Star of His Heart - Brenda Jackson [80]
“Yes, but the precautions I’m talking about are with you.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you.”
Netherland saw the concern etched on Ashton’s face. The last thing she wanted was for him to leave town worrying about her. “Ashton, I’ll be fine. My brothers are here, my parents and friends are here. I should be worried about you. You shouldn’t be worried about me.”
He looked at her. He hadn’t told her about the last vision he’d had. The only persons he had confided in were Trevor and Sir Drake. And although they didn’t fully agree, they had understood his need to go into Deadpan Hollow alone. He’d explained that it was connected to an Indian legend involving a test of worthiness he had to go through. He had been shown a part of the vision and had to actually endure the rest. The result would depend upon his skill and stamina and his will to survive. Besides, going into the Hollow was risky enough for one man. He didn’t want others to put their lives on the line. And for that, he had to go in alone.
“I’ve put some plans into motion regarding us, Netherland.”
“What sort of plans?”
“We need to get married before I leave.”
She frowned, not understanding. She lifted her arm and showed him the leather band around her wrist that symbolized their union. “But we are married.”
“We need to get married legally so it can be recognized by the courts, sweetheart, just in case…”
She swallowed, not wanting to go there, where he was thinking, but knew she had to anyway. “Just in case what, Ashton?”
It took a while before he answered. “Just in case something happens and I don’t come back.”
Netherland looked up at him, her dark eyes filled with distress, denial. She shook her head. “No. I won’t think about that. I won’t even allow myself to imagine it, Ashton.”
He reached out and took her hand in his. “Netherland, you have to be realistic about the possibility that—”
“No!” She snatched her hand from him. “Don’t you dare go there with me, Ashton Sinclair. I won’t let you!” She met his gaze head-on, daring him to challenge her.
He did.
“I have to do what I have to, Netherland, to protect you and my sons whom you’re carrying even as we speak. I’m certain of that. But what I’m not certain of is the outcome of my trip to Deadpan Hollow. I’ll do everything within my power to return to you and my sons, but I have to take whatever steps needed to be assured that you’re taken care of if something was to happen to me.”
He reached up and tenderly caressed her cheek with his fingertips. “When I leave in the morning, I need my mind clear. I need to know that everything with you is taken care of. I need that assurance, that peace of mind, Netherland. Will you let me have that?”
Netherland sank into the chair behind her desk. Her strength was suddenly gone. She knew she couldn’t deny him that. The last thing he needed was to be worried about her. “Yes.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. I’ve already spoken with your parents and your brothers. I’ve secured a special marriage license, and I want a very private wedding ceremony tonight here at Sisters.” A smile touched his lips. “I want to go away in the morning a very happy man.”
Netherland slowly nodded.
Ashton studied her for a few moments before turning to leave the room.
“Ashton?” Netherland stood when he turned back around. His eyes captured hers. She started to tell him how much she loved him, how much he meant to her, and just how much she wanted him to return to her. But she knew from the look in his eyes that he knew what she was feeling and that words between them weren’t necessary. And without any further hesitation, she crossed the room and walked into his arms.
Chapter 23
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride, Colonel.”
Ashton did just that as he pulled Netherland into his arms, crushing