Coulson's Wife (The Coulson Series) by McIntyre Anna J

Author:McIntyre, Anna J. [McIntyre, Anna J.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Robeth Publishing, LLC
Published: 2013-12-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

“You certainly look comfortable,” Randall said cheerfully. William bolted upright, causing the hammock to swing violently. Randall laughed and steadied the hammock so William wouldn’t fall.

“Sorry, did I scare you? You were sleeping so soundly, I almost feel guilty waking you.”

“Where the hell did you come from?” William asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he got from the hammock and stood next to Randall in the garden.

“My train arrived an hour ago. I confess, you got to me William.”

“What are you talking about?” William glanced nervously toward the house and wondered if Mary Ellen was still sleeping.

“I really don’t want you to think I’m completely heartless. The woman I married is carrying my child, she just lost her mother, and you are right. My place is here, supporting her. I’m taking your suggestion. I took the liberty to call Henry, and he packed a bag for you.”

“I don’t understand?”

“You need to hurry man. I have a car waiting to take you to the train station. You’re going to Chicago and finish the deal. I’ll call you later and we can discuss the details, but you need to get moving, or you’ll miss the train.”

“What about Mary Ellen?”

“I just checked on her. She’s still sleeping. But don’t worry about her, she’s my responsibility now.”

• • • •

William felt sick inside. It was not due to the gentle swaying of the train car as it plodded down the track, but knowing he’d unwittingly abandoned the woman he loved. Everything moved so fast, he didn’t have time to come up with a plausible reason to stay in Philadelphia or to at least wake Mary Ellen so he could say goodbye. But even that would not have worked out, considering Randall would have been there, watching.

William closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Perhaps this was for the best. Had Mary Ellen not been carrying Randall’s child, then he would have stayed and fought for the woman he loved. Yet, he knew in his deepest heart that a future with Mary Ellen was not his. It never had been. As it was, they had stolen this time together. Time he would forever cherish.

• • • •

Mary Ellen drifted in and out of sleep; resisting the pull of wakefulness, she moved restlessly in the bed. When the mattress dipped and then she felt a hand on her shoulder, she fluttered her eyes open, prepared to face the day. Letting out a little groan she rolled over, fully expecting to see William. Instead of William, it was her husband Randall looking down at her. She froze and looked up into his dark eyes.

“Randall?” she said numbly. He smiled down at her.

“I’m sorry about your mother, Mary Ellen. Truly.”

Licking her lips nervously, Mary Ellen sat up in the bed, pulling the blankets up around her. Randall did not seem to notice or mind her show of modesty.

“When did you arrive?”

“About two hours ago. You’ve been sleeping the day away, and I thought perhaps it might be best if you get up, have something to eat.

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