“I did my best to put him off, but my parents were in favor of the connection and all but hand delivered me to him.”
A sudden violent illness washed over him. He didn’t want her to say another word for fear he would find Clayson and kill him with his bare hands. He couldn’t stand the thought that he hadn’t protected her.
“He took what wasn’t his.”
“Damn him.” Hunter jumped up, ready to act on his previous fear. He paced around before falling right back next to her. “Laine,” he cried while attempting to hold her hand.
She brushed him away. “Don’t feel sorry for me.”
“Why didn’t you go to the police?”
“How could I?” Her laugh bordered on maniacal. “He had most of them in his back pocket. Even today, most of them turn a blind eye to him. It’s why I joined the force. I vowed to take him down, but his pockets and influence run deep.”
“Was the baby his?”
Laine swallowed and nodded. “When I found out I was pregnant, I swore I wouldn’t let him have my child or me ever again. I ran here to my grandmother’s. She was the only person I could trust. She helped me save up to move to Colorado. I got a scholarship there at a junior college, but then the baby came early.” The tears poured out of her. “He was stillborn, but perfect.”
He took her hand and this time she didn’t brush him away. “Why didn’t you tell me? I would have helped you.”
“Hunter, you were happy living your life. You were on your way and dating Aspen. Your mom had plans for the both of you. I didn’t want to get in the way. And for a long time, I was ashamed. I thought maybe it had been my fault.”
“Don’t you dare think that.”
“I don’t anymore, but I also didn’t want to give your mother any more ammo against me.” She let the rising sun shine on her face. She soaked up its energy. “Now you know my secret. Go back to your life, Hunter. You won’t find me there anymore.” She wiped her eyes and stood, ready to run away from him as she always did.
This time, though, he wasn’t going to let her get away. He was up and holding onto her before she knew what happened.
“Let go of me, Hunter.”
“Not this time. Not ever”
He had forgotten how strong she was when she elbowed him in the ribs. The pain she inflicted about dropped him to his knees, but despite that he desperately held onto her.
“Laine,” he groaned. “Please listen to me.”
“Give me one good reason to.”
He turned her toward him. His blue-as-the-sky eyes watered from the pain and the thought that he might lose her. It was enough to make her pause and listen.
He brushed back her hair, longing to do so much more. “I love you, Laine.”
“Don’t do this to me now.” She made a half-hearted attempt to pull away from his grasp.
He drew her closer like he had on the one night they’d had together in his cabin, stranded in a storm. Her body melded into his perfectly as if she’d been molded there. “Laine, listen to me. I’ve loved you since the moment you bested me running the mile in gym our junior year.”
He earned a smirk.
“I know I’ve been a fool and I’ve hurt you, but I don’t want to live my life without you. And I don’t want to only be your friend.” He tipped her chin up and pressed his cold lips to hers. His lips instantly seared when she didn’t pull away. He’d only had a taste of her once before; this time, he would make sure it wasn’t his last. “Marry me, Laine. Have babies with me. Lots and lots and lots of them.”
She faltered, as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
He held her steady, vowing to never let her fall. “I’m not complete without you, Laine.”
She fell against him, wetting his flannel shirt with her tears.
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes.”
Phew. I set my laptop down next to me on the couch and took my headphones out, shedding my own tears. I couldn’t believe they were finally together. I could hear Laine and Hunter thanking me and telling me it was about time.
Peter peeked around the corner. “Did you finish?”
I’d banished him to the upstairs of the house. I couldn’t concentrate while he hovered over me like a mother hen. I loved that he wanted to take care of me, but the first draft was due tomorrow and I was down to the wire. Chad and Joan had been assaulting me with texts reminding me.
I wiped my tears through my smile. “Pretty much. I just have the hot and heavy honeymoon scene on the lake to write. Thank you for the inspiration for that, by the way.”
He landed next to me on the couch. “My pleasure. Do you need a refresher, maybe some pointers?” He nuzzled my neck, his hand already under my shirt.
