Chapter 9

Chapter

Nine

As soon as the train stopped, Nico caught sight of Walter standing on the platform and waving wildly at him with a grin that looked like it might split his face in two. Nico cried out delightedly, “Papa!” He wanted desperately to rush into his father’s arms and hug him close, but he had to help Eden off the train. She still looked a little peaked after the long trip.

Apparently, Walter felt the same overwhelming need for a hug. He dashed toward them and wrapped Nico in his arms, bestowing a kiss on his cheek, exclaiming, “Welcome home, my wonderful, brilliant son the doctor . It’s so good to have you back at last. We’ve missed you ferociously!”

Eden tucked that information away, deciding that cleared up her question about Nico’s parentage, until Walter continued, “Your mother and father are beside themselves with excitement and wanted to join me, but we wanted to make sure we had room in the carriage for you and your baggage.” Then Walter turned and also wrapped Eden in a bear hug, exclaiming, “Welcome to our family, my dear. I’m Nicolo’s father Walter James.” Now she was terribly confused and tried to smile through her befuddlement. Walter just kept chattering away, not seeming to notice her puzzled expression.

She managed to say, “Pleased to meet you, Mr. James.”

Walter laughed and said, “Oh, no. That won’t do. Call me Walter, or better yet, Papa, the way Nicolo does. We’ll be related soon enough, I understand. And I must say, we’re all delighted that you have captured our boy’s heart, Eden.” He winked at Nico and whispered, “She’s quite beautiful, son.”

Nico noticed Eden’s expression and, as Walter hoisted a valise into the carriage exclaiming proudly that it was so heavy it must contain several wonderful books, Nico whispered to her, “Apparently, I have some explaining to do. Sorry.”

Nico did not have a chance to tell her anything on the ride home, however, because Walter took it upon himself to point out all the new buildings and local changes that had happened in Nico’s absence. Acting as an enthusiastic Los Angeles ambassador, Walter jabbered on cheerfully and incessantly until they reached the house. Upon their arrival, he turned the carriage over to a stable hand and helped Nico take their bags to the front door where a couple of servants whisked them away.

When they entered the house, a raucous cheer went up, and a beautiful blonde woman with golden curls similar to Nico’s—only hers were interspersed with silver—rushed forward and planted a kiss on both of Nico’s cheeks as she clasped him in her arms. She had tears in her eyes, she was so happy to see him, but she was speaking in rapid French, so Eden didn’t have any idea what the woman was saying. Finally, the lady stepped back and excused herself to Eden, “Pardon me, my dear, I sometimes get carried away and forget my English, even after all these years. Welcome to our family—I am so thrilled to meet you.” Then she bestowed kisses on both of Eden’s cheeks as well.

The room was suddenly flooded with a myriad of people who loved and cared for Nico. He was hugged and kissed over and over, first by a man he introduced as his pa, Isaac, and then his brothers Bay and Warren as well as his sisters Ondine and Martha and all of their respective spouses. He had new little nieces and nephews to admire, and there were business associates, friends, employees, and on and on. Obviously, his family was well loved by many, and Nico’s achievement was something for everyone to celebrate.

Each time someone approached them to welcome Eden and congratulate Nico, Eden could not help noticing that Nico was polite and cheerful, but he seemed to be looking over a lot of shoulders as if trying to find someone else. This happened over and over until each friend or relative had spoken to them. Nico perused the room one more time, and the light went out of his eyes a bit as his shoulders drooped with a touch of sadness. She wondered just who was missing that would cause such a reaction in him—especially since it felt as if half of Los Angeles was already present. After greeting Nico, most of the non-related guests gradually drifted out to get back to work or get back to their children at home, and it was just Nico’s immediate family left with a few others.

She forgot to worry about Nico’s melancholy expression, however, when she met Louis Montrachet—the man everyone called Doc Louis—who entered the room briskly despite his age. Eden recognized his name, of course—he had come up multiple times during her courtship with Nico.

Doc Louis was older than anyone else she’d met that day, but he looked sharp and spry despite his thinning white hair. Eden liked him immediately.

