Chapter Twenty-five
It was a long ride home, covering those five short miles to the Langley homestead. Maura rode with Rachel in her car while Aidan, Willow, and Nola rode home in the truck.
“Maura, I want you to know that whatever happens between you and Aidan, you are part of our family. And—I know about the baby. When Nola and I looked at the note you said Aidan left, we knew something was wrong. It wasn’t his handwriting. So we drove into town. And it’s a good thing we did. We were worried about you.”
“Thank you. I’m so glad you did. I have to ask where’s Sully? It’s not like him to let you come alone.”
Rachael cut her eyes to Maura. “He doesn’t even know we left. He’s gonna be so mad when we get home. Can you imagine Sully’s reaction when I tell him Nola and I knocked out a man holding a gun on our only son, his wife, and unborn grandchild? He’s gonna be so mad.” They both laughed at the image of Sully stomping around the house ranting and raving because he wasn’t included.
Maura’s conscience pricked at the revelation. “I wanted to tell you and Sully about the baby. I guess I wasn’t ready to completely trust—everyone.”
Rachel nodded her understanding. “I’m not surprised you were reluctant to trust. The bad blood that’s been between our families has gone on way too long. I was hoping you and Aidan could mend the broken fences. I realize now that was a foolish notion. I just hope Sully and I have never given you any reason not to trust us.”
Maura rushed to reassure her mother-in-law. “Not once. I knew when I told you what the man said Aidan was up to, you and Sully were as shocked and disappointed in Aidan as I was.”
“But, now that we all know it wasn’t Aidan who was planning to sell the land—"
Maura remained silent. He might not have been in with Tommy to sell the land, but he was front and center when Beth came calling.
“Promise me you’ll hear Aidan out. Hear his side of the story before you decide to leave us.
Maura’s heart broke at the sound of Aidan’s mom’s voice cracking under her emotions. She reached out and touched Rachel’s arm.
“I promise I’ll hear him out.” It was all Maura could manage.
“We’re here.” Rachel turned the car into the drive and parked on the side of the house near the kitchen door. “Good luck, Maura.” Rachel leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. Maura saw the woman’s tears glistening in the dark.
Maura got out of the car and watched Nola and Rachel climb the back stairs and disappear inside the main house.
Something wet nudged Maura’s hand. Willow. “Thank you so much for coming to my rescue. I will never forget you.” Maura sank onto the damp, dew-drenched grass next to the loyal dog and wept. The emotions of the day stole her strength, and she could do nothing but sob into the dog’s soft fur.
Maura had no idea how long she sat in the grass, hugging Willow. But it was long enough that her legs went to sleep. She knew Aidan was nearby, but he didn’t approach her. She supposed he was waiting on her to say what needed to be said. She had waited long enough.
She tried to rise, but her legs wouldn’t cooperate.
“Maura, let me help you.” Aidan rushed to her side, concern etched across his handsome features.
She recoiled from his touch. “Don’t—touch me. Please.”
“Maura, let me explain. I can explain if you’ll just hear me out.”
She heard the pleading in his voice. “I promised your mom I’d listen to what you have to say before I go. But that doesn’t mean I’ll believe you,” she hissed at him.
She walked the few hundred yards to the tiny cabin they shared. She would hear him out, and then she would pack her belonging and go home. She was surprised how much the thought made her want to cry again.
Aidan followed quietly at her side. She walked up the row of front steps and into the little house. She took the only chair in the front room, forcing Aidan to sit at the kitchen table. She waited for his lies, and she steeled her heart against the pain she knew was coming.
“Maura, I’m not going to lie to you. When Tommy first approached me with the idea of putting another clause into the contract, I was all for it.”
And there it was. The painful truth finally out in the open. “So, you admit it? You were going to cheat my family of what was rightfully ours? You are despicable—”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying.” Aidan stood and paced the tiny quarters. “I said I agreed to the clause, but I never intended to cheat anyone. I just didn’t…want to be married to you.”
Maura closed her eyes against the stabbing pain of his words. She had fallen hopelessly in love with Aidan Langley. She had agreed to this arrangement and was in lock, stock, and barrel. And he sat in front of her, admitting he wanted to be free. She felt a single tear glide down her cheek. She stood to leave. She would come back tomorrow to get her things.
