Her hand sailed through the air. “I figured that after catching the two of you together and it’s one of the reasons I’m here.”
“You don’t hate me?”
“Of course not. I could never hate you. At first I was pissed that you hadn’t told me. That day I came over I was desperate to talk to you, but when I found Hugh there, I got angry. Anyway, all that’s old news.” She laughed. A little at first, but then harder. “You won’t believe this, but the guy I left with, Ryan, is his cousin.”
“What!”
“Yeah, we’re dating. It’s such a small world, isn’t it? I can’t believe we met them both the night at the party.”
“Seriously? The guy you texted me the pic of?”
“Yes, That’s who I disappeared with.”
“Oh, my God! I can’t believe it!”
She aimed her finger at me. “And you and Hugh. Mr. Crabbypants. If he fucks things up, I’m going to kick his ass. He explained everything and I got it.”
I scrunched up my face. “He’s not crabby with me. Well, he wasn’t until… oh, God, I screwed things up something fierce. But, Chloe, there’s something else.”
“What?”
“I, er, I’m pregnant. And now I don’t know what to do.”
“I do. You’re going to have a baby. What else?” Chloe asked. I was quiet for a second too long. “Don’t even tell me you’re thinking of getting rid of it.”
“No! I would never. It’s just that… oh, never mind.”
“Tell me.”
It wasn’t just that she wouldn’t believe me, but what kind of person would she think I was? “It’s too complicated. And now it’s worse since I screwed things up and got pissed off.”
“Well, you have to tell him about the baby. He deserves that, at least.”
She was right. But the question was how?
Later that week, I got the biggest surprise when Chloe called to tell me she and Ryan were getting married. They had decided to tie the knot since they were in love. I was very excited for my friend, but couldn’t help feeling sorry for myself.
A Few Weeks Later
“I can’t believe this is happening,” I said.
“Me either. I know it’s fast but Ryan didn’t want to wait,” Chloe said. “I’m just so glad you agreed to be my maid of honor.”
I fanned my face. “You are so going to make me cry. I’m glad you forgave me for what happened.”
She waved the matter away. “It’s water under the bridge. I get it now. You found love in the most unexpected place and he’s not that bad.”
I turned away and wiped at my eyes.
“What is it?” she asked. “You haven’t talked to him yet, have you?”
I shook my head. “This is your day. We can talk about my problems another time.”
Chloe smoothed her dress and approached me. Her brand-new custom gown had a vintage style. The ivory floral lace form-fitting dress with an extended sweeping train made her look like a princess.
“You’re going to make me cry and mess up my makeup if you don’t tell me what’s going on.”
I sat there glumly in the simple blush-pink V-neck dress I’d picked out. “I don’t want to see Hugh today, but I have no choice. He’s Ryan’s cousin. My only solace is I’ll be walking with Ian down the aisle.”
Her brow arched. “You and Hugh seemed fine at our small pre-wedding dinner. What happened or was that an act?”
I shook my head. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll tell you the sordid details when you get back from your honeymoon. Hugh’s not the man I thought he was.”
Mrs. Landon opened the door. “Honey, it’s time.”
Chloe nodded, but before getting up, she hugged me. “Are you sure you don’t want to give him a chance?”
I shook my head. “I know you two are partners now and that’s great. But if I saw the man a million days from now, it would be too soon.”
Our conversation ended as her mom hovered, waiting.
“We will talk about this tomorrow. Our plane doesn’t leave until the afternoon. There is no way I can wait two weeks to hear what happened.”
I gave her a small smile. “Sure.” My grin widened for her benefit. “Now let’s go get you married.”
We stood and got in our places at the grand church. It was packed with their friends, family and business associates. It was almost overwhelming. Marrying a powerful man came with a few drawbacks.
I walked down the aisle and watched Chloe make her procession. She gazed at Ryan, who was glorious in a classic tux, with a starry look in her eyes. The man was GQ-worthy, but he only had eyes for her.
When she reached the altar, Ryan took her hand and in front of everyone dipped his head and kissed her. I held back the sigh in my body. It was so romantic and in that moment I knew they were made for each other.
“Not yet, son,” the reverend said.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t wait a second longer,” Ryan said. “When you find the woman of your dreams, it’s hard to wait.”
And everything turned out perfect until the reception, when Hugh and I went toe to toe.
Ian and I had been dancing. “Hugh is going to blow a gasket.” Ian chuckled.
“Not my problem,” I declared, even though my heart ached.
“Is that so?” Ian’s brow arched and I had to admit the man was striking. “Does that mean I have a shot?” Ian leaned in and whispered, “Watch out, love. He’s coming.”
Then I was wrenched out of Ian’s arms. “Don’t touch her,” Hugh warned.
That had gotten the attention of all those around us. I should have walked away, but I saw red. “It’s none of your business who I dance with,” I sneered.
Hugh got in my face. “It is when you’re carrying my child.”
He couldn’t know that and before I could say anything Chloe jerked me away from Hugh as Ryan pulled him aside.
“Molly, get to talking or I’ll kick your ass.”
“In that dress?” I quipped.
“Exactly.”
I sighed heavily and began my tale of the same night she’d met Ryan. “Hugh is paying me to have his baby. Or was, anyway. Until I screwed things up and got pissed off.”
Her head tilted and all of a sudden she burst out laughing. “Holy crap. This is… oh, God. Wait until I tell you.” Then she went into this long explanation about the deal she and Ryan had made. Soon I was laughing right along with her.
“Those sneaky men. And to think we both got involved with them,” she said. “Molly, you do realize our babies will be cousins?”
“I always thought of you as a sister and now we’ll kind of be related.” I threw my arms around her. “But I still haven’t solved my Hugh problem. I don’t know what to do.”
“You have to tell him.”
“True. But I’m still angry with him. And what if he doesn’t care anymore?”
“Why are you angry?”
My explanation was long and tearful. Chloe knew I had a troubled past but had never been given the complete details about my parents until now.