The doctor apologized for arriving late, saying he was held up by a broken arm he needed to set. In a heavy French accent he explained, “The imbécile tumbled off his horse last night after too much whiskey, and he did not know it was hurt so badly until he woke up sober this morning.”

Doc Louis beamed at Nico as brightly as Nico’s family. After speaking to them, Doc Louis wandered off and wrapped his arm around a stylish older French woman named Marguerite she’d met earlier. Eden assumed this was Doc Louis’ wife. Marguerite seemed to be close friends with Nico’s mother.

At last, Suzette announced, “I’m sure you’re both famished after your long trip, so we’ll get you settled in Nicolo’s room and then sit down for a nice luncheon.”

Eden blinked. “Nico’s room?”

“Do you prefer your own room instead?” Suzette asked with a tiny frown. “I do not mean to be presumptuous—I just assumed. But we have plenty of vacant bedrooms.”

Eden glanced around and realized the house was enormous. She was momentarily too embarrassed to speak about where she preferred to sleep, however.

Nico broke into her reverie saying, “You presumed just fine, Maman. We’ll share my room.” Eden’s attention snapped to him, and her jaw dropped a little.

“Eh, bien.” Suzette gave Eden a sweet smile. “Nicolo must have explained that we are open-minded people in this family. And you are soon to be married, after all.” Suzette scrutinized Eden’s face, and, noticing her pallor, added, “Quite soon, I assume. Are you feeling well?”

“I, um, well, the train ride was a bit difficult on my stomach, I’m afraid, but I’m frankly quite hungry, so luncheon sounds wonderful, Mrs.… um… James ...?”

“It’s Suzette Stark-James, actually, the same as Nicolo’s surname, but please call me Maman. Or, if that makes you uncomfortable, call me Suzette.” Looking down at Eden’s body with a quick glance, she added, “And may I offer you my congratulations.”

“Thank you. We haven’t actually set a wedding date yet,” Eden replied .

“I understand, but I meant?—”

Just then, Walter arrived at her side, producing a tray of champagne glasses, interrupting her with, “Nicolo’s graduation from medical school warrants a toast!”

Nico beamed at him and answered with gusto, “Thank you, Papa,” as he picked up a glass and handed it to Eden. Then he took one for himself.

Isaac also approached and lifted a glass, saying, “Congratulations to our wonderful son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law. We commend you both for your hard work in school and are delighted with your upcoming marriage.”

Walter added hastily, “And may there be many babies! I just love grandchildren. They make us feel young again, don’t they, Isaac?” Isaac chuckled at him with fondness, and then he put his arm around Walter to give him a hug that Walter acknowledged with a quick kiss on the cheek.

“à votre santé!” Suzette added and glanced once more at Eden’s waistline.

Eden and Nico beamed at each other and swallowed some champagne, then Nico said, “Let me show you to our bedroom, and we’ll come back in a few minutes to eat.” He looked at Suzette and said, “Thank you, Maman,” then at his fathers, one after the other and added, “Pa. Papa. It was so nice of you to have everyone come over to greet us. It was a wonderful homecoming.” He took Eden’s arm. “Shall we?” He led her down the hall away from his parents. He couldn’t help but notice that Eden looked exhausted, and he knew she was famished.

“The luncheon will be served in ten minutes, Nicolo,” Suzette called as she headed to the kitchen to make sure everything was ready.

Nico opened the bedroom door and a wave of nostalgia swept over him. Before leaving for San Francisco, this had been his personal domain for his entire life—only ever shared with Matty. He rallied his flagging spirits and said with slightly forced satisfaction, “Oh, look at this, they already put our bags in here for us.”

Eden stepped in and realized the room was large and well-appointed with stylish furniture. She’d never had such a lovely space to live in in her life. “This is beautiful, Nico.”

That bolstered his spirits because of the pride he felt for Isaac. “My pa made all of the furniture. He’s so talented. He’s also a violinist. Wait until you hear him and Maman play together. They’re incredible.”

“Does your papa play too?”

“No. He’s like me. Good at other things. He loves books and designs wonderful buildings and sometimes machinery. He probably designed some of the buildings he pointed out on the way here, but he was too modest to say so. He’s quite brilliant.”

“Excuse me for asking, but which of them is your father?”

