The Marriage Bargain. Angel Moore

he could hammer without hitting her. He worked with several small nails between his lips. Each time he hammered one into place he retrieved another.

      Talking around the nails, he admitted, “I knew you hadn’t slept the night before. You needed the rest.”

      “I’m sorry.” She shifted so he could put the next piece of trim on the opposite side of her, all while holding the pane of glass. “I wanted to help you.”

      “There was nothing you could do this morning. I was picking up the supplies we need.” He tapped the last piece into place, and she backed away. It was difficult to be so close to him working, knowing neither of them had intended to be working together at all, much less as husband and wife.

      “Well, all the same, I’d have been here if I were awake.” Her stomach rumbled again.

      “Let me guess.” He picked up the box of tools and headed for the workroom. “You didn’t eat breakfast.”

      She followed to retrieve the broom and dustpan. She might not have gone with him to buy the supplies, but she would clean up the mess. “No. I wasn’t sure where you were. I was late enough as it was.”

      He dropped the box onto the workbench. “Lily, we need to establish some kind of expectations for our relationship and act accordingly.”

      She stilled, broom in hand, and leaned against the doorway between the shop and the workroom.

      Edward exhaled as if he were gathering his nerve. “We were able to work together in a friendly manner before the fire. I’d like for us to continue to do that. We’ve both been on pins and needles since we decided to get married. We both did it for noble reasons. Do you think you can relax? I declare, the more nervous you are around me, the more nervous it makes me.” He stopped and drew in a deep breath.

      A rumbling laugh bubbled up in her throat. She tried to swallow it but couldn’t. “You’re so right. We’re no different than we were two days ago.”

      His eyebrows shot up. “Maybe a little different.”

      She did laugh then. “Yes, but we’re the same people. With the same goals.”

      “Some of the goals are different, too.” He scrunched up his face a bit.

      “You know what I mean.” She stepped forward and put a hand on his arm. “I agree with you. Let’s continue as the friends we were becoming before the fire.”

      “Good.” He looked at her and then at her hand on his arm.

      She dropped her hand. “I’m glad we got that settled.” She turned to go back into the shop and sweep up the glass.

      Edward followed her. “Would you like some lunch?”

      “Yes, I would. As soon as I sweep up this mess, I’ll go upstairs and put something together for us. All my food stores are still here.”

      “All right.” He nodded toward the workroom. “Then I’ll get to work in here.”

      “Okay, then.” She swept up the glass, wondering what her life would be like now. Everything she’d envisioned was like the glass at her feet. Shattered. Beyond repair. Replaced by something new. The new glass served the same purpose, but the old glass would soon be forgotten. Could she forget her dreams of independence? Would her new life afford her the same fulfillment? Establishing her shop would make her financially independent. That would be a comfort to her as she watched the rest of her dreams disappear. Tonight Ellen would return, and Lily’s new role as mother to the young girl would begin.

      Lily knew opening a new business would be a great challenge. She was certain winning Ellen’s trust would be greater.