“I thought your dad was dropping by soon.” He wanted to bring us a baby gift. I hadn’t even been to my first doctor appointment yet. Dad was ecstatic when we told him by phone in Atlanta. There was no use trying to keep it from him. Sam, of course, knew, and she had told Avery, so we figured we might as well tell Dad. We were still trying to keep it from the press, but we knew it would be a losing battle.
“He is.” He groaned, disappointed. His hand fell away from my warm skin. “Rain check?”
“Definitely.” I propped my legs up on his lap. “It feels so good to finally have them together. I thought it was never going to happen. But I’m sad it’s over. Laine and Hunter are riding off into the sunset without me.”
Peter rubbed my legs, clad in his favorite flannel. I should have gotten some flannel pajama pants a long time ago. They weren’t ideal for sleeping or other nighttime activities, but for writing, they were perfect.
“Hunter and Laine will always be a part of you. A part of us.” He grinned.
“True.”
“Have you decided what book you’re going to write next?”
I leaned my head to the side and rested it on the couch cushion. “Not yet. I still can’t believe I signed that contract. What was I thinking?”
“That it buys a lot of shoes and clean water. And you know you were never going to be satisfied walking away right now.”
“You’re right.” I yawned. This baby zapped the energy out of me.
The doorbell rang before I could close my eyes.
“I’ll get it.” Peter gently removed my legs from him.
I sat up, eager to receive our guest. We hadn’t had the chance to see him since we’d gotten home a few days ago from the whirlwind book tour. It felt good to be home, and for the first time, it truly felt like home. There was nothing between Peter and me, and it made all the difference.
I heard Peter open the door, then I heard, “Dad, Mom.”
Mom? No. No. No. She wasn’t welcome in this house.
“What are you doing here?” Peter asked coolly.
“Please,” she begged. “I need to talk to you and Delanie.”
She most certainly did not.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I heard Peter’s heart break in there.
Oh, crap. I reluctantly got up to the sounds of his mother’s pleas. When they came into my view, I could see Joseph behind her, not saying a word. It was as if he was saying, I got you this far, you’re on your own to get in.
Joseph caught my eye and immediately barged past his wife and Peter to get to me. In his hands he held a brand-new football. He swore the baby would be a boy. The Decker men for the last five generations had a boy first.
Dad put his arms around me and gave me a gentle squeeze. “How are you feeling, honey?”
“Tired, a little pukey, but good.”
We had an audience. Sarah stood outside the door with tears welling in her eyes and a downtrodden expression. With defeat, she turned to go. I could tell Peter ached to reach out to her, but he couldn’t and wouldn’t. I loved him for it because I knew it was because of me. But because I loved him, I couldn’t let him.
“Sarah.”
Everyone looked at me, waiting to see what would
happen as if I was lulling her into a trap. Which wasn’t a bad idea, but I was too tired to clean up the mess. And I didn’t feel right asking Peter to clean up the metaphorical blood that I would like to shed.
“Come in.” That left a bad taste in my mouth.
“Delanie, honey?” Peter was confused.
So was I. Love does weird things to you. “Let’s hear what she has to say.” I dared Sarah with my eyes. I thought that might scare her away, but she sniffled a few times and crossed the threshold with trepidation. She seemed to have aged ten years since I’d seen her back in August. Her pale blue eyes were almost translucent now, and she’d lost weight, making her skin sag more and wrinkle. Even her hair hung limp.
Peter shut the door behind her. “We can all sit in the family room.” He came right to my side and put his arm around me. “Are you sure about this?” he whispered in my ear.
“Not at all.” But it was too late now.
Peter sat on our comfy chair and pulled me on his lap. His parents took the couch but kept a person’s distance between them.
