Blind Witness (20 page)

In one sentence he took her breath and made her laugh.

****

Rachelle clamped down on the hand Britt slid into hers. Her heart pounded in her chest so loud she thought it should echo off the wall. Britt stoked his free hand up and down her arm but it did nothing to relax her. Unable to wait any longer, she asked the question she feared. “What’s the prognosis?” They were surprised when the specialist arrived at the doctor’s office while they were there.

“I’d like to operate next Thursday morning.”

“Thursday,” Rachelle repeated stunned.

“Yes. I had my team already arranged, but the man we were going to operate on is having health problems. I had just decided to cancel the team then Dr. Christensen sent me your charts. Instead, I just put it on hold. You’re a perfect candidate, Miss Harris. You’re young, in excellent health. It’s been long enough since your accident that the swelling is down except in the affected area.”

“See here.” Rachelle knew the doctor was showing Britt and Dr. Christensen her x-rays. “This is the scan after her accident, and this is one they took a week ago. This is the area we’re looking at, where the blockage is. I can’t give any guarantee of course. The body, especially the brain and eyes, can be a tricky thing, but I would say the odds are very good. At least fifty-fifty.”

Rachelle swallowed unable to believe what he was saying.

Britt called her name, but it seemed to be from a long ways off. She turned to him. “I can’t believe that I might be able to see.” She felt Britt’s lips brush her cheek.

“I know Dr. Christensen went over the risks, but I’ll go over them again to make it clear because, with every surgery, there are risks, even minor ones. I’d like you to think it over today and give me your answer tomorrow, the next day at the latest. I know I’m rushing you, but if I go to the next scheduled opening when I have the staff together in this area, it’s not for two months.”

“We’re getting married this afternoon,” she said more to herself.

“We can postpone it.” Britt gave her hand a squeeze.

“No,” she gasped.

“I don’t see any reason why not to get married now,” the doctor said. “I would just ask that you be careful and not get pregnant.”

“I’ll take care of that,” Britt assured.

“Then I’ll say congratulations. This must be quite a day and to add this appointment.”

“This is worth it. Rachelle is worth it. She’s very special to me.”

“I can see that, and I hope to have her seeing again too.”

Three hours later Rachelle’s heels echoed on the marble tile as she and Britt were shown into the judge’s chambers. The smell of wood polish was so strong that the room was probably all done in woods − dark woods would fit the man; mahogany. There would be a bookcase full of books and a large painting on the wall. There was a warmer feel on one side where she guessed light filled the room from a window there. Britt’s hair would shine in the light.

Then, as Britt took her hands in his, her thoughts focused on one thing, him, and how absolutely right it was marrying him. She didn’t need to see the surroundings. Everything she needed was in her heart and what she heard when Britt said I do. Rachelle about burst, so happy, she almost missed the question asked of her.

Britt had never seen anything as beautiful as Rachelle smiled at him. Sun beamed through the window and bathed her in light. She glistened, but the countenance of her face out shone the sunshine. Love really did radiate, because that was the only way he could describe her. And it was all for him.

“Yes, I do.” The words were a soft promise that brightened her face more. There was such an absolute rightness as Conrad pronounced them husband and wife. Then it was time to seal it with a kiss.

He felt her tremble against him, releasing a rush of desire. The caveman in him urged him to pack her off to his cave and make ravenous love to her. The civilized gentleman in him barely kept it together. Stepping back from his new bride, he turned to receive congratulations.

“My hands are trembling.” Rachelle laughed lightly as he guided her in signing the certificate.

“That’s all right. I think the judge makes a good witness that it was really you that I married.”

“I hope you know what you just got yourself into.”

“I have no doubts.” He slid his arm once more around her as he pressed his lips to hers.

“Hey, none of that, you got your kiss,” the judge joked. “Only one kiss per customer, besides it’s my turn to kiss the bride.” He placed a fatherly kiss on her cheek and then whispered in her ear. “Keep him on his toes, you hear. He’s a good man.”

“I know,” she whispered back.

“What are you saying to my wife?”

“Just making sure she wouldn’t rather run away with me.”

“Not a chance, she’s mine, and even if I didn’t object, Sarah would.”

“That’s true even after twenty-two years she’s insisting that I’m hers.”

“She must be a smart woman.” Rachelle smiled back.

“I tell her that all the time.” There was a knock on the door. “Well, I hate to break this up, but duty calls.”

“Thanks again, Conrad.” Britt shook his hand, “and I really appreciate you keeping this secret.”

“Don’t worry, I understand the importance and hope the police get this guy soon.”

“So do
I. You don’t mind keeping those papers until I get a hold of Samuel?”