“Maura, honey. Wait. Don’t go. You said you’d listen to me.”
She could take no more. “Why? So, you can humiliate me even more? I’ve heard enough, Aidan.”
He blocked her path to the door. “You said you’d listen. Please, Maura. Give me a chance to explain everything.”
She should have kept going. She should have punched him in the face and just kept going. But something in his voice held her. And then she made the fatal mistake of looking into his eyes. She saw his pain, and she was lost.
Without a word, she returned to her seat. He took that as the sign to continue.
“Maura, I admit I agreed to the clause Tommy offered to put into the contract. I admit when we first married, I wanted out. I thought…I could do better.”
“Like Beth Chaplin?” Maura couldn’t keep from jabbing at him. She wanted him to hurt as much as she did.
“You know about Beth?” Aidan’s shocked surprise made her almost laugh at him. Men thought they were so clever.
“Of course, I know about Beth. I knew about you two weeks ago. And, I saw you two tonight. On the dance floor. Wrapped in each other’s arms like old lovers.”
“You saw us?” He had the good sense to look ashamed. “It wasn’t what you think, Maura. I swear to you.”
“Aidan, I might be a little slow in wanting to believe…but, I’m not stupid. She had her hands all over you like she knew you belonged to her.”
“Tommy arranged for Beth to be there tonight. I had no idea she was in town. Hell, I haven’t seen her in almost a year. That was the last time she came to town. I admit I was caught off guard when she walked into Gino’s Bar. And, I’ll even admit that I let things get out of hand.” His voice trailed off, and the silence of the night closed in on them.
“Is that it? Have you said everything you have to say? I want to make certain I can tell your mom I listened to you with a clear conscience before I walk out.” Maura’s resolve wasn’t as solid as she would have liked, but she was going to give Aidan every indication she was done with his nonsense.
“Maura, I don’t love Beth anymore. Tommy did me a favor by bringing Beth back to town. All these years I imagined what my life would be like married to her. But when I saw her again, I felt—nothing. All I could think about was getting back home. To you.
“And I knew about a clause Tommy was putting in the contract, but I didn’t know what it said. All Tommy told me was it was there to help me if I wanted out of the marriage. That’s all I knew. I swear.”
Maura looked into her husband’s handsome face. His beautiful blue eyes were racked with pain. She knew that kind of pain because she felt it deep in her own heart.
“And do you?” She asked the one question she had to know the answer to.
“Do I? What, want out of this marriage? No, Maura. I don’t. I want to make a future and a family—with you.”
She wanted to believe every word he said. She wanted to fall into bed with his body wrapped around her making her feel safe and secure. She wanted to have this baby and watch it thrive under the Langley’s Legacy brand. But could she trust him?
“Aidan, if you had torn up the escape clause before I learned about it, I could have moved forward with you. If you had rejected Beth before I saw you two dancing together, locked in each other’s arms, I could have forgiven you. If you had come to me and declared your love before Tommy forced your hand, I could have made a life with you and our child. But you did none of those things, so your words are hollow and meaningless.”
Maura turned and opened the front door. She stopped before she walked out, but she didn’t turn around to look at Aidan. She was afraid she wouldn’t have the guts to go if she did. “Goodbye, Aidan.”
“Wait, Maura. What if I can prove everything I just said was true? Would you believe me then? Would you stay?”
She turned to see if he was serious. The determination etched in every line of his face indicated her husband was dead serious. She thought about what he was offering—proof he was telling the truth.
“I’m asking you, Maura. If I give you indisputable proof that what I’m saying is one hundred percent true, will you stay?” he pleaded.
She didn’t have to think twice. “I would.”
“Get in the truck, we are going back to town.”
When Aidan first told her they were going to find Beth Chaplin, she refused. Hadn’t she suffered enough humiliation for one night without having the ‘other woman’ rubbed in her face? But Aidan said he was going to give her the proof she wanted, and that proof started with Beth’s side of the story.
Aidan pulled up in front of Beth’s parents’ house. He honked the horn twice, and Maura watched the woman who had been dancing in her husband’s arm not more than an hour ago, walk out on to the porch. “Hello, Aidan. Did you change your mind?” The woman’s sultry voice called out to her husband. Maura cut a look toward Aidan that said ‘if this is your proof, you are in big trouble’.