At first it was a staring contest. Or more like look anywhere but at each other. While we waited for his mom to speak, Peter played with my wedding ring by twisting it. He now wore one too. I’d found this great flea market while we were in Seattle that had a vintage silver ring that was made to look like tree branches, and since Peter was still against tattooing my name around his finger and wearing rings meant so much to him, I got it for him.
Sarah took so long to speak that Joseph started tossing the football in the air and catching it. We were taking uncomfortable silence to new heights. Finally, Sarah shifted and grabbed some tissues from her purse. She blew her nose and sniffled a few more times before she could speak.
“I know you hate me.” Sarah’s eyes pleaded for us to contradict her.
Neither Peter nor I spoke, but he squeezed my hand. I hated that this was killing him more.
When the contradiction didn’t come, she nodded. “I deserve it. I know you won’t believe this, but I’m sorry. I never meant for those pictures to go online.”
I wasn’t sure I believed her. “The problem is that you felt the need to have them taken in the first place. Why is that?”
She met my eyes, and for the first time, I could see remorse in hers, not her usual I-don’t-care-what-you-think look she had always given me in the past. Her entire body seemed to fall in defeat.
“Delanie, I’m jealous of you. You took my son away from me. Ever since you came into the picture, he no longer cares what I think.” She looked at Peter. “You didn’t even call me to tell me that you were thinking about leaving the priesthood or that you wanted to get married. You used to tell me everything. Then you showed up one day with a wife and suddenly I didn’t exist anymore for you.” A flood of tears streamed down her face.
Peter sat up and placed his arms around me. “Ma, that’s not true. I didn’t discuss my decisions with you because I knew you would disapprove, and I was confused enough at the time. I knew it had to be between me and God. You’re right, I should have told you I was getting married, but I wanted Delanie to myself. I’d never been in love before. Never thought I would be. It overwhelmed me in the best way possible and I’m sorry if you took that as I didn’t care about you. I was only in love.” He kissed my cheek. “And it was apparent from the very first meeting you were determined to not like her. You didn’t even try to get to know her; instead, you made every visit uncomfortable for us. After that, why would you think I would want to tell you anything?”
She closed her eyes and sighed. “I know.”
“Do you really, Ma?” Peter asked. Pleaded.
She opened her eyes and stared directly into Peter’s. “I do, son. I’m sorry. I want to be better. I want to be part of,” she looked between the two us, “both your lives. Of my grandbaby’s life.”
Joseph scooted closer to his wife and slowly put his arm around her. At first it was stiff, but as soon as it relaxed, she turned into him and wailed. Joseph pulled her closer and held her. Between her sobs, all she kept saying was, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
I wasn’t sure if I believed her, having been fooled by her before, but I found that even if it wasn’t true, I didn’t mind all that much because I knew where my place was now. I sank back into my husband, right where I belonged.
Epilogue
Nine Months Later
“Jonah.” Sarah bounced him in her arms and cooed at our son during Sunday dinner. He was all she had eyes for.
Jonah. I smiled to myself thinking about his name and Peter’s chart of all the bible names and their meanings. He campaigned hard for Jonah, which meant dove and represented peace. Looking at Sarah holding our son made me think we had chosen well. Jonah had not only brought peace to our family, but to me personally. I no longer wondered what kind of mother I would be. I knew now I was a fierce one. My every thought had him in it. My love for him was amazing and overwhelming all at the same time. It was like loving his father. And to watch Peter love him only made my love grow for both.
Jonah stretched his tiny six-week-old body and everyone at the table reacted as if it was the most adorable thing they had ever seen, even my nephews. He was the cutest baby boy to grace the planet with his red hair that had a life its own, sticking up in random places on his head, and Peter’s green eyes.
“He’s gained some weight since last week,” Sarah commented without taking her eyes off him.
I would think so. I felt like I constantly nursed him. That wasn’t a complaint, but I had no idea something so little could eat so much.
