Rocky Mountain Proposal. Pamela Nissen

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СКАЧАТЬ Aaron’s shoulder. “And you did because that’s the kind of friend you are. Loyal. True. Caring.”

      “Do you remember what that promise was?” Zach prodded.

      “I’m not an idiot.” Aaron gave his head an exasperated shake, feeling as though he was being crushed by the weight of his promise. “Of course, I remember what I promised. I said that I’d hold on to hope. But I thought he was referring to faith,” he uttered, trying to keep his voice low. He raked his fingers through his hair. “I thought he was talking about finding peace and hope again after everything with Ellie and the baby. That’s what I thought he meant. He’s been saying things like that for months.”

      After several silent moments, Ben puffed out a long breath. “Well, Paul had other ideas.”

      Aaron’s eyes grew wide. “Believe me, I realized that just as soon as she introduced herself. Paul wanted me to watch out for her. That’s what he meant.”

      “Actually, he meant for you to marry her,” Zach said, easing the words out as though he was spoon-feeding a baby.

      Desperation constricted Aaron’s throat. He forced a swallow past the tightness. He could barely breathe. “Marry her?”

      “Yep,” Zach answered as if sealing some kind of deal. “Marry Hope and take care of her. Said he couldn’t think of another man he’d rather leave his bride to than you.”

      Aaron’s blood ran cold. His entire body shook, yet he couldn’t do a thing to control the vicious trembling. His emotions whipped around in his soul with blizzard force.

      The weight of his promise hit him full force. He was a man of his word, loyal to the core. He’d made a promise to a dying friend.

      He’d also made a promise to his wife at the altar when they’d married four years ago. How could he possibly honor one vow without dishonoring the other? And how could he possibly enter into something that should be founded on love when he barely knew this woman?

      Ben gave his shoulder another squeeze. “I know this is a lot to take in.”

      “More than a lot to take in,” he grunted, feeling as desperate as a cornered and injured animal.

      “It wouldn’t have been right if we didn’t at least tell you what Paul said.” Zach clasped his other shoulder.

      “No, I’m glad you did. It was the right thing to do.” Aaron jammed his hands to his waist and began pacing the floor. He felt helpless to gain some kind of control over the direction his life had suddenly taken. “I’m telling you…I was as sincere as I could be when I made that promise. I just didn’t know.”

      Ben cleared his throat. “It’s your decision, Aaron. You have to do what you think is right.”

      Peering down the hallway, he stared at the bedroom where his friend lay dead, way too soon, just like Ellie and baby Jeremiah. In Aaron’s greatest time of need, Paul had been a true friend. He’d been there with quiet strength, not barraging Aaron with empty words meant to lift his spirit. He hadn’t ignored Aaron’s loss nor had he ruminated over it endlessly. He’d just let Aaron grieve then gently urged his focus to God.

      Paul had been a true friend.

      Turning to face his brothers, he finally realized that he had no other option. With his fists clenched and head held high, he looked them in the eye. “I made a promise. I’m going to marry Hope.”

      Chapter Three

      On a long, slow breath, Hope endeavored to calm the flurry of emotions blowing through her heart. She reached out and touched Paul’s hand, longing for the warmth of life to meet her touch.

      He was cold.

      She gently pressed her palm against his and entwined her trembling fingers in his, trying to memorize the way his hand, large and callused enough to be strong and protecting, felt in hers. But how could she etch into her remembrance something she’d never truly felt? How could she tuck away the sweet memory of her name on his lips?

      She relinquished his hand and closed her eyes, her heart clenching with grief. She should pray, but she didn’t know what to pray for. Help? Comfort?

      She had no idea a person could feel such tangible fear, desperation and overwhelming sadness at the same time.

      Dabbing at her eyes, she stared at where Paul lay covered in a white sheet and simple blue coverlet—so still and so pale. The distinct metallic scent of blood hung in the air, mixing with the musky scent of perspiration that still beaded his forehead.

      Hope didn’t regret seeing him like this, but it wasn’t easy—growing up, she’d been sheltered from such things. Paul had suffered, of that she had no doubt. She couldn’t imagine how he’d survived more than a few minutes, let alone three hours.

      But the serene look that lingered on his face had taken her by surprise. Even in the midst of staggering pain, he’d found peace. As strong as Paul’s faith was, she was sure he’d been ready to meet his Maker and had probably accepted his impending death.

      Hope just didn’t know if she accepted it.

      For months now, she’d longed for the moment their lives would be joined in marriage. She couldn’t understand how God could connect her life with Paul’s and then rip him away before she’d ever known the comfort of his embrace.

      She’d left all she’d known to join him here in Boulder. With not a single penny to her name, she had no way of returning to Boston. Aaron and his doctor brother were the only souls she knew in this rough-and-tumble land.

      And all she could think about right now was the next few minutes and how she would try to hold herself together in front of them.

      Standing, she wrapped poise around her like some warm and comforting quilt, hoping that she had what it would take to walk through this alone. She crossed to the heavy oak paneled door and opened it, willing her wobbly legs not to give out on her as she left the room. She resisted the urge to hug her arms to her chest as her mother had always cautioned her, saying that it appeared weak and unladylike.

      Well, if ever there was a time where Hope felt weak, it was now. But being alone, she couldn’t afford to be weak.

      She couldn’t afford anything—not even a bowl of soup for her next meal.

      The irony of her situation stared her in the face like some fierce predator from the surrounding mountains. She drew her arms to her sides and met the three men’s watchful gazes.

      “I’m sorry. We did everything we could to keep him alive.” Ben’s voice was low, tight. “He wanted to hang on long enough to talk with you. But I couldn’t—”

      “I wouldn’t have wanted him to suffer any more than he did.” She unfurled her fisted hands, trying to ignore her need for a little consolation. “He must have been in terrible pain.”

      The studying glance Aaron cast her way left her feeling as if he’d tried to take a peek inside her soul.

      She touched her delicate lace-trimmed neckline, suddenly feeling vulnerable.

      “I’m sorry about this, СКАЧАТЬ