When she was married, she could sit down with them and explain. And as much as they might protest, there would be no undoing it without an annulment . . . Ruthann cringed at the thought of them knowing Nate planned to annul the marriage as soon as possible.
Perhaps she would leave that part out. Especially considering she hoped to change his mind.
“Then let’s get to a church before Mama catches wind of this insanity,” Stuart said as he gestured to the door.
Ruthann glanced up at Nate as he held the door for her, but he looked straight ahead, every muscle in his face rigid.
She pressed her shoulders back, and then, just as she passed, he looked down. That fear was still there, but his eyes were like melted chocolate, and for just a moment, she thought she saw hope reflected in them.
He looked back up immediately, but Ruthann smiled to herself as she stepped outside.
He did care for her, as much as he wished to hide it. And by the time this day was over, she would be Mrs. Nathaniel Harper.
Then she could get to work showing him how much she adored him.
Chapter Eight
STUART AND NORAH PARKERwere the only witnesses to the hasty wedding. They were halfway to the church when Stuart realized they needed a second witness, and Ruthann suggested Norah. They backtracked to the Parkers’ home, which Nate remembered vividly from paying many visits with Jeremy and Stuart.
Norah in tow, they arrived at the nearest church. It wasn’t the one that the Joliets normally attended, and Nate suspected Stuart had done that on purpose. They were in luck—the preacher was not only present, but more than willing to marry a “couple so in love,” as he’d put it.
Nate had cringed some at the man’s words, but Ruthann had smiled brightly at him. He’d then spent a solid ten minutes wondering if that smile was only to please the minister, or for some other reason Nate didn’t dare entertain.
He hated doing this. Ruthann deserved so much better than a man like him. And yet at the same time, a part of him wanted to yelp in glee. That must be the nineteen-year-old version of himself, the boy who hadn’t yet seen the horrors of the world. Whose most pressing worries were of when he might see his friend’s little sister again and whether his mother had saved enough beef for that stew he liked.
Before he’d given in to the urge to kiss Ruthann. Before his mother had suddenly died. And before he’d made the worst decision of his life.
Now Ruthann looked up at him with all the innocent hope in the world as he held her small hands in his own and the minister spoke the words of the marriage ceremony. Stuart stood stiffly nearby, while Norah gazed at them in utter happiness. Nate wondered if she’d look so happy once her friend explained the truth of the situation to her.
Although with the way Ruthann was looking at him now, he could almost forget this was temporary. And he could almost forget what he’d promised Stuart.
Having Ruthann nearby all the time was going to try every shred of self-control Nate had, and the Army had ensured he had plenty of that.
He tried to keep a neutral expression, even as the minister pronounced them husband and wife. And it worked—until he was told he could kiss the bride.
Nate’s mind spun. How could he have forgotten this would be part of the ceremony? Stuart shot daggers at him with his eyes while Norah clasped her hands to her chest.
