Olive licked her lips. “I believe there was a certain sensual kiss you promised to let me try...”
Chapter 17
The Tenth Day
Olive awoke in Elijah’s arms. She didn’t dare to move. The moment was too perfect. They were both on their sides, his strong body wrapped around hers protectively. His strong,nakedbody.
His strong, naked,arousedbody.
“I have an idea,” she whispered. “It involves not leaving this bedroom, ever.”
“That is a phenomenal idea,” he murmured just behind her ear. “But won’t the horses be lonely?”
“The stable hands are back. I haven’t any responsibilities until next Christmas.” She craned her neck toward him.
He kissed her cheek. “Hmm, I’m not certain I believe that. You might be trying to seduce me.”
“I’m definitely trying to seduce you,” she agreed. “Tell me it’s working.”
“I’ve been in a constant state of seduction for the past ten days,” he said fervently. “But your father is waiting for us at the breakfast table. If we don’t get there soon, the maid is liable to ask him why Miss Harper’s door is barred, and Mr. Weston’s room is empty.”
Olive groaned. “Very good point. I must concede to your logic. But after Sunday...”
“FromSunday,” he corrected. “I plan to hand out pieces of dry toast for the wedding breakfast and send everyone on their way. We won’t leave this bed for weeks.”
“I accept your compromise. Reluctantly.” She rolled out of his embrace and to her feet.
Elijah was right. The first order of business was to share their decision with her father.
“What do you think he’ll say?” Elijah asked.
“He’ll be thrilled,” she replied without hesitation, then frowned. “That is, I hope he will be. He thought this union would heal the rift between our families. When he finds out your father has no intention of ending the feud...”
“Wedidheal the rift.” Elijah took her hands and pressed her fingers to his lips. “You and I are on the same side. If my father wants to keep up a one-man feud of his own making... Then we let him be miserable.”
“From what I understand, the conflict began when your father married. He and Papa divided their shared farm and became rivals instead of partners.” Olive opened her wardrobe. “Ironically, withourmarriage, Papa ‘wins’ the final battle, since our union is the last thing your father wants.”
“Wewin. Father isn’t ready to give up his vengeance plots, but it’s too bad. None of us is playing the game anymore.” Elijah helped her into a gown, then attended to his own attire. “If I hadknownthe best revenge would be marrying the girl I’d been in love with since I was sixteen...”
“You were not!” Olive’s cheeks flushed hot as she unbarred the bedroom door. “You barely knew me then.”
“I was precocious,” he protested, and held out his elbow. “I thought you were the woman of my dreams, and I was right.”
She looped her arm through his. “Very well, Mr. Right. Shall we tell my father?”
When they arrived at the breakfast table, a newspaper and an empty plate sat before her father. Papa rose to his feet when he saw them.
She let go of Elijah’s arm so she could speak freely.
“The tenth day,” signed Papa. “There appears to be a decision?”
Olive beamed at her father. She couldn’t help it. “We wed on Sunday.”
“I don’t want the farm,” said Elijah.
He was not looking at her, but directly at her father. He must have realized Papa could read lips a little.
“All I want is Olive,” Elijah continued. “She’s the one who deserves the farm. If you must give it to someone, please place it in a legal trust for her.”
