Gemma reached out and patted the other woman’s hand. “That’s understandable.”
She took a breath. “And then one day I met this man. I was shopping in one of the department stores. I dropped my bag and he picked it up and we sort of clicked. He asked me to have a coffee with him. I knew I shouldn’t, but I was feeling low. Jonathan hadn’t made love to me for months. Just the night before I’d tried to make the first move in bed, and he’d said he was too tired.”
“Was Jonathan having an affair?”
“Oh, no, that wasn’t the problem. He was just so focused on work and making money. He had some pretty big shoes to fill. His father was such a force, you see.” She gave a quiet sigh. “Anyway, this man and I started to meet for coffee. His marriage wasn’t very good either. I was still desperate to get Jonathan’s attention, but one thing led to another and I decided I was in love with the other man. I couldn’t take my marriage anymore, so I packed my things and left.”
Gemma’s eyes widened. “You left?”
“Yes. I planned on going for good. I told myself the children didn’t really need me and were probably better off without me in their lives. I knew Helen would step into the breach, you see. Of course, I was just making excuses for myself.” There was a tiny pause. “I was back a week later.”
“Only a week?”
She nodded. “Jonathan was shattered, and he begged me to come home. By that time, I realized I’d made a mistake. I regret what I did, but it’s been the making of our marriage. It seemed to open up something inside him, and he’s been a loving husband and father ever since.”
“How old were Tate and Bree?”
Her face crumpled again. “Tate was twelve and Bree seven. Oh, God, I felt so terrible about that.” She stopped and took a moment to control herself, then she managed to speak further. “Bree was too young, but Tate knew. He was colder to me when I came back, and he’s been reserved with me ever since.” Deep regret was etched in her face. “I couldn’t bring myself to explain it to my son. Sometimes I wish I had.”
Gemma’s heart squeezed for the young teenage boy whose world had turned upside down. Suddenly, she realized this explained why Tate had reacted so strongly when he thought she was cheating with Drake. After all, they’d only been together a month when that accidental kiss between her and his best friend had happened. Another man would probably have brushed her off like a fly and never looked back. Tate had held a grudge because of the memories of his mother betraying his father. She certainly didn’t think now that it was because she personally had hurt him. It wasn’t possible to hurt someone if there was no true emotional involvement between them.
“Unfortunately,” Darlene continued, bringing Gemma back to the discussion, “Helen and Nathaniel never forgave me.”
And that explained the coolness Helen showed for her daughter-in-law, a coolness that had been extended to her because the matriarch thought Gemma had done wrong by her grandson.
And yet… “Maybe I should keep quiet about this, but shouldn’t Helen and Nathaniel have taken some responsibility for putting such pressure on Jonathan in the first place?”
Darlene looked surprised, then gratified. “I’ve always thought so, too.” She sighed. “It’s too late now. Nothing’s ever going to change with my mother-in-law. I hurt her son, and that’s all that matters to her.”
“It’s a pity you never had it out with her,” Gemma said, thinking out loud.
“Oh, I couldn’t.” She seemed to catch herself. “Could I?”
Gemma hadn’t meant to get involved at all, but it wouldn’t hurt to support Darlene. Her mother-in-law had supported her in everything so far. “You don’t have any thing to lose now by talking to Helen, do you? Your marriage to Jonathan is rock solid.”
“Yes, it is. And it is time to clear the air. She’s always been snippy with me in private, but lately…” A determined look crossed Darlene’s face. She rose from the sofa. “Thank you, Gemma. I’m going to do it right now.”
Gemma got to her feet, suddenly not sure she should have encouraged the other woman. Perhaps she should have let things lie.
Yet the comment about Helen no longer keeping her animosity private worried her. Was Helen becoming bolder because Gemma had joined the family? Did the elderly lady feel she could now openly attack the two women who were “outsiders?” How far would this go? Perhaps it was time someone stood up to Helen, before things got worse.
“I guess you need to do what you need to do, Darlene. If I can help in any way, please let me know.”
Darlene kissed her cheek. “I will. Thank you.” She smiled. “I’m really pleased you don’t have to go through all this with Tate. He’s so caring and concerned about you. Jonathan was never like that with me.”
Gemma was glad the other woman turned to pick up her handbag from the sofa right then and didn’t see her reaction. Caring and concerned? Gemma supposed that was true. But Tate didn’t love her. It made her wonder if the same thing might happen to them that had happened to his parents. If Tate’s care and concern lessened over the next fifteen years, would she be tempted to take a lover? She didn’t think so. She couldn’t imagine ever wanting to be in anyone’s arms but his. He was the only man she wanted.
The only man she’d ever wanted.
Gemma waited until Nathan was in bed before speaking to Tate about Darlene. She’d spent all afternoon thinking about his mother’s visit and had decided she couldn’t bear having the same thing happen to her marriage that had happened to her in-laws. The only way to prevent such a thing was to bring his mother’s affair out in the open. But she was acutely aware that she needed to tread warily.
When they were sitting on the terrace having an after-dinner drink, watching the sun lower on the horizon, she said, “Your mother came to see me today.”
Tate’s brow lifted. “Did she?”
