* * *
Laura checked the answering machine when she got back from dinner with her parents. The apartment still felt strange. She’d only lived here a few days before leaving for Florida, and there were still boxes to be unpacked. When she realized that Taylor had not called, she logged on and found his message.
She remembered how she had felt when they’d been told that Tomás was dying. Her world had narrowed until there was only room for Tomás and her parents. She’d done what work she had to and spent the rest of the time with him. They’d talked for hours, night after night, and it had been Tomás that helped her in those nightmare days.
Now, Taylor was doing the same thing, focusing on what was necessary to get by. She wept as she sent him an answer.
Taylor,
I wish there were something I could say to help you through this. Unfortunately, you have to find your own way. Just remember I’m here if you need someone to talk to, someone who’s been there.
My heart is with you and Annie and Meg.
Love,
Laura
Chapter 44
When Taylor came into Annie’s hospital room, a woman rose from her seat at the side of the bed. Annie said, “Taylor, you remember Jude MacMurray, my lawyer?”
“Of course. Jude, it’s good to see you again.”
“I just wish it were in other circumstances, Taylor. Annie’s filled me in.” He could see the sorrow in her eyes before she brusquely said, “About this guardian thing. I don’t know. I’m going to have to do some research, but I’m pretty sure that whatever you put in your will, Annie, if Meg’s birth father wants her, the courts will look favorably on him.”
“What?” Taylor nearly shouted at her. “That is so damned stupid! That bastard walked out on Annie before Meg was even born! He’s never sent one penny to help. I doubt he even remembers he has a child!”
A nurse pushed open the door. “Ms. Miller? Is everything all right in here?”
Annie told her it was, and the nurse looked sternly at Taylor. “Please, keep your voice down, sir, or I’ll have to ask you to leave.”
Instead of apologizing, Taylor turned his back on her and walked to the window, fighting for control. His hands clenched at the idea that the courts could even consider giving Megan to Edwards!
“Taylor…” Annie spoke softly from her bed. “Taylor, we have to hear the rest of what Jude has to say.”
He turned and looked at them. How could they be so calm about this? He sank into a chair by the window and tried to focus on what the lawyer was saying.
“Annie, Taylor, I’m sorry. I’m not sure of any of this. If you were married, then the courts might look more favorably on you, Taylor. But, as a friend of the family, you’re just not as important as a blood tie. The law is wrong, but it is the law. Unless we can get a signature from him relinquishing his parental rights or find some way to prove him unfit, he still has first rights to his daughter.”
“She’s not his daughter, damn it. She’s mine.” Taylor’s voice broke as he said it.
“Taylor, I know that. I’ll be here to help, but I still think we have to find him and get him to give up his rights. Even then, Taylor, you’ll have to prove you’re a fit parent. And, face it, your life as it is now, isn’t going to make you a real viable possibility.”
Annie spoke. “We’ll worry about Taylor’s lifestyle later. Right now, we have to locate Cary. I’ll go…”
“No, Annie, I’ll go,” Taylor interrupted. “You’re not going to have to suffer that, too.”
Jude looked from one to the other of them. “Let’s just find him first. Then we’ll figure out the next step. I’ll call you at home as soon as I have a more definitive answer.”
She leaned down and hugged Annie, then waved to Taylor as she left the room. They stared at each other in silence until Taylor said, “What time can I take you out of here, Annie?”
“The doctor should be along soon. He’s waiting for my decision about the chemotherapy.”
“You’ve decided against it, haven’t you?”
“I have, Taylor. They can’t offer me any hope that it will prolong my life—just the agony. I want to be as well as possible for the time I have left with Meg.”
Taylor ran his hands through his hair. “Annie, I need to get out of here for a while. Can you handle this with the doctor, or do you need me here?”
Her eyes softened as she looked at the man who had been so much more than her best friend. “Go on, Taylor. I’ll be here waiting when you get back.”
He stopped and kissed her before he left the room. She knew the demons chasing him—they’d left their twins with her.
* * *
Taylor walked across the bridge to where the path began along the bay. It was filled with runners and walkers, people on skates or bicycles, all without a care in the world. He walked quickly, his mind in turmoil, until he had no energy left and collapsed on a bench, leaning his head on the railing that lined the path.
Losing Annie was already too much to handle. He couldn’t lose Meg, too. More importantly, he couldn’t let Cary have any chance at taking her. Judging by his attack on Laura, Cary hadn’t changed. The idea of a helpless child in the hands of that monster was more than he could bear. There had to be an answer, a way to protect Meg. Staring out at the ocean, he replayed the lawyer’s comments in his head until the answer he’d been avoiding became the only option they had left.
Chapter 45
“With this ring, I thee wed.” Taylor’s voice was strong and sure as he placed the plain gold band on his bride’s finger and smiled at her.
The presiding judge said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride, Taylor.”
He kissed Annie as their friends surrounded them. Annie’s parents were beaming as they welcomed him into their family. Daniel Li, acting as best man, shook Taylor’s hand even as he tried to figure out how all this had happened. He had been sure that Taylor was in love with Laura, yet, here he was, less than a week later, married to Annie. Megan was almost beside herself with joy. She had been her mother’s maid of honor as her secret wish finally came true.