He grinned at her and opened his door. “Beth, can you come out here to the truck a minute? There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” Aidan’s cocky grin back at her made her weak at the knees.
Maura watched the dark haired beauty walk to Aidan’s side of the truck. It looked as if she were going to walk right into his arms again until she saw Maura in the passenger seat. A sad smile crossed her pretty features. She turned to Maura and extended her hand through the window. “So, you must be the new Mrs. Langley. I hear congratulations are in order.”
Maura took the woman’s slender hand, and it made her touch feel all the more real. She could see why Aidan had fallen in love with her. “Thank you.” Her words fell flat when she thought about why they were here.
Beth turned back to Aidan. “Why are you here, Aidan?”
“I thought you should know that Tommy’s matchmaking wasn’t to get you and me back together. He planned that little scene in the bar, and he made certain Maura was there to see it.”
Maura watched the meaning of Aidan’s words sink in. The woman at least had the decency to look embarrassed.
“Aidan, could I have a moment with your wife?” Beth looked at her and then back to Aidan.
“Of course. I’ll go in and say hello to your mom and dad.” Aidan helped Beth into behind the wheel of the truck and closed the door behind her. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Aidan sent her a silent message pleading with her to listen.
Maura and Beth watched Aidan walk up the sidewalk and step inside the house leaving them in awkward silence.
“What’s your name?” Beth asked her.
“Maura.” She didn’t offer anything else.
“Maura. That sounds Irish. Is it?” It seemed Beth wanted to make small talk first. Okay, she could play along.
“Not that I’m aware of.”
“It would be funny if it was, Irish. Aidan and his family and pretty damned Irish.” Beth tried to joke, but her laugh faded into awkward silence.
“Look, Beth—I have no idea why Aidan brought me here. So, if this is as awkward for you as it is for me—”
“I know why he brought you here. He wants me to see how happy he is with you.”
Maura didn’t know what to say to the woman’s declaration, so she kept quiet.
“He tried to tell me in the bar that he was a happily married man. But, I wouldn’t listen. I didn’t want to listen. When I heard he had gotten married, I couldn’t believe it. He and I were always so…” The woman’s voice trailed off.
“In love.” Maura offered.
“Yeah, we were in love. I guess I thought I could count on Aidan to be waiting for me. He was always so patient. He let me explore other places. See new things. I wanted to experience other worlds, and I wanted to live in color, not the black and white existence of this small town. Do you know what I mean?”
Maura thought back to her time in California and the experiences she wouldn’t have had had it not been for her job as a nanny to the wealthy Vanderleafs. She knew what it felt like to be stuck in a place without the means to leave. “Yeah, I know what you mean.”
“I guess I just thought he would always be here waiting on me when I came home.” Beth turned to look at her. “And he always was—until this time. This time when I returned, I learned he had given his heart away to someone else while I wasn’t looking.”
Maura watched a tear slide down Beth’s cheek. She didn’t know what to say, so she handed her a handkerchief and kept quiet. She and Aidan’s first love sat in the front seat of The Legacy’s farm truck and resigned Beth’s past with Maura’s future.
After several minutes of quiet, Beth wiped her tears away and turned to her. “I still love him, Maura. And, if I could, I’d take him away from you in a heartbeat. Call me heartless. Call me a home-wrecker. I don’t really care. But, when I saw the way his face lit up when he talked about you, I knew I had stayed away too long.”
Beth opened the truck door and got out, closing it behind her. She folded her arms and leaned against the window. “He loves you, Maura. But know this, if you ever allow him to stray, if you ever stop loving him, I’ll be back, and you can count on that.”
Maura sat in the dark interior of the truck and watched the willowy and beautiful Beth walk up the walk and into the house. Two seconds later, Aidan was out of the house, off the porch and running down the walk toward her. He jumped in the truck beside and waited for her to tell him what to do. “Maura?”
“I want to go home, Aidan,” Maura whispered softly across the cab of the truck.
She saw the disappointment on his face. She realized his misunderstanding.
“I want to go home—to The Legacy.”