“Don’t know for sure, but I’m betting on Papa. Walter. Mostly because of my lack of musical talent. ”

“And your pa doesn’t care?”

“Why would he?”

“Well, who is married to your mother?”

“Oh, both of them, I guess.”

“You guess?”

“Yes, I’m sorry I never explained this to you. As they tell it, some greedy, shifty judge up in San Francisco married their business partners Royal and Jasper to the lady named Adeline you met earlier. She’s also an incredible pianist, by the way, and is one of Pa’s—Isaac’s—best friends because they’ve played together for years. I mean music. They’ve played music.” Nico’s face turned a little pink. “Anyway, the three of them recommended to Papa, Pa, and Maman that they go find the same judge and get hitched the same way by paying him off with gold. So, I guess they did. My fathers consider themselves married to each other the same as to Maman. It’s always seemed normal to me because I was raised around these two families, but when I got to know other kids at school, I realized we were something of an oddity in Los Angeles. Still, no one seems to care much. I hope it doesn’t bother you for any reason.” He took Eden’s hand and looked into her eyes. “If my unconventional family is too much for you, I’ll understand. I’d be terribly sad, but I’ll understand.”

Eden blinked a few times and swayed on her feet a little. “I’m going to be sick,” she whispered. Nico rushed her to the toilet and watched while she dry-heaved a couple of times. She stood and washed her hands and face and rallied. He quickly poured her a glass of water, saying, “Would you like to lie down? I’m sorry if I’ve upset you.”

“No, I’m not upset. I just don’t feel very well. Your family is so warm and lovely, how could any of this upset me? I can see how each of your parents complement one another now that I understand the relationship. Who am I to say there is anything wrong with their… union?”

Nico breathed a sigh of relief. He hoped she really meant what she said; she seemed sincere about it.

“Can we please go and get something to eat? I don’t remember ever being so hungry.”

Nico thought the hunger and the nausea together sounded odd, but he answered, “Of course, my dearest. Let’s go.” As they walked back toward the dining room, he noticed that Eden’s hand felt clammy, and she still had an odd pallor, so he stopped her and looked closely into her eyes. “When did you last menstruate?”

That brought a bit of color to her cheeks at least, but then her eyes widened as if in horror. “Oh no. Nico, I must be pregnant! That’s why I feel so wretched all of a sudden. I haven’t bled since we were together at The Discovery. I’ve been so occupied, I completely forgot.”

A warm excitement buzzed through Nico as he thought about having a blue-eyed son or daughter, and his next thought was, I can’t wait to tell Matty—oh wait… I can’t . Then he wrapped his arms around her saying, “That’s wonderful news. You’ve made me so happy. ”

“Are you sure?” His embrace was comforting, so she snuggled in to get closer to his chest.

“Of course! I’m excited to tell my family the good news. We’ll just want to be married sooner than expected, that’s all. Unless you want to wait...”

“Um, no. I see no reason to wait. I would marry you today if you wanted to.”

“Then let’s go have something to eat and then go find the priest.”

“Um… I’m Lutheran… not a very good one though.”

Nico laughed softly and answered, “Don’t worry, I’m a terrible Catholic. The parish priest here is a family friend though. He’ll help us—or we’ll find a judge. But Father Andrew has dined at our table many, many times. In fact, I’m surprised he wasn’t here to greet us when we arrived. He must have been busy.”

Eden wondered briefly whether it was the priest’s absence that had made Nico look so disappointed earlier. But… that didn’t make a lot of sense to her. Nico had never mentioned Father Andrew before. However, he hadn’t been all that forthcoming with information about anyone at home, she now realized. It was too late to back out of marrying him because of the baby, but she fervently hoped there weren’t any more major surprises—like having three parents. She would have to get used to that idea.

She still had a quizzical look on her face as they sat down with Nico’s parents at the dining room table. Nico was grinning broadly.

Eden couldn’t help noticing that the joy his smile projected didn’t seem to reach his eyes.

“Where did the rest of the guests go?” he asked as they sat down to a lovely luncheon of fresh, wonderfully seasoned seafood and vegetables.

