Chapter 5

"You would do damn well to stay out of my way for the next two years," Harvey growled as he alighted his jeep and saw his brother standing in front of the motor home. Knowing he had not utilized his keys to let himself in, he told Harvey he feared repercussions, and he should.

"I just need to speak with you."

Ignoring the pleading look and the desperation coating his tone, Harvey pushed him aside and opened the door.

Taking it as a good sign that he left the door open, Silas went in behind him.

"You are going to have Mother sending Hilda over again." He tried to tease, nodding towards the knot of clothing on the floor in front of the sofa.

"Say what you must say and get out of my face." Dumping the case of beer and the bag of chips onto the counter, he turned to look at Silas.

"I am sorry."

"It would help if that was going to fix anything."

Shoving his hands into his dark blue dress pants pockets, Silas hunched his shoulders defensively, a stricken look on his face.

"I messed up, and don't expect you to pay for my mistakes."

"I should hope not," Harvey said coolly, realizing angrily that he was losing ground. Ever since his brother came home wrapped in that blue and white blanket, he had gone into protective mode and stayed that way all their lives. It was no different now.

"I will announce in services on Sunday that I will be stepping down." He smiled sickly, his expression miserable. "Perhaps it's time I take my position- "

"Shut the hell up!" Slamming the can down and ignoring the content that had spilled onto his hand, he faced his brother, expression blazing.

"You were always one for drama. I will stay in this miserable marriage for the duration of one year to avoid you having to step down. I know how much it means to you and for my life; I have no idea why."

Silas felt the relief coursing through his body and leaving him weak.

"Thank you- "

"I will stay here at my place, and she stays where she is. We will go out a few times as a show of unity- "

"Please don't throw the case of beer at me."

Harvey stared at him with narrowed eyes. "Why would I do that?"

Hunching his shoulders again, he avoided his brother's silver gaze. "We are going to have to live together, and our parents suggested that you move back to the manor."

Silas felt himself shrinking at the awful forbidding look that had descended on Harvey's face and took a cautious step back. Deciding to rush in with the bad news all at once, he continued. "You will have to come to service on Sunday for me to make the announcement. I am sorry, Harvey; I must show that this was all legitimate."

"Get out." The voice was flat and icy, sending shivers up and down Silas' spine.

"Harvey- "

"If you do not walk through that door in exactly two seconds, I will not be responsible for my actions. Get out now."

Beating a hasty retreat, Silas slammed the door shut behind him. His body jerked in shock when he heard the crash. Practically running to his vehicle, he got in and hurriedly drove away.

Inside the trailer, Harvey stared at the mess he had made when he swept the vase of flowers. Someone, probably Hilda, had placed it on the kitchen counter to spruce things up. Well, that had gone to shit now, he thought viciously.

Not only was he trapped in an unwanted marriage, but he was also going to have to move back to the manor and play husband to a woman he did not want. And he was required to attend services.

The irony was not lost on him. Lifting his head, he shouted in the vicinity of the ceiling. "Well, God or whoever you are – you must be laughing your ass off right now. Am I being punished for not believing?

Is this your way of giving me the finger? Well, it sucks! Do you hear me? It sucks, and this Kendra woman who happens to be one of yours is going to bear the brunt of my complete indifference." Shaking his head as he realized that no response was forthcoming, he set about cleaning up the mess he had made.

Okay fine. He would do this – this despicable thing for a year and even move into the manor house for that duration. But he was going to make several things clear. He was not going to be chained there for the entire week.

He would need his space at some point and was coming right back here. He was also not going to be attending services after Sunday. He was a sports guy, and when he was not working, he watched a game or participated in one.

He was also not going to give up. Closing his eyes, he dropped into the nearest chair. He was going to have to give up sex for a year. Aside from sports, his next favorite pastime was sex.

"Goddamn you, Silas Blackwood!" he shouted. "I am going to find a way to get back at you, so help me, God."

*****

"Darling, you are worrying over nothing," Julia murmured, trying to reassure and comfort her son. It was Saturday night, and he was studying and trying to prepare for his sermon, but he could not settle.

Since that night, Harvey had practically thrown him out; he had been trying to get hold of his brother without success. He had left several apologetic messages, which had not been returned. So, he had yet to determine if he would show up tomorrow. And if he didn't, it would be all over.

"He is not picking up."

"We all know how stubborn your brother can get. I am sure he is taking the time to simmer down."

He shook his head. "I have never seen him so angry, Mom. I had a feeling that if I had not gotten out of there, he would have smashed his fist in my face." The murderous look on Harvey's face was still imprinted on his brain. He loved his brother and hated that they were not speaking, which was his fault. "I hate this silence between us."

Coming up behind him, Julia laid a hand on his arm. "It will be sorted out." She did not bother to inform him that she and his dad had been trying to call Harvey unsuccessfully. "Remember the time you wrecked his favorite jersey?"

Silas smiled at that memory. "He was eighteen, and I was ten. I wanted to print his name on the back."