The party moved inside the condo. The sun had been setting as they said their vows on the deck overlooking the bay. Now, the living room was alight with candles as the caterers served champagne. Daniel tapped on his glass to get everyone’s attention, then said, “I was honored when Taylor asked me to stand up with him today and be a witness to the beginning of his new life. I wish Annie and Taylor much happiness and long life. May they have triple the years together than the years it took them to reach this place. To Taylor and Annie.”
As the guests echoed Daniel’s toast, Taylor pretended to drink. Long-life. Someday, Daniel would regret those words and resent that Taylor had let him say them. He felt Annie squeeze his hand and he smiled at her, every inch the joyous bridegroom, as long as no one looked too closely into his eyes.
As Daniel lifted Megan on to a chair, Taylor met Susan’s eyes and smiled at her. Of all the people here, only Susan and Jude knew the truth about Annie. His attention returned to Meg as she tapped on her own glass for attention. “My turn,” she said in a shaky voice. “My turn to wish Taylor and my mother happiness. Taylor’s been the only father I ever had, and it’s nice to have it made official.” Affectionate laughter surrounded her. “So, to Taylor and Mom—and our new family.”
Even as they were surrounded by well-wishers, Taylor felt as if it were all a dream that he might yet wake from. Only a week since he’d been on Catalina with Laura. Only a week…
* * *
When Taylor had returned to the hospital, the papers had been signed to release Annie. She looked so well that Taylor found himself almost believing that the diagnosis had been a mistake. As they drove away from the hospital, his heart was heavy with the knowledge that they would eventually be back he
re.
Meg had come running out of the house to greet her mother. She’d helped Annie up the steps—not that Annie really needed any help—and settled her on the couch in the living room before running off to bring her cookies and juice. Taylor and Annie had looked at each other and burst into muffled laughter at her gravity.
“I might have been better off in the hospital,” Annie whispered.
“Except they didn’t bake you cookies,” Taylor answered as he went out the door. He came back a few minutes later with Annie’s things and a small suitcase. Annie raised her eyebrow in question and Taylor answered, “I’m moving in, Annie.”
“Taylor! Don’t be ridiculous. I’m fine. You don’t need to be here.”
“Actually, Annie, I do need to be here. You were sent home with the understanding that we would be here to take care of you. I can’t do that if I’m across town.” When their debate was interrupted by Meg bringing in the treat for her mother, Taylor picked up his suitcase and went down the hall to the guestroom. He would be staying, no matter what Annie said.
Susan had joined Annie when Taylor came back into the room. “Susan, I can’t thank you enough for being here for Meg,” Annie was saying.
“That’s what friends are for, Annie.”
Taylor said, “She’s right, Annie, you’re just going to have to put up with people caring about you. Susan, I’m sure you’re ready for a rest. I’ll be staying here, so why don’t you take some time off?”
“There’s a casserole ready to be heated for dinner and a salad in the fridge. I’ll go do some grocery shopping tomorrow, but I’ll check with you first to see what you need.” She hugged Annie. “I’m glad you’re home. Call me if you need me.”
As he walked out with Susan to her car, she asked, “Taylor, what’s going to happen?”
“I don’t know for sure yet. Annie and I need to talk tonight. The most important thing is to get back to some semblance of normalcy for Meg’s sake. I’ll keep you posted.”
* * *
Meg had tucked her mother into bed before she would even consider going to her own. Taylor finished cleaning up the kitchen, trying to stay out of the way, giving them time together. Meg came to the door, “Mom’s in bed. She says she’s going to read for a while. I just wanted to say goodnight, Taylor.” She gave him a fierce hug. “I’m glad you’re staying here. Thank you.”
“I’ll be here as long as you need me, Meg. Go on to bed now. You need to get some rest so you don’t get sick.” He kissed the top of her head. “Sweet dreams.”
When he was sure Meg was settled for the night, he knocked at the door of Annie’s room.
“Come in, Taylor.”
Annie was propped up in bed, a number of ledgers and papers scattered around her.
“Annie, what are you doing?”
“Taylor, I still have a business to run. I’ve got to make some decisions on this.”
Taylor sat beside her on the bed and took the book out of her hands. Gathering it up with all the other things, he stacked them on the floor. “Not tonight, Annie. The business can wait. You and I need to talk about Meg.”
“I thought we’d settled that this morning. We’re going to find Cary…”
“Annie—please, just listen to me.” He took her hands in his as he continued. “I want to start adoption proceedings for Megan right away. That means we do have to find Cary and get him to give her up officially. But, adopting her will legally make her my daughter.”
Annie looked confused. “But, Taylor, I’d have to sign away my rights as well.”
“Not if you marry me, Annie.” Taylor’s eyes never looked away from hers. “If we’re married, it will make all of this easier. So, Anne Elizabeth Miller, will you marry me?”
Annie’s eyes filled with tears. She knew exactly what Taylor was doing, and she knew he was right. But he’d be giving up so much.
