By the end of his first week of married life he had regained strength in his legs and was working on his arms. He w’as also consuming prodigious amounts of food. His first appearance at the breakfast table surprised both Zoey and Cully. “Should you be downstairs?” Zoey asked with concern. “Less than three weeks ago you lay near death.” “I’m fine now,” Pierce answered as he poured himself a cup of coffee. “Thought I’d go outside today and look the place over.” His words gave Zoey pause. “Why? You’re not going to try to tell me how to run my ranch, are you?” “If I’m not mistaken,” Pierce said bluntly, “that piece of paper we both signed gave me control over both you and your land.” “No one controls me,” Zoey said from between clenched teeth. “You know as well as I that ours isn’t a real marriage.” Pierce seated himself at the breakfast table and helped himself to a biscuit. He popped it into his mouth and chewed with relish. “These are good.
