed to love, honor, and obey him until death parted them. He gave no indication he felt it.
    Pastor Van Dyke