“They all thoughtfully agreed,” Suzette answered, “that we needed to get acquainted with Eden and spend time welcoming you back in a more private setting.”

Nico let out a sigh and grinned. “Probably a good idea because we have some more news for you that is somewhat personal.”

“The baby?” Suzette asked.

Eden gasped. “How could you know?”

Laughing delightedly, Suzette answered, “My dear one, I have had five children. You develop a sixth sense after a few pregnancies. Our friend Adeline only had to look at me to tell me I was pregnant with Ondine while I was still completely unaware. I thought I was suddenly dying of a terrible malady that made me want to do nothing more than sleep and vomit.”

“This is fantastic news! Congratulations,” Walter beamed at them.

“We’re thrilled for you,” Isaac said and raised his glass. “To the next Stark-James, and to his or her lucky parents.”

“Thank you all, but I hope my own parents are as thrilled and understanding about this as you are,” Eden replied .

Suzette gave a tiny snort and tried to cover it with her napkin. “ We have no right to call the kettle black,” she muttered.

“We’ll just marry before we go and tell them,” Nico declared. “They can’t say much about it then.” He looked at his parents and said, “After lunch, I think we’ll go find Father Andrew and see about a wedding.”

“I’m sure he’ll be delighted, Nicolo,” Suzette said, beaming at them. “He has asked about you frequently while you were gone, but he does not know about Eden.”

That made Eden pause. She had certainly been writing to her family that she was seeing a wonderful young man who was to become a doctor. That they never answered her letters wasn’t much of a concern. She knew how busy they were with the ranch. She had not yet had the opportunity to tell them that Nico had proposed, however. Why would Nico not have told his parents about her sooner? Was he less sure of her than he’d let on?

“I did tell you we were coming home together, Maman, and you knew we were planning to marry.”

“Yes, but that was only a week ago; I have not seen Father Andrew since then.”

Hearing that made Eden feel somewhat better, but she still wondered why he wasn’t more informative about her to his family.

Suzette continued, “We should have Marguerite design a wedding gown for you, Eden. She is retired now, but she was a magnificent fashion designer in France and then in San Francisco—sought after by everyone who wanted to look their best. She would be honored to do this for you as Doc Louis has such a special relationship with Nicolo. They feel like extended family anyway.”

“Oh, I’m not sure I could afford anything like a custom-designed gown…” Eden tried to protest.

“Don’t even think of it. It will be our pleasure to pay Marguerite for her artistry—if she even asks for payment. She might just want to do it for a lark.”

Eden thought of how long a special gown might take to make, and she felt as if the sand was quickly running out of her personal hourglass. Nevertheless, she smiled and said, “What an honor. I don’t know what to say except thank you very much.”

“When you get back from seeing Father Andrew, we’ll have Marguerite measure you. You’ll be surprised at how quickly she can work,” Suzette added. She could see the worry in the young woman’s eyes.

“Let’s not wear Eden out, Maman. She is terribly tired, you know.”

“Yes, Nicolo. I am aware. Marguerite can come here. She is only a short walk up the street, after all. After that, Eden can have a rest.”

The Stark-James parents proceeded to ask Eden question after question about her family and their cattle ranch. While she spoke fondly of her parents and brothers, it quickly became obvious to all of them she had no desire to return to that way of life. Walter seemed especially understanding and told her, “Nicolo’s godfather Uncle Royal was raised on a dairy farm in New York, and he couldn’t wait to leave.” He nodded sagely. “The two of you probably have a lot in common.”

Throughout the conversation, Eden noted how affectionately all three of Nico’s parents spoke to one another. It was nothing like her family. They made eye contact and gave each other sweet smiles as if to say, “Wait until we’re alone.”

She felt the palpable attraction amongst them; it made her want to yank Nico back down the hall and rip his clothes off. She wondered what had come over her. Before today, she was definitely attracted to Nico and looked forward to sharing his bed again, but the fierceness of this desire was new. She thought she might combust if they weren’t given the chance for some alone time… soon.

Although Eden was more than ready for a nap when lunch ended, she also wanted fervently to get this wedding accomplished now that she knew she was with child. It couldn’t happen fast enough, as far as she was concerned. She had meant it when she said that today would be fine with her.