"You ruined it and tried to get it out with bleach."

"He was so angry; he would not speak to me for a week."

"Your dad and I tried to intervene, and he would not listen."

Silas turned to face her. "I persuaded Antoine to let me make him dinner."

"You burned the chicken." She smiled whimsically.

"But he forgave me and ate it even though it tasted awful." The laugh was strangled inside his throat.

"Precisely my point," she said gently.

"This is hardly a ruined jersey we are talking about, Mother, and Harv made it clear that he was not ready to settle down. And I have ruined things for Kendra as well. She does not exactly like Harvey and is a little afraid of him."

A faint smile touched her lips. "I have a feeling that's all going to change."

Silas gave her a quizzical look. "Why do I get the feeling you are pleased about this?"

"What's not to be pleased about?" She asked him airily. "My son is coming back home, and he is now married. My prayers have been answered."

"Mother, please don't give Harvey an inkling of your thoughts, or it will just drive him away."

Moving forward to stand in front of him, she smiled gently. "I do know how to keep my emotions in check."

*****

"He is not coming." Silas felt as if his bowels had turned into liquid. He was standing outside to greet his congregants when he was looking for Harvey. Kendra was here, looking particularly exquisite in a shell pink cashmere dress and knee-high boots, but his brother was not there.

"There is still time," Kendra assured him. She had panicked last night and almost called Silas to say she was not coming, but she could not do that to him.

"He could- "

"Oh, thank God!" Silas gripped her hand tight as the maroon jeep turned into the parking lot. He held his breath as the vehicle backed into space, and his brother got out.

His eyes widened in shock as the imposingly tall man, his long dark hair flowing freely down his back and dressed entirely in black, from the cashmere sweater, black dress pants, and boots to the cashmere jacket, opened and flapping in the wind, approached them—the sunshades he had on disguised his eyes and Silas had a feeling it was deliberate.

"I am here." He passed a cursory glance over his bride before looking at his brother. "I am assuming you have the ring?"

"Yes." Silas was so unnerved that he fumbled as he took the ring from his coat pocket. He had started to hand it to Kendra when Harvey intercepted it.

"I think that's my job," he said mockingly. Taking her left hand, he slid the ring on and lifted it to admire the glint of the diamond. "It suits you." Dropping her hand, his mercurial mood changed, and his usual cynical expression returned. "Let's show these people that we are hitched, shall we? I have a game to go back to."

Kendra endured the congratulations, surprised looks, and murmurs from the women she had known for years with a smile. "My goodness, Kendra, Harvey Blackwood! How on earth did you land someone like him? There have been so many rumors about his reputation and the fact that he has avoided matrimony. You must tell us your secret."

"Not now, I am afraid." She told Sheila with a smile. "I am afraid we have a dinner at the manor to attend, and I have to go back to the store to sort some things out."

"What about the honeymoon?" The woman persisted.

"We have not decided where we are going yet." The lies were getting complicated, and not used to them, she was sinking deeper. "Please excuse me."

She was almost at her car when his deep, mocking voice sounded behind her. "What's your hurry, darling?"

Spinning around, she glared at him. "Please don't call me that."

Leaning on the hood of his vehicle, he crossed his arms over his chest. "What should I call you? Wife? It certainly cannot be lover, seeing as I have not had the pleasure."

Drawing a deep breath, she lifted her chin and refused to be drawn into his sick game. "You are despicable." She hissed.

Making a tutting sound with his mouth, he shook his head at her. "Is that any way to talk to your new husband?"

"You are not- Hi, Mrs. Langley!"

Seizing the opportunity, Harvey strode to stand beside her as the woman bustled forward with a smile.

"I cannot tell you how happy I am for you, my dear." She turned to Harvey. "And your young man, I have known you since your dear parents brought you here for christening. Now you are married."

"That I am." He hid a smile when Kendra stiffened. He threw his arm around her shoulders and hugged her tight against him. "The old ball and chain."

"Oh, you get on with you.' The woman waved at him fondly. "I wish you all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you, Mrs. Langley," Kendra said in a suffocated tone. Waiting until the woman reached a safe distance, she pushed him away. "Please do not touch me."

"I would like nothing more than to choose the women I want to touch, but I am stuck with you." He told her coldly.

"I hate you!" She whispered shakily.

"A perfect beginning to a happy marriage." His mouth twisted cynically. "Now, I suppose this is enough pretending for the day. And my stomach cannot take much more of it anyway. I understand you are moving in today."

He saluted her. "Congrats on becoming a Blackwood. I am sure you will find a way to live with me, considering the enormous benefits you reap."

Before she could respond, he had sauntered off, leaving her staring after him, rage twisting her insides into knots.

"His bark is usually much worse than his bite."

The soft, cultured voice behind her had her whirling around. "Mrs. Blackwood!"

"It will be strange for you to call me that when I am now your mother-in-law." Julia reached out a hand and took hers. "He can be insulting, especially when he feels like he has been backed into a corner."

