She couldn’t deny the kindness he possessed. He might hide it from the world behind a stoic exterior, but living with him proved his heart was true. She already knew him to be a good, protective man. Travis and Cassie trusted him. And there was their interaction in the barn yesterday, a memory that still took her breath away.
Sparks had churned between them when she noticed how close their faces were. For a moment, she’d been sure he was about to kiss her. Equal parts panic and anticipation filled her, and Ella still couldn’t say which had been stronger. When he backed away as if struck, disappointment and relief flooded her. Never before had she felt both emotions at the same time. Her reaction confused her.
A little sigh left her lips. For so long, she’d been a romantic, hoping for a love that stood the test of time. Howard broke her of that dream. She’d thought she had no choice but to marry him. Then that fateful night happened when she took her future into her own hands. Running away might have been foolish, but it led her here. And Harmony Springs was taking hold of her heart as surely as…
Ella jolted from her thoughts as a rough hand grasped her arm. Someone spun her around with a grunt. “I ought to have known you’d be flittering away your time in a dress shop.”
Her heart plummeted to her stomach. She knew that voice. When she raised her eyes, fear clawed her insides. “Father. What are you doing here?”
“That’s all you have to say for yourself?” Giving her a shake, his hand dug harder into her upper arm. “How could you, Ariella? Do you have any idea the scandal you’ve caused by disappearing without a word?”
Some of her fear diminished as her spirit rose to the surface. “Scandal?Scandal? You don’t care about what happens to me in private, but you’re concerned when it impactsyourimage?” She jerked away, tearing herself from his grip. “If you’re so worried about scandal, you should never have engaged me to Howard!”
A resounding slap sent her reeling backward. Ella’s hand went to her stinging cheek.
Her father advanced, his eyes hard. “That connection is best for our families. Howard was heartbroken by your disappearance. You’re coming back with me and making things right.”
The unladylike snort that escaped her made Father frown. Ella backed away farther, putting a table of cloth between them. “I’m not going anywhere. Harmony Springs is my home.”
Father sneered. “I say what you are going to do, and you’re coming with me.” He rounded the table with alarming speed, once more grabbing her arm. Ella’s fear flared up again. She struggled against his strong grip. “No! Let me go!”
A new voice broke into the fray, gruff and familiar. “Get your hands off ofmywife.”
All at once, Father stumbled away. Ella’s hand went to her arm. Already, she could feel a bruise forming. Her eyes found her father again. His face was red with anger as he tried to wiggle away from Cody, who held him in a vice grip. Her husband wore a thunderous expression. Gone was the soft-hearted bear. With her father, he was all grizzly.
Father recovered his composure. “I beg your pardon, sir.” His voice took on the cordial quality that fooled many a member of society. “You must have the wrong young lady. This is my daughter, Ariella Mountbatten. I’ve come to bring her home.”
“I know who you are, and I know my wife. She’s Ella Brooks now.”
His voice held a note of possessiveness that screamedmine!Under any other circumstances, it would’ve raised Ella’s hackles. Right now, it felt downright protective. She wanted to scurry into the shelter of his arms and never let go.
Her father laughed, a note of scorn in the sound. He glanced at Ella. “You mean to tell me you’ve been here a couple weeks and married this…” His eyes turned to Cody, scanning him up and down. Disdain marred his face. “Farmer?”
“Rancher.” Cody released her father and stepped to her side. He held out his arm.
Ella scooted beneath it, gratified when he looped it around her and pulled her close. She burrowed into him. His strength calmed her. He would keep her safe, of that she was sure.
Father’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t believe you. My daughter would never marry someone so beneath her. And in so short a time!”
Cody growled, the sound dangerous. “Believe it.”
Mrs. Greyson appeared from the back room, her arms full of parcels. “Here we are,” she chirped. “I’m sorry you’ll have to come back for the remainder of the dresses, Mrs. Brooks. I hope it won’t be too much of an inconvenience.” She stopped when she saw Ella’s father. “Good afternoon, sir. I’ll be with you as soon as I finish with Mr. and Mrs. Brooks.”
For once, Father was struck dumb. He stared at the seamstress, then at Cody, then at Ella. And his anger erupted. “This is a conspiracy!”
Mrs. Greyson frowned. “Whatever do you mean?”
“This man”—he jabbed a finger in Cody’s direction—“isnotmarried to my daughter. Not when she is engaged to someone else.”
Ella bristled. “Cody is my husband. You might not like the fact, but a fact it remains.”
Her father took a step forward.
Cody matched it, standing in front of Ella to shield her. “You will not touch her again. She is no longer under your thumb.”
The bell above the door jingled. Ella peeked around Cody’s broad back to see Travis enter the shop. She took her place against her husband once more as Travis crossed his arms over his chest. “Trouble here, folks?”
Father turned. His face reddened. “You!”