“May we go see your priest now?” she asked Nico as soon as the dishes were cleared away .

“Absolutely. Shall we walk or take a carriage? It’s only about fifteen minutes away on foot.”

“It’s a beautiful day, and I’d love to walk.” Eden had no desire to get into another moving vehicle after her train ride. So, off they went with instructions to offer greetings to Father Andrew from Nico’s parents.

“Be sure to invite him to dinner soon,” Suzette said.

When they arrived at the church, which was a beautiful structure in the Spanish mission style, Nico led Eden around to the side of the building to the office entrance. Entering the room, they encountered a young nun who was dusting Father Andrew’s desk. She jumped a couple of inches in the air when the door opened.

“Good afternoon, Sister. Sorry to startle you. We’re here to see Father Andrew. Is he available?”

Her eyes dropped to look at the floor as she spoke. “N… no. He’s away g… g… giving last rights. B… but F… F… Father De… De… De…” She huffed. “Matthew is in the sanctuary.” Her final words tumbled out quickly, and her face turned crimson.

“Oh! He must be new since I went away. Thank you, Sister. We’ll just go find him then.” As he led Eden out of an interior door to the sanctuary, he said softly, “Let’s hope this Father Matthew is as nice a fellow as Father Andrew.”

In the otherwise deserted sanctuary, Nico looked around until he saw the silhouette of a tall, broad-shouldered priest standing in front of a stained-glass window as if studying its story. The window depicted Eve being tempted by the serpent, and suddenly Nico smiled and wondered if this was somehow prophetic. Eden. He’d seen that window himself probably hundreds of times and never thought about the significance. Then his mind caught on the thought that Eden was his own personal garden of delight, and he squeezed her hand.

“Excuse me, Father?” Nico spoke loudly across the large space, obviously interrupting the man’s reverie. Father Matthew jerked and spun around with a surprised look on his face. Eden gasped inwardly at the man’s incandescent beauty; no one had the right to be that attractive.

The priest didn’t notice her reaction. Instead, he was staring at Nico with an unreadable expression. There was recognition there, Eden was sure of that, but something else, too—something far deeper. Sadness and happiness and confusion and… could it be passion?… all wrapped up in a stormy gaze.

The priest’s eyes drifted down from Nico’s face to his body, and then to his hand, currently clasped in her own. Concerned that the show of affection might be improper in a house of worship, she pulled away.

Nico didn’t notice. He made a strangled sound and rushed toward the priest—leaving her alone.

Both men ran the final few steps toward one another and crashed together, wrapping their arms tightly around one another, and oddly, they both seemed to be crying and laughing at the same time. This had to be the strangest thing she’d ever seen. Nico had embraced her plenty of times with affection, but this display spoke of desperation, elation, and sorrow. As they finally separated a little, they looked into each other’s eyes and were suddenly kissing . Passionately.

Eden let out an anguished cry and thought she might faint. She dropped into the closest pew and put her hands over her face. But then she had to look again as if she were a moth drawn to a flame. As much as she wanted to look away, she could not. Despite the tears pouring down her face, the sight stirred something profound within her, and she had no name for it.

Father Matthew was the first to pull back, saying, “Sorry. Sorry . This is wrong, Nico. We can’t. I can’t.”

Nico remembered himself suddenly and spun around looking for Eden. He rushed to her and took her hand, trying to encourage her into a standing position. It wasn’t working. She snatched her hand away as if his touch caused her pain.

“Just let me be, Nico,” she sobbed. “I need to gather myself.” Eden shook all over.

“I need to explain.”

“No one is stopping you, though I’m not sure it needs much explanation,” she said between hiccupping gulps and moans. She wrapped her arms around her stomach and rocked forward and back in the pew. “Obviously, you love someone else, and you’ve used me! I’ve been a complete fool.” She wouldn’t look at him, but she stole a glance at Father Matthew, who had followed Nico toward her .

She couldn’t quite get over the priest’s beauty. She had thought Nico was the most attractive man she’d ever known, but this person looked like an angel, he was so perfect. But… a priest? She was ready to go to confession for her thoughts right then and there, and she wasn’t even a Catholic. How can I even contemplate such a thing? Nico has betrayed me in the worst possible way, and I’m looking at this man with longing? I’ve lost my mind.

