“Of course, you could refuse to wed him,” Beck said, giving Willow a choice.

“Not an option,” Slatter said. “You gave your word.”

“And I’m keeping my word. Like I told you, the only way a woman truly belongs to a man is if he weds her. You shouldn’t have poked her if you didn’t want to wed her.” Beck laughed hardily. “Thought you had me, didn’t you, but I got you on this one, Slatter.” He snapped his hand. “Now give her over to me and be on your way.”

“Like I said, not an option. We wed,” Slatter said.

Beck turned to Willow. “What say you? Do you want to wed this rogue and be stuck with him forever?”

Willow wanted to ask what other options were available, but Beck wouldn’t be honest with her.

“No need to ask her,” Slatter said. “She’s mine now and I’ll make the decision for us both.”

“That’s it, take charge from the start, so she knows her place,” Beck said, keeping his eyes on Willow.

Willow greatly disliked the situation she was in, but that didn’t help her any. If she wanted to get home, then she had to be practical about this. She would wed him and see what could be done to absolve their marriage.

“My place will be beside my husband and I will be a good wife to him,” Willow said. She had no worry that Slatter would take what she said literally, since he had considered her an intelligent woman and would do the sensible thing.

Beck laughed again, though not a belly shaking laugh. “And what about you, Slatter? You’ll be a faithful and loving husband?”

Slatter didn’t hesitate. “Every day of our lives together.”

Willow smiled, his words clearly letting her know that he too intended to find a way to absolve the marriage. It made exchanging vows with him that much easier.

“Bless you both,” Beck said.

Willow didn’t care for Beck’s sly grin. The man always seemed to be one step ahead, as if making sure no one could best him. What else did his devious mind have planned since no doubt he had expected his gift to be rejected?

“Let’s be done with this. I want to be on my way,” Slatter said.

“I never thought you’d be so eager to wed.” Beck chuckled. “But I suppose miracles do happen.” He turned to the cleric. “Come, Cleric, and wed the loving couple, so they may start the rest of their lives together.”

The ceremony was brief and not a single word of congratulations was offered to them from anyone.

“I’m sure we’ll cross paths again,” Beck said after Slatter mounted his horse behind Willow.

“No doubt, Beck, though circumstances will be much different,” Slatter said.

“A warning?” Beck asked, looking not all disturbed by it.

Slatter looked directly at the man. “A promise.”

Willow wished she felt relieved, but she didn’t. And the further they got into the woods, the more she feared that at any moment Beck’s men would jump out and drag her away and leave the men to die.