“She wanted to make sure I was okay.”
“Good.” He looked pleased. “I know she was concerned about you.”
“She’s a very caring person, isn’t she?”
His eyes turned inscrutable as he paused to take a sip of his drink. “Yes.”
Short.
Abrupt.
She took a deep breath, then, “She told me about her affair all those years ago.”
He bolted upright, almost spilling his drink. “Jesus!”
She forged onward. “I understand where you’re coming from now, Tate.”
There was a flicker of raw emotion in his eyes. “If you breathe a word of this, I swear—”
Her eyes widened. “How could you think I would say anything to anyone? I wouldn’t repay your mother that way.”
“Damn it all,” he muttered, setting his glass down on the table.
“You’ve never forgiven her, have you?”
The rawness in his eyes was replaced by a glower. “That’s none of your bloody business.” He pushed to his feet.
“It is when you’re making me pay for her mistake.”
He stared down at her. “Did you tell her about us?”
“Of course not!” She was glad she hadn’t mentioned Darlene’s coming confrontation with Helen. She wouldn’t give him any more ammunition to use against her.
He raised an eyebrow, cooler now and in control again. “Why so affronted? You can’t deny you and my mother have a lot in common.”
Her chin lifted a notch at his tone. It hadn’t taken him long to return to his arrogant self. “I was never unfaithful to you, Tate.”
“That’s only in the truest sense, since we weren’t married at the time. You can still be unfaithful in a moral sense.” His mouth tightened. “And you were.”
“A kiss is not the same as having sex,” she snapped, then she could have bit out her tongue. He thought she had admitted to wanting Drake.
“It was two-timing, Gemma. Make no mistake about that.”
Her gaze sharpened as she got up from the chair. “You always were quick to believe the worst of me. Now I’m w
ondering if you’d decided my time was up. You wanted to be rid of me, and believing Drake’s lie was the easiest way to go about it.”
He flinched. “That’s bloody ridiculous.”
“Is it? I’m not so sure.”
“I caught you kissing him, dammit.”
“I thought I was kissing you,” she said, not for the first time and probably not the last.
He made a dismissive gesture. “I’m not going over this again, Gemma. Just know this. If I ever catch you kissing Drake—or any other man for that matter—I’ll take Nathan from you so fast your head will spin.”
Underneath she shook, but Darlene’s revelation allowed her to see beyond this old argument. For the first time, she could see the hurt beneath his stance. A hurt he masked with pure anger.
And with her understanding came a new outlook on how to manage him. “Then I have nothing to worry about,” she said quietly and confidently. “I don’t intend to kiss any other man except you.”
As if bowled over by the statement, he stared at her for a long moment as if searching for the truth. Then his face underwent a subtle change, and she knew he believed she meant it. He gave an almost imperceptible nod before twisting on his heels and heading back inside through the patio doors.
She heard him leave the house soon after, and only then did she let herself slump down on the chair and think about what had just passed between them. In one way, it hadn’t gone well. In another, it was a complete eye-opener.
Tate Chandler needed as much reassurance in his life as the next person—even if he would never acknowledge it.
Tate returned home late that evening. He’d spent a few hours at the office trying to work but hadn’t succeeded. He’d been unable to concentrate after Gemma challenged him and his beliefs.
Had he forgiven his mother? she’d asked.
Short answer, no.
So he was blaming Gemma for his mother’s mistake?
Gemma had made a mistake on her own. He didn’t need his mother as an excuse.
He was quick to believe the worst, she’d said.
He’d seen what he’d seen.
He’d wanted a reason to end their relationship.
Actually, he’d felt more for her back then than for any other woman he’d ever known. Why he would want to—
Stop.
Rephrase.
His feelings hadn’t come into it at all. He’d wanted Gemma more than he’d wanted any other woman, that’s all. The reason he’d ended their affair was because he’d caught her kissing Drake. She’d betrayed his trust. She was grasping at straws by bringing his mother into it.
So why the hell had he believed her when she’d said she didn’t intend to kiss any man but him? It was incredible that he could accept her statement as truth.
And yet, he did.
One thing was apparent. Over the past few weeks he’d seen a side of Gemma that went beyond sex. He’d seen her as a loving mother, a hurt and betrayed daughter. She was kind to everyone whether they were employees or people at the park. She cared about a teenager’s personal problems, even though she had enough problems of her own. She was charming and beautiful, and she found his antics with his son amusing. She was someone he wanted to be with, in and out of the bedroom. That was quite an admission. For the first time, he felt hope that maybe their marriage might have a chance.
He had a lot to think about, was even now still thinking about it, as he came out of the shower and slipped into bed beside his wife. He pulled her against him so she could pillow her cheek on his chest. She fit so right against him.
Then, out of the blue, she half twisted on top of him, sliding one leg across his thighs as she stretched up to kiss him. He took the kiss, reveling in the feel of her against his thighs, but he could tell she was trying to tell him something.
He broke away from her mouth. “Gemma?”
“I’m here, Tate.” She leaned her palms on his chest, deepened the kiss and adjusted her body, making him growl in his throat. She slid her hand down to where he was hard for her. “And I’m not going anywhere…”
She kissed the length of his throat, down the center of his chest. By the time she’d finished with him, they were both satisfyingly exhausted.