Nico gave up trying to get Eden to stand up, so he sat down next to her, wrapped an arm around her to quell her shakes and make her stop rocking. He looked up and asked, “So, you’re Father Matthew now? I guess ‘Father Matty’ would sound rather juvenile, now that I think about it, and you’re all grown up, aren’t you?”

Matty had added a good six inches of height to his frame since he’d last been in Los Angeles and was now as tall as Nico. Apparently, he’d been a late bloomer.

“It’s Father Deacon Matthew Remington actually, but that’s rather a mouthful for some people. I haven’t taken my final vows yet. I’ve only been ordained as a deacon so far.”

“Ah. Well, let me introduce my fiancée, Eden Godwin. We came to talk to Father Andrew about marrying us.” Nico had an edge to his voice that was not all that friendly. He dashed a tear away from his eye, which puzzled Eden as much as their earlier reaction to one another.

Kissing? Anger? Tears? What is going on? She squirmed out of his embrace .

Father Matthew stuck out a hand toward Eden, saying, “Pleased to meet you, Miss Godwin. When are you planning to marry?”

Eden was still for a moment and then reluctantly raised her hand—nearly jolting at the feel of him as his hand closed around hers. She decided she must be reacting to her pregnancy because there was clearly something wrong with her. She suddenly had a fervent desire to kiss this man the same way Nico had done. She locked eyes with him, and a bolt of something like recognition sizzled between them. They’d never laid eyes on one another, but it was as if they’d known each other for years. Eden’s shock was mirrored in Father Matthew’s eyes.

And such magnificent eyes they were. Bright and dazzling like a summer sky.

Staring unabashedly at him, she noticed he did have a slight imperfection in the shape of his nose, but the small crook in it merely enhanced his appeal. She fervently wanted to hate him but found that impossible.

Father Matthew seemed to shake himself out of a trance and looked back at Nico when no one answered his question. “Nico? The wedding plans?”

“Where’s Father Andrew?” Nico asked instead of answering.

“He’s out administering the last rights to my father. I was summoned because the old man is dying, and I was needed to settle his estate—among other things. I find, in a most un- Christian manner, I can barely manage to face him—much to Father Andrew’s dismay. I was getting ready to return in a few months anyway to assist at this church, but I was ordered to return post-haste. So, here I am at long last.”

“Where have you been?”

“Well, obviously, at school and then seminary.” His arms widened to indicate his clothing.

Nico was vibrating with emotion, and Eden could feel it pouring off of him as he suddenly shouted. “And I suppose they don’t allow any communication to leave the seminary walls? Matty, I waited and waited to hear from you!” Then he bellowed, “How could you just leave like that and ignore me?” His voice hitched when he asked, “Did I mean nothing to you?”

Eden tried to pat Nico’s arm to quiet him, and her need to make him feel better confused her even more as Father Matthew said coolly, “Please remember where you are and show some respect. It’s obvious we need to talk, but the sanctuary is not the place for such a conversation.”

Eden narrowed her eyes at Father Matthew before patting Nico’s arm again. This situation was so strange. She could not understand her need to comfort the man who was breaking her heart. This was the most confusing day she’d ever had.

Overwhelmed with emotion, tears cascaded down Eden’s face. She cried for Nico’s obvious anguish, and she cried for her own grief at being taken for a fool. She cried for her baby’s fate, for how could she leave its father, or how could she marry its father knowing he loved another more than he loved her?

Still shouting, Nico jumped to his feet and roared, “Would you prefer to hear it in the confessional, Father ? Do you want to hear me admit how I’m still desperately and futilely in love with a man who is now a priest , and I am also engaged to this wonderful, enchanting woman who is having my baby, and I impregnated her without marrying her first because I was so desperate to prove to her my love that I couldn’t wait? And now she probably hates me—with good reason—because I was too cowardly to tell her anything about my family or about you because I was scared she wouldn’t love me back if she knew. Won’t that be a great pile of sins to absolve? Oh, and let’s not forget the burning hatred I harbor for your wretched, dying father. Quick, tell me to pray on it! I’m a rotten sinner who is not worthy of anyone’s love—least of all my precious Eden’s. And… I haven’t even been able to stomach going to mass since the day you disappeared.”

