The Marriage Bargain

“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.

Chapter Five (#ulink_8c8bc025-5ca9-5e7a-a48c-7d3024a48aae)

Edward stepped into the front of the shop and heard Lily cry, “Oh, no!”

She let out a yelp, and he was at the workroom door as she stumbled backward. The highest shelf in the storeroom was just beyond reach from her stool. She’d climbed onto the workbench, overreaching to push the extra hatboxes out of the way.

Seeing her arms flailing, he crossed the shop floor as she lost her struggle to right herself. The breath whooshed out of her as she landed against his chest.

“Wonderful.” Edward set her to her feet. “I see you’re still following Doc’s orders.”

Disapproval, not surprise, covered her face.

“I was just trying to make room to work.” She brushed her hands together to remove the dust. “I’m perfectly fine.”

“Just how fine would you be if I hadn’t come along?”

“How do you know I wasn’t startled by you coming into the shop unannounced?”

“Because I heard your screech while I was outside.”

“Never you mind. I’m not hurt, and I’ve more work to do.” Lily twirled and marched to the front of the shop.

“You’re welcome.” He followed her.

Lily hung her head but smirked. “Thank you so much for helping me catch my balance.”

“Catch your balance? You’d be lying on the floor broken if I hadn’t come in here when I did! You might want to be more careful if you intend to open your shop next week. Or at all.”

“You’re right. I have a tendency to lessen the intensity of things after the fact.” She smiled. “Thank you for saving my life.”

“Catching your balance? Saving your life?” Edward laughed. “Is there no middle ground with you, Lily?”

Her eyebrows shot up when he spoke her name. Would she be able to relax and accept a modicum of familiarity from him?

He grimaced and indicated the bell he’d dropped on the table when he’d rushed to help her. “I came to mount this.”

She reached for the bell. “It’s lovely.” She studied his handiwork. It hadn’t taken long to repair, but it was intricate work. He was glad she approved.

“I brought a new bracket to make sure it doesn’t fall again.” Their fingers brushed when she handed the bell to him. A tingling sensation caught him off guard. He didn’t know if he was more surprised by how the touch of her fingers stirred his skin or how her words of kindness and approval brushed against his wary heart.

“Thank you. I’ve work to do in the back room. I’ll leave you to it.” Her quick steps confirmed her hurry to escape his presence. “If you need me, just give a shout.” She darted a glance over her shoulder.

“It’s a bit more likely you’ll be calling out for help from me,” Edward muttered as he turned to work on the bell.

“I heard that.” She laughed. “You’re probably right, but allow me the opportunity to think I might be safe on my own.”

He’d replaced the burned shelves in the workroom by midafternoon, then left her to get her supplies set up as she pleased. That had given him time to go across the street to his shop and repair the bell. He hoped it was the last thing she’d need. After two days away from his shop, he was behind on his work.

Edward dropped the bell, and it clanged on the wooden floor.

“Are you all right out there, or do you need my help?” Lily’s sarcasm danced into the room on her words.

“Got it.” He inspected the bell for damage. “Thankfully, my foot broke its fall.”

“Good thing it didn’t hit you in the head. You’d have to make a new one.” Lily snickered from the opening to the workroom.

He stood with his hands holding the bell above the door and angled his face to see her. Just as he suspected. A wide grin.

“Very funny.” He chuckled before turning back to his work. He gave the nail one final rap and released the bell and bracket.

“Good as new.” He started gathering his tools and putting them back in the box.

“Great.”

He picked up his toolbox. “Is that everything?” He watched as she looked around the shop.

“I think so. The rest will be up to me. I’ve got to make new stock. I’m hoping it will only take a few days.”

“Provided you don’t sleep the mornings away?” He dipped his hat and stepped out the door. “I’ll see you at home in a little while.”

Edward heard her stamp her small foot on the floorboards as he closed the door, and a grin tugged at his mouth.

Standing on the steps of the building—his building—he marveled at the life one small creature could bring to a place. Not since his sister left town had he sparred with a woman. He found it invigorating.

A shudder ran up his back, and he tromped off the porch. That was not a healthy path to travel. Following the excitement of conversation with a young woman was not where he was headed in life. Not at all.

Their marriage was about Ellen. He’d serve himself well to remember that.

* * *

Edward opened the door to Ellen’s room. “Come to the table, young lady. Aunt Lily called you several minutes ago.”

His niece sat in the middle of the bed with her arms folded around the doll his sister had made for her. “I don’t like carrots.” Her bottom lip protruded.