Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 47222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
I gasp audibly.
The house looks amazing!
Quickly I pay the driver, grab my things, and hop out of the cab. As the car pulls away, I stand stock-still and stare at my house.
The entire exterior has been repainted and the glossy, clean, cream color is brilliant in the fading sunset. Every window is gleaming and the shutters are all freshly repainted too in a homey forest green. The porch has obviously been pressure-washed and newly stained, its dark wood shiny and swept clean. All along the porch, the bushes have been trimmed, and wildflowers grow in pots and baskets along its sides.
As I walk closer, I see that the front door has been replaced and a hearty oak one stands in its place. The screen door, too, is new: a glossy, sleek black metal with delicate metalwork of flowers and leaves. Further down the porch, in the shadows, I see the glider hanging from the rafters above, repainted and looking like new.
Much to my surprise, the front porch light – which has never in my life worked properly – clicks on as I slowly approach the house, illuminating the entire porch and surrounding yard. I pause on the bottom step, unsure what to make of all of these improvements. Who did this?
As if in answer to my silent question, the front door opens suddenly. Backlit by the lights blazing inside the house, the huge shadow of a man fills up the doorway.
Immediately, I catch my breath.
Ranger.
I would recognize that silhouette anywhere – my husband’s massive frame, well-chiseled arms, and mop of jet-black hair are incomparable. I feel myself go weak in the knees and, more embarrassing to admit, I feel my insides start to twist with longing and desire. Ranger.
I want to leap into his arms, to kiss him, to have him ravish me. I want to taste him, to have him taste me. I want to make love on the new porch swing and have him take me wildly on the steps.
No, Darcy. I chide myself. You can’t. He’s the enemy. He tricked you into marrying him just so he could take over your farm. He probably has some new girl in there with him, and that’s why everything is fixed up so nice.
Steeling myself with this sobering internal speech, I march up the stairs until I’m standing directly across from Ranger on the newly re-done porch. Just as I make ready to launch into him and curse him for all his wrong-doings, Ranger glowers at me.
I can’t even open my mouth because his glare is so frightening. Instinctively, I move my hands to cover my belly, attempting to protect the precious life inside. Ranger’s piercing blue eyes follow my hands and his jaw drops. Just as quickly, he regains his composure and grabs my arm, dragging me inside the house.
“Hey wait!” I protest breathily. “What are you doing?”
Standing in the entryway, he whirls on me, blue eyes fierce. I attempt to match his angry scowl with my own glare, but I’m taken aback by how different the house looks inside, too.
The wooden floors have been refinished and gleam in the well-lit hallway. The walls have a fresh coat of paint, and even the furniture looks like it’s been spruced up. I look up at my husband, but he’s still glowering. I open my mouth to break the silence, but he beats me to it.
“You’re pregnant.” It’s practically a snarl.
I swallow hard. “Yes, I am. Six months tomorrow, to be exact.” When he says nothing, I continue. “Don’t worry, Ranger, I can handle this baby on my own. I’m not here to ask you to be involved. Me and your child have been doing just fine on our own.”
I pause, waiting for a reaction. Instead, my husband’s blue eyes are icy and his jaw is rigid. I press on, feeling braver since I’ve clearly rendered him speechless.
I stand up a little taller. “I’m here to take my farm back,” I boldly tell him. “It’s mine by right and while I know we’re married, the deed is in my name, which means it’s mine.” Unless you claimed I was unfit to own it, I realize with some fear. I change my tone to reflect the fact that Ranger could actually have control of the property. “Please, Ranger, it’s been in my family for generations. I need a place to get on my feet, and to take care of this baby. You won’t ever have to see us, and I promise I won’t make you take any part in rearing or raising this little one.”
At his unnerving silence, I push on. I can’t leave, this is all I’ve got. “At the very least, let me have the house and my veggie garden. I can make do with that; I’ve made ends meet with a lot less.” I’m grateful as I remember the generous wad of cash that Mathilda gave me upon my departure.