“Not at all, everything that’s needed is there.”

“Is something wrong?”

“No, sweetheart, there’s just some legal papers I wanted him to hang on to until my lawyer gets back from vacation and can handle them. Shall we go?”

“Yes. Good-bye Judge. Thank you.”

“You’re most welcome. This was a treat for me. I don’t get to do enough of the pleasant things around here.”

****

“Where would you like to eat?” Britt asked as he escorted her to the car.

“I don’t think I could eat.” She let it slip out.

“Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” She paused, excited and nervous, maybe in shock. “I can’t believe we’re really married. It seems so unbelievable. I keep expecting to wake up and find I dreamed it all.”

“Well, when you wake up, it will be beside me, and you’ll know you’re not dreaming.”

He saw the color rise in her cheeks and knew her thoughts had slid to their wedding night. The caveman was back. “Come on, let’s pick up something to eat and go home.”

Home, the word brought a rush. From now on, her home would always be with Britt. “Yes, please. I would like that better.”

Rachelle listened as he ordered dinner from one of the nicest restaurants in town. “I didn’t know they did take out.”

“They do if you tip good enough, and besides the manager owes me one.”

Twenty-five minutes later, Britt parked the car and came around to get her out. “Mmm, something smells good.” He caught her by surprise with a hard kiss.

“I think
it’s dinner.”

“You think so? Let me see.” He kissed her thoroughly again. “I love being able to do that.” He purred with satisfaction.

“Anytime,” Rachelle agreed leaning against him.

“Let’s go upstairs before I take you up on that. Will you hold this a second?” He handed her the sack of food before swinging her up in his arms. “It’s tradition.” He headed for the elevator, juggling her as he pushed the button.

“I don’t think it’s meant that you have to carry me all the way up the elevator.”

“Maybe, but I like having you in my arms and besides,” he paused slightly, “I’m trying to impress you with my strength and stamina. How am I doing?”

“Great, but I was already impressed.” She placed a kiss on his cheek.

“Good answer.” He took the kiss to her mouth and was still kissing when the elevator opened again.

“Mmm,” she purred. “I’m really beginning to enjoy being married.”

“You
ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” Wickedness filled his voice as he carried her over the threshold. “We’re home Mrs. Clairbourne.” He placed her on the floor with a great deal of reluctance. “If you’d like to freshen up, I’ll set the table.”

There was a slight pause then she stepped away. “I’ll be just a moment.”

Britt watched her touch the corner of the room for reference before moving off toward the bedroom.

He wanted to follow her in the greatest way. Patience, he told himself to give her time. “You’re not some stallion who has the scent of a mare.” But he sure felt like it, he acknowledged, forcing himself to turn toward the kitchen. He stopped to douse his face with cold water. “What I need is a cold shower.” He murmured to himself.
“Patience, patience.”

The smell of sweet peas greeted her senses drawing her toward Britt’s bed. Love flooded every pore of her body when she found the bouquet on the nightstand. She was tempted to go to the kitchen and throw her arms around him and tell him to forget about eating. That would certainly surprise him, and Britt could use a few good surprises in his life. She hurried to freshen up, assured of her actions until she hit the hall, literally. Her self-confidence failed. Her footsteps faltered.

Rachelle tripped barely catching a door frame to keep from going down.

She clung to the wall to steady herself and had to fight down a wave of tears that tried to slip past the euphoria she’d been feeling.
Oh, that would have been a graceful entrance, so appealing. Falling and breaking something and ending up in the hospital an hour after getting married.
She took another deep breath to force her nervousness down.

It took a full minute to gather enough courage to move forward. By the time she made it to the dining room, she decided that as a seductress she was totally lacking. Fortunately, Britt wasn’t there, and she had another minute to decide that maybe it would be better to get through dinner then she could consider a seduction. At the sound of him entering from the kitchen, she asked. “May I help?”

Britt stopped at the sight of his wife. His wife; it hit him with such a jolt that he nearly dropped to his knees. She was so incredible and she was his. “I can always use help.” He finally found his voice,

“What can I do?”

Let me make love to you.
Britt almost groaned aloud as the thought ran through his mind.

“If you’ll just put the silverware on the table while I bring in the food.”

Five minutes later he was almost at the point of begging, watching her put a bite in her mouth. He never knew eating could be so erotic, but as pleasure lit her face, his temperature spiked.

“
Mmmm, this is wonderful.”

He nearly groaned aloud. “Yes. Taste the beef. Their chef does an amazing job on it.” He held out a bite to her and watched her lips close around it.

“Oh, that is delicious.”

Britt managed a few bites but eating was impossible. His concentration was not on food. He watched Rachelle for a full two minute as she picked delicately at her food but didn’t seem to eat any. “Is there something wrong? You’re not eating.”