“Let me hold him, Ma.” Sam held her arms out waiting, while Reed took the opportunity to rub his own baby—due in two months, right in the heart of football season. Sam wasn’t thrilled about the timing, but she was more than excited to be having a little girl, even if she thought she was too old to have a baby. Her posts about being pregnant in her forties were hilarious as she delighted her readers with tales of hemorrhoids, heartburn, swollen boobs, and her desire for more sex.
Sarah reluctantly gave him up, but not before smothering him in kisses. I hated to admit it sometimes, but she was all I hoped a grandmother would be for our baby. I had to remind myself often that she was trying, and she had changed. No longer did she scowl at me, instead she smiled. She even offered to help teach me to cook. I hadn’t taken her up on it yet, but I had feeling I should, for the sake of Jonah, at least.
Avery looked longingly at Jonah, and as happy as she was for us, I think the new additions acutely reminded her that Hannah wasn’t here. James too had become more melancholy the last few months; his phone now was more of a focus than the people around him. Peter and I wished we knew what to do to help, but neither were willing to talk.
Avery put on a brave front and smiled. “When is Xaria coming again?”
I smiled, thinking of my daughter and son finally meeting. “She’ll arrive next week with Henry and Anna.”
“She must be excited.” Avery was keeping up her act.
“She is. She plans to teach him how to read when she gets here.”
Everyone laughed. But she was so smart, I wouldn’t put it past her abilities. I just wanted her in my arms once more. I hadn’t seen her since spring break when we finally told the world about her. On my own terms, I posted about her with her parents’ permission. It was a one-time deal with no other comment from me. The press had been relentlessly trying to find out who her birth father was, but the records were sealed, and Blair had never come forward. It was the only decent thing he had ever done for me, for her.
“They are all invited here for dinner next week,” Joseph added in.
Peter put his arm around me. “That would be great, Dad.”
Mimsy, in her usual fashion, started handing out money to the grandsons, including ours. She handed a ten-dollar bill to me. “This is for Jonah; don’t you go spending it.”
Instead of rolling my eyes, I took the money graciously. “Tha
nk you. I’ll put it in his account.” I called it the Mimsy account. I felt bad taking her money, but she would never take it back. At least she wasn’t giving it to felons anymore. Her boyfriend was now serving time, though to Dad’s dismay, she was still living with them.
“How’s your new book coming?” Sam asked while gazing at my son with a huge smile.
“I’ve hardly had a moment to work on it since he’s been born. Nighttime is party time for him.”
“Are you keeping your mommy up?” Sam asked Jonah in a sing-song voice. “I need to know what happens to Jules and Maxwell. I can’t believe you left them stranded at the Cape of Good Hope in the last book.”
“Speaking of your book.” Peter pulled out his phone with a mischievous grin. “Let’s check to see where Belonging ended up this week.”
I covered my eyes. “I can’t look.”
“Why? It was so good. Maybe even better than Black Confessions,” Avery reluctantly admitted.
“Honestly,” Sam chimed in. “My ice maker is broken again, thanks to you. Maxwell’s English accent and manners are hot.”
“Mom. Disgusting.” Cody jumped up and fled, along with Jimmy and Matt.
I peeked at Peter, who was staring at his phone with a solemn expression. He stood up without saying a word, making me more nervous. He put his phone in his pocket and picked up our son. I was honestly surprised he hadn’t taken him back earlier. Peter, like me, was addicted to holding him. He kissed our baby’s head. “I think you better give your mommy the news.”
I knew it. I knew it wouldn’t live up to Hunter Black even though the words seemed to flow right out of me. Like the love that was growing inside me somehow manifested itself on the pages. Joan and Chad had even thought it was my best work, but I guess it didn’t translate to my fans. I was a little surprised, since pre-sale numbers were good, and it had received some amazing reviews from the big names in the industry. No reviews from Grace, though, who had oddly disappeared. I evil-laughed in my head thinking about it. Joan had even mentioned how pleased her fiancé was over the projected sales this week.
The Secretive Wife (More Than a Wife Series Book 2) Page 30