"I am sorry- "Kendra shook her head. "I am not very comfortable- "

"I know, my dear, and I want to personally thank you for saving my younger son's skin." They both turned to look at Silas, whom his congregants surrounded. He was smiling, a very relaxed look on his face. "I know he regrets what he did and that he also entertained the notion that you would end up together."

Kendra looked at the woman, startled. "I am close to my two boys, my dear. Harvey is tough to get to know, but he is infinitely loyal and all about family. Well, now," she added briskly. Do you need any help getting your things from your apartment?"

"No." She shook her head, feeling the apprehension and dread settling in the pit of her stomach.

"I already packed two cases, and they are in the car. I just have to return to the store and deal with something."

"Well, my dear, I will see you at the manor." Kendra started in surprise when Julia leaned forward and kissed her cheek. "It's going to be fine."

*****

He couldn't concentrate on the bloody game. He had taken the jeep out for a spin to try and gather his thoughts and had returned to try and get his mind off things by turning on the television.

A six-pack of beer was on the side table, but his mind was not on the basketball. He kept thinking about this morning, the pleased look on his brother's face, and the joyful sermon, after which the announcement had been made.

He had sat in the front pew with his ‘wife' – he supposed she was his wife, and there was no doubt about it. He could still smell her perfume, an exotic blend that was not too potent but seemed to suit her. He had just turned the TV off when he heard a knock on the door.

Swearing beneath his breath and hoping it wasn't his brother, he surged off the sofa and went to get the door.

"Mother." Stepping back in surprise, he stared past her, expecting to see the entire family behind her.

"It's chilly, darling. Are you going to invite me in?"

Shaking his head, he realized that he had her standing on the steps. "Of course," Moving aside, he allowed her entry and closed the door.

"You never usually knock." He gestured towards the living area and noticed in exasperation that she was looking around for dirty laundry.

"I didn't want to intrude. Silas said you came home to watch the game." Picking up a discarded shirt from the chair in front of the sofa, she sat daintily and waited until he had taken the opposite chair.

"Yeah, well, my team was losing anyway. Why are you here?" He shook his head and held up a hand. "Let me guess – you are here to ensure I keep my end of the deal. I packed a few things and fully intend to present myself at the manor in time for dinner."

"Thank you, darling."

"I am not going to pretend this is not distasteful to me." He said bluntly.

"But you love your brother and are doing this for him."

"I want to put my hands around his damn neck and squeeze the life out of him," Harvey growled. "I am in a situation I don't want to be in because of him."

"She is a lovely young woman."

Harvey eyed her briefly, a sudden suspicion washing through him. "You did not, by any chance, plan this?"

Julia met his gaze squarely without flinching. "Surely you are not suggesting that I caused the strike at the post office for the letter not to reach Silas in time. You give me too much credit."

"I am thinking I am giving you too little. Mother- "Plunging his fingers through his long dark hair, he met her gaze. "Whatever you are hoping for with this unholy matrimony, get it out of your head. I am willing to stick to this fiasco for the year, but I have no intention of touching her. She is not my type."

"She is every man's type."

Harvey bit off an impatient sigh. "I will stay part of the time at the manor, but I fully intend to come here where it is my home and crash several nights of the week.

I will not pretend in private that she is my wife. In public, when we go out, I will be all smiles and all that, but that's it. I have decided to help Silas with this crisis, but there are rules, and there will be boundaries. Am I clear? There is so much I will do and nothing more."

Julia nodded, her expression serene. "I understand perfectly, darling."

"I mean it, mother." He warned. "I know you probably think this is a way in – a chance to get the grandchildren you have longed for, but it will not happen with this woman. I will treat her with the utmost courtesy, but that's as far as I am willing to go. Speaking of which, we are sleeping in separate bedrooms."

"I anticipated as much and asked one of the maids to see the gold and rose bedroom in your suite."

"Well-" He had no idea what to say next. "Thanks, I guess."

Inclining her head gracefully, she rose, and he got to his feet to escort her out. "Dinner is at seven. Kendra should be on her way to the manor now."

"And Silas?"

"He stayed back to deal with someone who took ill. I think he has accompanied the person to the hospital." Turning at the door, she touched his arm, tilting her head to stare at him.

A smile touched her lips as her eyes wandered over the handsome face with the stubborn chin and the hard contours of his jaw. There was a shadow there, and she knew from experience that no matter how often he shaved, there was still scruff to contend with.

"What is it? Something on my face?" He asked her dryly.

"You are so handsome, and I am proud to call you my son." Her voice was husky with emotion, and Harvey felt a familiar funny feeling in the pit of his stomach at her words and the look on her face.

"Mother- "

"You are a good man even when you pretend you are not. I love you so much, darling." He had to swallow the thick lump that had lodged itself inside his throat. "You have become quite the expert at manipulation, I see." He murmured hoarsely, no proof against all that.

"I am just stating facts, my darling." Going on her toes, she kissed him on the lips gently. "I am looking forward to seeing you later." With a wave, she was gone, leaving him staring after her and shaking his head.