“Taylor, there must be some other way. What about you? What about Laura?”
She saw the pain that flashed in his eyes at the mention of Laura’s name. “Laura will understand, Annie. I never got a chance to tell her how I felt, so I’m not breaking any promises to her. Right now, Megan is my first priority.” He’d smiled at her as he wiped away her tears. “So, Annie…will you marry me?”
They’d argued about it for another hour before he’d finally won and Annie agreed to marry him.
“You are a stubborn woman, Annie Miller, soon-to-be Morgan. Now, is day after tomorrow too soon?”
“What? Taylor, there are a few practicalities here. Like a marriage license?”
“That’s where money and influence come in. There will be a clerk here in the morning to witness our signatures and issue the license. A judge friend of Jude’s will preside; the wedding will be at the condo at sunset. The caterers are already at work on the reception. All that’s left is to call and invite the people we want to be there. I suggest we start with your parents since they need to know their flight time.”
“Pretty sure of yourself, weren’t you, Taylor?”
He touched her cheek gently. “Pretty sure that you’d see this was our best hope of protecting Meg.”
“Don’t you ever get tired of rescuing me, Taylor?”
“Annie, I only wish I could.”
* * *
A burst of laughter brought him out of his reverie. Some of the guests were getting ready to leave. Meg was bossily lining up all the women so that Annie could throw the bouquet. She never noticed that no one else tried to catch it as it landed safe in her own hands. Then she told Taylor and Annie to wait as she shooed everyone outside, finally calling to them that they could come out. As they did, they were met with a shower of rice and good wishes as they ran for the Jag. Taylor helped Annie in, then picked up Meg and whispered in her ear, “Just remember, you’re the one who will clean every grain of rice out of this car, miss.” She just giggled and kissed his cheek as he put her down. As they drove away, Taylor was startled at a terrible rattling in the usually quiet car until he realized that Meg had tied tin cans to the bumper. Neighbors he had never seen before came out to stare at the racket in the normally staid neighborhood.
He’d stopped outside the security gate and detached them so the rest of their trip home was much quieter. Meg was staying with her grandparents at the condo so that he and Annie would have the house to themselves for their “wedding night.” It wouldn’t be what everyone was imagining. They had agreed that theirs was to be a marriage in name only, its purpose to provide strength for Annie and safety for Meg.
* * *
As the other guests departed, Taylor’s agent made a decision. This was a publicity gold mine. Taylor and that chit who’d taken over his publicity were missing an incredible opportunity. As soon as he was in his car, he pulled out his cell phone and made a few select calls, leaking the news for the morning papers.
* * *
Before Annie could step through the door, Taylor surprised her by picking her up and carrying her across the threshold. “No sense in tempting fate,” he said as he put her down, his arms still around her. “Did I remember to tell you that you’re a beautiful bride, Annie?”
“Thank you, Taylor. It was a wonderful wedding.”
“Meg certainly enjoyed it,” he said as he released her and closed the door behind them.
“Just think what she might have come up with if she’d had time to plan,” Annie said as she pulled off her shoes.
Taylor could see she was tired. Today—the last few days— had been so stressful. It was fairly early yet, but he suggested she go on to bed. For now, he would be staying in the guestroom. They hadn’t quite worked out how to explain that to Meg yet, but they’d think of something. He kissed her forehead and said he’d check in on her before he went to bed.
When she had disappeared into her room, Taylor poured himself a glass of wine and went out
on the deck. He’d already lied to Annie today. What a great way to start a marriage.
Annie had found him just before the ceremony was to start. Meg had been determined that they not see each other so Annie had sent her off on an errand in order to sneak down the hall to Taylor’s room.
“Taylor?”
He’d been surprised to see her. “Annie? Is everything all right?”
“I’m fine, if that’s what you’re asking, Taylor. I just wanted to give you one more chance to back out of this. It’s not fair to you. You’re in love with Laura—”
“Annie,” he’d said, placing his fingers across her lips. “Stop. I know what I’m doing.”
“And Laura?”
“Laura understands.”
“You talked to her, then?”
“Annie, stop worrying so much. Go, before Meg catches us.”
She’d laughed at him and hurried back down the hall as they heard Meg coming up the stairs.
It hadn’t been the truth. He hadn’t talked to Laura. He hadn’t been able to bring himself to tell her. He hoped she would understand, but this would be the second time he had walked out of her life. He wasn’t sure she’d give him a third chance.
Now, in the darkness of his “wedding night,” he sat alone, waiting for his wife to be asleep so he could call the woman he loved and break her heart.
Chapter 46
It was only six a.m. when the phone rang. Laura reached out and picked it up, swearing to kill whatever idiot was calling this early.
“Hello?”
“Laura, this is Elodie Nee.” The president of Taylor’s fan club sounded indignant as she demanded, “What’s going on with Taylor?” Laura had found the woman to be very possessive of Taylor and any information about him. She seemed to believe that only she had the right to release any details of Taylor’s life and career and she’d made it very clear that she didn’t like Laura. The feeling was mutual.
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