"To hell with what Sully might do!

The situation is between you and Ruark and Mariah ... and always has been. You never should have married this girl! Never should have brought her here! And now she's the pawn in all of this."

Court Metairie turned to confront the man he loved above all others. "Galen. Now you listen to me. By trying to solve your problem, you have created another.

You rescued Sable. She's safe now. But nothing has really changed here. You still don't care for this young woman the same way she cares for you. Of course, I know you treat her kindly and would protect her with your dying breath!

But you have loved only one woman in your life ... and that's Mariah.

And by introducing this young girl into the mix! Alongside Calder and Oliver ... and by now, only the good Lord knows who else!"

Courty sighed, and regarded his friend with compassion. "I know you had only the best of intentions when you married this girl. Your only desire to learn to love her! To make a new life together.

To love anyone other than your brother's wife!

But Galen," his friend warned, "You're just asking for trouble here. And I don't mind telling you so, either!"