“It is my business if it means the marriage can be annulled.”
Cody didn’t like the man’s tone—much less, his suggestion. “A marriage cannot be annulled unless the man or woman wishes it to be. Considering neither one of us wants to dissolve this union, your argument is invalid.”
Annoyance flashed over the man’s hawk-like face. He tapped his briefcase with his fingers. “But are you truly married? If there’s no plan to have children, then this”—he motioned between Cody and Ella—“isn’t valid.”
Maybe having a grizzly side had its benefits. “Not that it’s any of your concern, but we do intend to have children. So again, your point holds no water.” Thank God he and Ella had that conversation.
Blackwell didn’t seem inclined to give up. He leaned forward, sharp gaze biting into Cody’s. “Why did you marry so quickly?”
“My children needed a mother. I planned to send for a mail-order bride, but Ella volunteered to marry me instead.”
The lawyer frowned, looking at Ella. “This was your idea?”
She nodded. The man’s frown deepened. He glanced at his notes. “We could still cite coercion since you may have felt as though there was no other choice…”
“Coercion!” Ella’s voice came out shrill. “If you want to know what coercion looks like, try asking Mr. Archambeau what he attempted the night I left Boston! Ask him about the bruises he left on my body. Or how he manipulated me for years. Or said he would force me to marry him. Ask my parents how they ignored my pleas to break the engagement and insisted I marry Howard despite his abuse.Thatis coercion.”
She pointed a finger at Blackwell. Her voice went quiet and steely. “When I met Cody, I quickly found out he was different. I offered to marry him to give the children a mother. He tried to talk me out of it. This was my choice. I’d do it again if given the chance. My husband is an excellent man, and we are raising three orphaned children together. Life here might be hard, but it is good. I regret nothing.”
Pride straightened Cody’s spine. Ella might be terrified, but she wasn’t backing down. He couldn’t help but admire the fire in her eyes.
Blackwell looked at Cody again. “Consider carefully, Mr. Brooks. Miss Mountbatten belongs with people of her class. If you don’t let her go, there are those who might be inclined to use other methods of persuasion to gain their objective.”
“This conversation is over.” Cody pinned the lawyer with a fierce look. “I suggest you leave the property before you find yourself in an unfortunate accident.”
Rearing back, Blackwell widened his eyes. “There’s no need to sound hostile.”
“No need to sound hostile?” Heat rushed through Cody’s veins. He stood, towering over the lawyer. “You come to my town claiming you plan to take my wife from me. You come into my home and ask rude questions. You try to bribe me to end my marriage, and you use veiled threats as a fear tactic.” Each word grew in volume as he tried—and failed—to control his anger. “So you’ll excuse me if I soundhostile.” He stepped closer, hands on his hips. “And if you don’t get out of our home in ten seconds, you’ll see exactly how hostile I can be.”
Blackwell hopped to his feet. “No need to threaten. I’m going.” He shot a glare over his shoulder when he reached the door. “But this isn’t over.”
The door slammed behind the man. Cody turned to Ella. He barely registered how close she was before she burrowed against him, trembling.
Her hands gripped the front of his shirt. “I should have known my father leaving wasn’t the end of it.”
Rapid, unsteady puffs of breath penetrated the cloth and warmed his skin. Cody wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. She buried her face in his chest. Her body shook so hard, he had to brace his feet to keep her from pulling them both down. “He can’t do anything, Ella.”
“He’ll try. And did you hear what he said? He’s not just working for my father. Howard is his client too.”
Cody’s brow furrowed. “Is that significant?”
“It means Howard might show up here to try to get me back.”
“Then he’ll have me to deal with.” Who knew his tone could be so menacing?
Ella pulled back, studying him. “How do you do that?”
“Do what?”
Her smile, fragile and gentle, pulled at his heart. “Make me feel better without trying.”
Apparently, she didn’t require an answer. She leaned into him again, but this time, her trembling stopped. A soft sigh escaped as she fully relaxed. Cody held her, lending the strength he knew she needed and trying not to notice how perfectly she fit in his arms.
A cry from upstairs broke them apart. Ella smoothed back her hair and met his gaze. “Addie’s up. I’ll go get her and check on the boys.”
Cody could only nod, his gaze following her as she headed to the children’s room. Her bravery in the face of fear astounded him. She stood her ground and refused to give in to Blackwell’s bullying. It was another thing Cody could add to the list of traits he admired about his wife.
He held back a snort. Admired? Things had gone well past admiration.
