Nick had to tell her he was in love with her. Once they cleared up the inheritance issue tomorrow, it would be a matter of days or weeks before she could move forward with the annulment. Frances might be spontaneous, but she also didn’t like having things thrown at her. His gut told him this was something she’d need time to stew over before having to decide.
Once the attorney left, Charles’ family joined them. They spent the rest of the evening in lively conversation and even played some games. It reminded Nick of his own family. As Frances rose for her turn at charades, he decided to tell her first thing in the morning. If she didn’t take his suggestion well, it might be the last night he got to spend with her.
“You’re even more quiet tonight than usual,” Luke said.
“Got a lot on my mind.” Nick didn’t want anything between himself and his brother-in-law. “Frances and I aren’t planning to come with y’all to the bank tomorrow.”
“Oh?”
Nick explained what they meant to do. “We figure while all ya’ll are getting an accounting of the estate, you can ask about a safe deposit box. Me and Frances can check it out at the other bank she mentioned. It might all be for nothing, but then we’ll know. We can join you when we’re finished.”
“I don’t know.” Luke rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful. “I don’t have a problem with you two going off on your own, but I don’t think it’d be smart to bring whatever William Lancaster wants right to him.”
“That Littrell said he told Lancaster he didn’t need to attend. If he’s stolen the girls’ fortunes, it’d be pretty gutsy to show up.”
“That man’s arrogance knows no bounds, believe me,” Luke said, his expression now grim. “If you two find something, hire a messenger to bring us word at the bank. We can meet back here to decide what to do with whatever you find.”
“And what if it turns out the safe deposit box is whereyou’reat?” Nick asked.
“We’ll wait to ask about that until after we’ve finished with the other business.”
“It’s a plan then.”
“I’m glad to see you and Frances so happy,” Luke said, clapping Nick on the shoulder. “I was surprised when she came around so easily to the idea of getting married. Who’d have thought?”
“Not me, that’s for sure.” Nick grinned, even though the knot in his stomach had tightened. It could all end tomorrow.
15
Nick shifted under Frances, and she woke from a pleasant dream. It was the first time in days that she hadn’t dreamed of her father’s death. Remembering how Nick had held her while she’d cried the last night on the train, she brought her hand to his cheek and cupped it. She loved the feel of his cleanly shaved face, but she found she also liked this early morning scruff.
Cuddled with Nick in the mornings, she always felt even closer to him. She ran her fingers lightly along his jaw. Her fingers found his lips, and she outlined them. Nick made that funny growl sound he sometimes did when she touched him. He brought his hand up to cover hers.
“You’re driving me crazy,” he said, his voice rough.
Frances lifted up on her elbow, grinning. “Does it tickle?”
“No, my love, it does something else.” His fiercely penetrating gaze startled her.
Then the endearment echoed in her mind, and she flopped onto her back. It was time to get dressed for the day. She started to get up, but Nick’s hand found hers.
“I need to talk to you about something important.” He laced their fingers. “I’m in love with you, Frances.”
No.A stab of pain skewered her heart, and she didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t. It wasn’t allowed. She’d told him she wasn’t going to marry anyone for real.
“I’m only telling you because I think you should know how I feel.” His next words came out in a hurry, as though he were afraid he might not get them out otherwise. “I’m not trying to put any pressure on you. All I’m asking is for you to give some thought to the possibility of staying married to me.”
Out of nowhere, anger surged through her. He’d ruined it. How could they stay friends if he felt this way?
Her eyes stung. She’d cried more since Christmas than she had the whole last year combined. And Nick had been there every time she had. She refused to cry in front of him again. Ripping her hand from his, she jumped from the bed. Without looking back at him, she went into the bathroom and slammed the door.
* * *
“Well, that went well,”Nick said to no one as he lay in the bed and stared at the ceiling. Without saying a word, she’d answered his question. Frances would have none of him when this was done. He’d served his purpose.
Maybe it was just as well. He’d stop pretending his marriage to her could be real and do his best to just be a friend like she wanted. It wasn’t her fault she didn’t return his affections.
A niggle of doubt crept into his mind.Please, Lord, don’t let me have ruined our friendship too.