“No, I’m just,” she broke off and blushed. “You’re not eating either.”

“I was wondering if you’d mind if I lied and told you it was dark and time for bed.”

“There’s no need to lie, just say it’s time for bed.” There was shyness in her tone, but desire came through stronger.

Britt was out of his chair before she finished the sentence. Her arms were stretched out reaching for him in unison of his sliding under her, lifting her from the chair.

“Rachelle.” He buried his face against her neck, running kisses along the delicate skin. Her head tilted back over his arm, giving him better access. He was feeding ravenously on her and had no idea how he made it down the hall to his bed with Rachelle returning his kisses and whispering words of love. He went down on the bed with her in his arms.

****

Later, they finally enjoyed their dinner. Since he’d thoughtfully ordered two of each entrées and desserts, the leftovers made a great, late-night snack to replenish their energy. By morning they we’re still starving.

Making breakfast had never been so much fun as doing it with Rachelle. Britt got in her way on purpose for an excuse to slide his arms around her and sneak a kiss. After the third sneak attack, it became a challenge to see who could out maneuver the other, and the rewards kept drawing out longer and longer. It was amazing they didn’t burn anything. They were just about halfway through eating, and Britt was debating if he could convince her that it was dark out and carry her back to bed and make love to her again in the morning light when the door-chime rang.

“I better get that.” Britt looked over her satin draped frame. The robe highlighted her figure to perfection.

As he approached the door, he became alert to the trouble still lurking. He peered through the peephole studying the two men in the hall. The first was tall, sandy haired, there was something familiar about him, but Britt was certain they hadn’t met. The second man he, unfortunately, couldn’t say the same. He had met the blonde man just two nights ago about twenty feet from where he was now standing. Then it hit him where he recognized the first man from. He’d seen his picture in Rachelle’s apartment. He was Rachelle’s brother, David Harris.

With a bit of reluctance, Britt unlocked the door and opened it. “Good morning.” He tried to put on a friendly demeanor, realizing his first contact with Rachelle’s family was going to be with him only wearing his pants. “I presume you’re here to see Rachelle, though I’m not sure what he’s doing here.” Britt motioned to Rachelle’s ex-fiancé.

“Then you don’t deny she’s here. I couldn’t believe it when Richard said he saw her entering here with you and a suitcase.”

Before anything could be said, Rachelle stepped into the doorway. “David, what are you doing here?” She hurried into the room, leaving the two men momentarily speechless when they saw her in her robe. “You were supposed to still be in California for Becca’s wedding. Mom said you were going to stay there for another week.”

“They had trouble with one of my projects, and I had to come back early. Then I got a message from Richard. What are you doing here?”

“David, it’s all right …”

Richard cut her off before she could finish. “We can tell what you’ve been doing.” His demeanor changed suddenly, and he stepped forward reaching for her. “I’m sorry, darling. I realize this is
all my fault. I know I hurt you badly, but in my defense, I was in shock, confused and in denial. But I love you, and I want you back. I’m willing to forgive you and forget your indiscretion.”

“Well.” Rachelle pulled back, crossing her arms in front of her. “I’m not.” Her shoulders stiffened.

“Believe me, it’s understandable. You’re on the rebound, lost and alone. It was much the same for me.”

“I don’t care how it was for you. This is totally different.”

“Darling.” Richard stepped forward. “I know you’re convincing yourself that you love him, and he will step up and take care of you. Do the right thing and all, but believe me, he’s using you. A man like him can have any woman he wants. He doesn’t need a defective one.”

“That’s enough,” Britt’s voice sliced through. “I was letting you blab on because it was amusing but-”

“Britt, no.” This time it was Rachelle that cut the conversation. “Thank you, but I can handle this.” She shifted back toward Richard. “I am not defective, nor am I now or was I ever heartbroken over you. I never loved you.”

“Now, darling, you don’t mean that.”

“I do. I was hurt when you abandoned me when I needed you most, but I was not heartbroken. I was marrying you because everyone convinced me how perfect we were together, how wonderful you were and how fortunate I was. I wanted to be loved, and I thought you loved me.”

“I do love you and you don’t mean that.”

“She does,” Britt countered.

“Stay out of this. You don’t know what you’re talking about, and it doesn’t concern you.”

“Wrong on both accounts, I am part of this more than you are.”

“You’re just taking advantage of her,” Richard blurted.

“He is not.” Rachelle came to Britt’s defense.

“Thank you,” Britt whispered and Rachelle beamed back.

“Really. How long have you known him?”

“Almost three weeks.”

“Rachelle,” her brother sounded aghast.