And he knew what she’d been trying to say.
She was staying with him, and nothing would stop her.
Ten
By the time the awards dinner rolled around on Friday night, Gemma was pinching herself. Something had changed between her and Tate. Something subtle but good. It was almost as if he actually trusted her.
Of course, he was still convinced she’d wanted Drake two years ago, and that continued to hurt her, but at least he seemed prepared to put it behind them.
She was praying Drake didn’t turn up tonight to spoil things. After a while there didn’t appear to be any empty chairs at their table, or any of the other tables. Once the room was full, she finally let out a slow sigh of relief.
Able to relax now, she noticed that Darlene and Helen seemed to be getting on well together and were talking like old friends. Thank heavens that had worked out. She’d worried she might have caused more friction between them. If Tate had found out, it might have damaged the thin trust between them.
“Did you have something to do with this?” Tate murmured in her ear, making her realize he’d been watching his mother and grandmother with a slightly confused look.
Gemma lifted a slim shoulder and shrugged. “I merely listened.” And really, that’s all she’d done.
An odd gratitude flared in his eyes, and she wondered if he was starting to look at his mother in a more forgiving light. There was a ways to go, but still…
“Thank you, Gemma.” He kissed her softly on the lips.
The kiss took her by surprise, and love for him filled her up and threatened to overflow. Dare she believe his affection was developing into something more?
When she looked again, the others were smiling at her. Darlene and Jonathan looked pleased by the kiss, and Helen looked thoroughly delighted. Only Bree seemed puzzled, as well she should. Things in the Chandler family had changed for the better, but Tate’s sister hadn’t been told anything yet.
Gemma herself had been surprised by the warmth Tate’s grandmother had shown her on arrival tonight. At first, she’d thought it was for show, but as Helen had spoken to her as if she was actually welcome in this family, she knew the elder woman had changed her tune. Thankfully, the others appeared to be following her lead.
Just then, the awards presentation commenced and there were speeches about the good things the Chandler family had done over the years. Finally, Helen was asked to center stage, and Jonathan walked his mother through a standing ovation.
The older woman waited until everyone was seated before speaking. “It’s a great honor for me to be standing here tonight, accepting this award. As you know, my dear husband, Nathaniel, passed away only a couple of months ago, but he would have been thrilled to know…”
Gemma listened with a light heart. The Chandler family really did deserve this award, and she was so glad that nothing had stopped them from receiving it. She would never have been able to forgive herself if the award had been taken from them because of her actions…or because of her family’s actions.
“And Nathaniel was all about family,” Helen was saying, bringing Gemma back to the speech. “It’s something my son has continued, and now, I’m pleased to say, my grandson, as well. As many of you know, Tate recently married, and his new wife and son have brought great joy to this family.”
Gemma’s heart lifted in surprise. How lovely of Helen to…
“Gemma is proving herself to be a valued member of our family. She joins my daughter-in-law, Darlene, and my granddaughter, Bree, in being women determined to make life better for their loved ones. Gemma had no decent example to follow growing up, so it’s a measure of her as a person that she’s so giving and strong.”
Gemma sat there stunned, only vaguely aware of Tat
e picking up her hand and squeezing it. Helen was supporting her in public? She was telling everyone that Gemma’s parents were in the wrong? Telling everyone not to believe what was on the internet or the television? Gemma hadn’t expected such wholehearted support.
“And then there’s my great-grandson,” Helen continued. “Nathan joins us as the littlest member of my family, but certainly not the smallest in value.”
Gemma was still trying to take it all in.
“Nathaniel would have been so proud to receive this award for his family. I can see him sitting up in heaven, smiling down at us tonight. God bless.”
The sound of applause was almost deafening. Jonathan escorted Helen back to the table, but before she sat down she kissed Gemma on the cheek in a display of public affection. The cameras clicked like wild things. Tears pooled in Gemma’s eyes. This meant so much to her. Helen wasn’t just being nice for the sake of the media. She was just being sincere.
All at once, Gemma needed some time to herself. “Excuse me for a minute.” She got to her feet and grabbed her purse.
Tate put his hand on her arm. “Are you okay?”
She blinked back the tears and gave him a small smile. “Yes.” But in case he thought she wasn’t, she added, “Yes, I really am fine…now.”
He smiled in understanding, and with that smile in her heart she hurried off to find the ladies’ room. She didn’t stop to talk to anyone as she weaved her way through the maze of tables, her eyes still watery from emotion.
It was a relief to get outside the ballroom. She tottered after a couple of women ahead of her down one of the corridors, figuring they were probably going to powder their noses. She couldn’t help but marvel how things had turned around. It was a miracle come true. Tate’s family had forgiven her. Now all she needed was for Tate to do the same.
Someone stepped in front of her and put his hands on her arms, forcing her to stop. “Hello, Gemma.”
For a moment, Gemma didn’t recognize the man in the dark dinner suit. Then her mind screeched to a stop. “Drake!”
“You sound surprised to see me.”
Secret Son, Convenient Wife Page 13