Bid For Freedom

Chapter 42

After Dani disappeared down the hallway and Rosa took charge of David, Caleb followed the others to the parlor. His father opened the liquor cabinet and poured everyone a glass of brandy. Caleb gratefully accepted the glass and took a healthy swig.

"Not too much, Caleb. You need to be sober for this discussion."

Caleb raised an eyebrow and fought back an urge to down the whole glass just to spite his father. Instead, he place the class on the mantle.

"I understand I've been called here to discuss the terms of the will of Heber Kirkland," the lawyer started.

"You know exactly why you've been called here. We all do," Derek snapped.

"Yes. Quite. As you know, the will states that Caleb Kirkland will inherit this property if he meets the conditions of the will. It would seem he has done so. Provided he can provide the marriage certificate."

Caleb took another drink, enjoying the lull in the conversation. "I have just such a document." He stood and retrieved a packet of papers. He shuffled through them before withdrawing a document and placing it on the table by the will.

The attorney looked it over and nodded. "All seems to be in order. Miss Danielle seems to be the doting wife, clearly in love."

Caleb knew he was being baited and kept his mouth shut. Love had nothing to do with their union.

Jeremy sat in an armchair, his legs crossed at the ankle. He seemed to be enjoying himself.

"Is there anything else you'll be needing?" Caleb asked. "I'm quite obviously here by Christmas. I'm married and have been since before my birthday." He shrugged. "There seems to be nothing else."

"There is the matter of an heir," the lawyer started.

"David doesn't count," Derek quipped.

Caleb smiled and downed the last of his brandy. "I'm well aware of my husbandly duties and God willing, our union shall produce heirs in good time. As you stated, I've met the terms of the will thus far and fully intend to meet the rest. Shall I remind you, gentlemen, God's time is never our time."

He nodded and rose. "If there's nothing else, I think I'll retire."

"Sit down Caleb," his father ordered.

Caleb walked to the liquor cabinet and refilled his glass before returning to his seat. "Yes, father?"

"Where did you actually meet that girl?"

Caleb chuckled. "You doubt her story?"

"It has a few, shall we say, holes."

"It was quite honestly as she said. She was mistakenly sleeping in my bed. I was more than three sheets to the wind when I staggered into the room and fell across her. She screamed. My equilibrium being as compromised as it was, I fell out of bed and crashed to the floor, unconscious. She, being the person she is, cared for me until I woke with a splitting headache the next day. As she said, we talked and it was decided that a union was in the best interest for the both of us." He raised an eyebrow, challenging anyone to question the story.

"Jeremy?"

Jeremy held up his glass. "Don't involve me. I was in my own room and wasn't party to the details."

"Have you consummated the marriage?"

"That question is a bit forward even for you, father. I had assumed Derek was behind this debacle. Unfortunately, it would seem I was misinformed once again."

"Caleb, I only want to see you happy."

"Happy? I'd have been quite happy driving my herd to Colorado Territory. This change has not made me happy. I'm once again under your thumb and as such subject to your tirades. I'm not overly happy at the moment." He nodded down the hall in the direction of his room. "That woman is the only bright spot in this entire charade."