“And you’re already in his bed. I had no clue you were so easy.”

“That’s it,” Britt stepped forward his fist clinched.

“Britt,” Rachelle stopped him reaching out her hand. Whether she heard him move to figure out where he was or she sensed him, he didn’t know but he changed directions, catching her outstretched fingers, bringing them to his lips in a deliberate show before he moved behind her encircling her with his arm.

“Let her go,” David burst out.

“David, it’s all right.”

“It’s not all right. This man is taking advantage of you, and you’re helpless to do anything about it.”

“She’s not helpless,” Britt said firmly.

“I’m not helpless.” They said in unison, and Britt squeezed her shoulders.

David snorted. “Get your hands off her. I want to know your intentions. She was innocent until you got your hands on her.”

“I am very aware of that.” Britt was starting to enjoy this but was trying to keep it in.

David had no such compulsion. “Then I expect you to step up and do the right thing.”

“Heavens,” Rachelle groaned.

“That’s not necessary,” Britt started to explain but was cut off.

“I think it is. You might be a rich and powerful man, but if it got around that you’re seducing an innocent, helpless, blind woman, I’m sure it would do some damage.”

“I’m not helpless,” Rachelle exploded. “Britt did not seduce me.” Then she blushed wiping all the anger from her face. Her voice lowered to a soothing tone. “David, if you’ll just listen there’s nothing to be concerned about with me or my reputation. Britt and I are married.”

“What!” Her brother’s reaction exploded from him.

Britt raised her hand to his lips, placing a kiss on her knuckles before extending it out for them to see the rings that were proof of their vows. “Rachelle and I are married.”

“Are you certain?” her brother gaped.

“Yes.” She smiled.

“I mean are you sure it was legal?”

“Yes.” Instead of getting mad she looked about to laugh. “Yes, we were married by Judge
Kinade in his chambers at the courthouse.”

“You married her. Why?” Richard floundered.

“Because she’s beautiful, intelligent, kind and mainly because I love her.”

“But, but.” The man, who at one time was to be her husband, was at a loss for words, and he was forgotten.

“You love him.” Her brother was stunned. “You really married him.”

“Yes, to both.”

“But why?” He didn’t finish, there was no need. “You did it in secret because of the trouble that’s happening.”

“Yes, we decided it would be better to keep it quiet,” Rachelle sa
id.

Britt picked up her explanation looking at Richard. “It can’t get out. Rachelle’s safety is paramount. He can destroy everything else I have. As long as Rachelle’s my wife, it doesn’t matter.”

“Then why marry her? Why not send her away?”

“I tried, but he went after her.”

“What?”

“I’m okay. Britt got there to rescue me in time.”

“So we decided the best way is to keep her with me. So we moved up our wedding plans. And I mean it when I say it better not get out. I don’t want this hitting the newspaper.” He looked to Richard.

“It won’t, will it, Richard?” This time the anger in her brother’s tone was directed some place other than Britt.

“I won’t tell a soul, I promise.”

“Good,” Britt said forcefully. “I’ll see you to the door.” He released Rachelle and moved to the entry, not giving the man a choice but to follow.

After a second of silence, David finally spoke. “Married, it’s hard to believe.”

“I know but don’t be angry. It was my choice. If I wanted a big wedding, Britt would have waited. I hope Mom and Dad and everyone won’t be too upset. We may have another ceremony later depending on how things turn out.”

“It’s just such a surprise. I think everyone will be okay after they get over the initial shock. Joann mentioned you said you went out to dinner with him, but she said it wasn’t serious. Then we left, and the last couple days no one caught you at your apartment when they called. All we had were the messages you’d leave for us.”

“Sorry. The man causing problems found out about us and went after me. I’m okay.” She hurried and added knowing he was about to jump on that. “Britt’s watching over me. That’s one of the reasons we got married in secret.”

“I understand.” Her brother moved to her, placing his arms around her. “You are happy.”

Rachelle relaxed finally feeling his acceptance. “Yes, I love Britt. I know it was fast, but I love him and feel he loves me.”

“All right then, I can accept that.”

“There is one more thing I have to tell you. Thursday, I’m going into surgery. There’s a specialist who has looked over my records, and he feels I’m a good candidate. It’s not a sure thing but a lot better odds than before.”

“Rachelle.” David hugged her. She didn’t see him look over her to Britt or the look of gratitude that gave Britt his first tingling of acceptance.

“She has a fifty percent chance of success.” Britt stepped forward.

“Rachelle, that’s amazing.”

“It’s not a sure thing,” she added cautiously and Britt understood that was her way of keeping it in perspective so if it wasn’t successful, she wouldn’t be crushed.