Returning his ire with an equally loud volume, Matty yelled back, “I’m not a priest yet! I cannot absolve your sins because I can’t administer holy sacraments—not even last rites! I can marry and bury people, but I cannot grant absolution. I’m still just a deacon—and apparently not a very righteous one—considering the way I feel about you.” His chest heaved and he clenched and unclenched his fists. In a softer voice, he pled with Nico, “Please, let’s go to my house where we can have some privacy. We’re probably scandalizing Sister Mary Gertrude. She’s so timid, the poor woman can’t even speak properly in front of me.”

“It’s not just you. We encountered that as well,” Nico muttered.

“Huh. She speaks just fine around Father Andrew and everyone else.”

As her gaze bounced back and forth between them, Eden thought she had a good idea why these two men had such an effect on the nun. They apparently robbed the woman of her senses. Even in their rage and sorrow, they both exuded a raw, sexual energy.

“Isn’t your disgusting father at your house?” Nico snapped. “I’m surprised you’d want to be anywhere near that man.”

“He’s at the clinic waiting to die. When Doc Louis called the seminary, they ordered me home to say my final goodbye and forgive him to his face,” Matty snorted bitterly.

“So everyone knew where you were but me? Has everyone I know been lying to me?”

“Quit feeling so sorry for yourself. You’re not the only heartbroken person here.” His eyes flicked to Eden briefly, and Eden thought she saw a flash of regret. “But no. No one knew until recently. The situation with my father escalated when his liver began to fail, and Father Andrew told Doc Louis about my whereabouts. He figured my father was beyond being able to do anything to me at that point. But, Nico, please, let’s all go to my house. I’m terribly uncomfortable here in the sanctuary talking about my father… and… us.”

“Don’t you have servants? They’ll hear us too, you know. And they can be big gossips if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“They’re all gone. I’ll have to at least hire a cook, but I haven’t had the time yet, nor do I have any money to pay for one until the estate is settled. I’ve only been back for a couple of days, and all I’ve done so far is see my father briefly and try to clean up the place.” He gave Nico a flat look. “You can imagine.”

“Yes, I guess I can.”

“I’ll just tell Sister Mary Gertrude where I’m going and that I’ll be gone for the rest of the day. Father Andrew will be back soon, and he’ll understand. He knows I needed to see you when you arrived. I just didn’t know it would be so soon… and with such lovely company.” He tried to smile at Eden, but instead looked melancholy and confused.

“I certainly didn’t expect to see you, but no one told you we were arriving today?”

“No.” Matty left them for a moment to speak to the nun, and during that respite, Eden still refused to look at Nico as he sat down beside her again. He could hardly blame her. It had to be difficult to hear that the man she loved also loved someone else—to witness the two of them kissing. Nico’s heart ached for the pain he had caused. He knew he should give her space, but when Eden tried to scoot away from him, he held fast to her. He couldn’t let her go.

Despite his arm around her shoulder, Eden had now concluded that Nico obviously loved Father Matthew with deeper fervor than he’d ever felt for her, and he’d loved him for far longer. He probably just needed her to work in his clinic after all, and that’s why he wanted to marry her—to make sure she’d come home with him. If she didn’t have a baby to consider, she might just go back to Capistrano and marry some boring cattleman. But that wouldn’t be right. Not for the cattleman or for her.

And someone had to do the right thing—no matter how badly it hurt. She had very few choices, but the most logical one might also be the most difficult. A deep river of regret stretched out in front of Eden, rippling grief and sadness that she imagined would stay with her for the rest of her life.

She’d never imagined pain like this. It was one thing to be disappointed by someone you didn’t care about, but to be betrayed by the love of your life was inconceivable.

When Nico nuzzled her neck and said softly, “I’m so sorry, Eden. I truly love you so deeply,” her heart cracked. She didn’t believe him—couldn’t believe him. Not after what she had just seen. She was certain that was a platitude to make her less emotional.

It wasn’t going to work.