“Hounding.” There was no mistaking the cold fury in Tru’s voice. “I told you not to come here today. That you wouldn’t be welcome.”
“You weren’t serious.” His father’s laugh was strained.
“I told you I didn’t want you to ruin this family occasion. We deserve happiness and peace, and letting you back into our lives won’t give any of us that. Least of all, Mom.”
A hand touched his back. Jenny.
Despite everything that had happened, she hadn’t left. She’d come to stand by him.
She entwined her fingers with his. Humbled by her support, he gripped her hand tightly.
“You can’t speak for the others,” his father protested, not so cocky anymore.
Ike came to stand beside Tru. “I don’t want you here.”
Kenny and Linc joined them. “We don’t, either,” they said together.
“Looks like a majority decision.” Jake and Maggie completed the united front.
“You’re trespassing, Radek.” Uncle Gio’s voice dripped with disgust.
Visibly shaken, Tru’s father looked at the hostile faces. A smart man would have cut his losses and left.
Not Radek Jelinek. “But I need money. I...”
His voice trailed off as Tru’s mom stepped forward. Rory Fitzpatrick stood beside her, solid and silent.
“What a mess you’ve made,” she said sadly. “You had a chance to see your sons and make amends for your mistakes. To earn back their love. Instead, you come here today with no good in your heart. You don’t deserve your wonderful boys.”
“Karina,” his father cajoled, as he took a step forward.
She held up a hand to stop him. “I may have been a fool once, Radek. I’m not a fool now. You made your bed. Now you have to sleep in it.”
For once, no one corrected Tru’s mom.
“You should leave.” Uncle Gio pointed his spatula toward the street.
Tru’s father cast one more look around the assembled family and friends. He must have realized he couldn’t win against the united front. Backed into a corner, he smiled. “I never did like New Jersey. Too provincial.”
Then he sauntered away, without a backward glance, as if it had been his decision.
“Good riddance to bad trash.” His mom flicked her hand, as if at an annoying fly.
“That’s ‘rubbish,’ Ma,” Kenny said fondly.
“Rubbish, trash. It’s the same, no?” She winked.
The laughter that echoed around the Badolettis’ backyard was tinged with a myriad of emotions. The biggest being relief.
“Let’s eat!” Aunt Tina declared. “I bet you’re all hungry after that excitement.”
Within minutes, the party was back in full swing. His mom hugged each of her sons in turn, then she and Rory went off to get some food.
Jenny dropped his hand, but didn’t make a move to leave.
Tru looked around the small group. “Thanks, everyone, for backing me up.”
“You lying bastard.” Ike shot him a disgusted look. “You talked to the old man behind our backs.”
“It was a fact-finding mission. I was going to tell you.” Tru’s heart twisted at his brother’s unbending expression. “That’s why I called the family meeting.”
“You should have told us from the beginning,” Kenny said flatly.
“We’re old enough to make decisions for ourselves.” Linc crossed his arms over his chest. “We sure as hell don’t need you to make them for us.”
Pain speared through Tru. Censure had been inevitable, but this was much worse. “I didn’t decide anything.”
“You decided to keep this from us.” Kenny jammed his hands on his hips.
“After everything that bastard put Mom through—put us through—how could you?” Ike’s bitterness tugged at Tru’s guilt.
“There was a chance he’d changed. I wanted to be sure before I disrupted everyone’s lives.”
“Didn’t work, did it?” Kenny shook his head, disgust ringing in his tone. “Just like the last time.”
Tru’s stomach plummeted. “What do you mean?”
“I saw you drop that handkerchief in the laundry.” He jabbed his finger at Tru’s chest. “You forced the old man to make his choice.”
Ike swore. “I can’t stand the sight of you.” He stormed out of the yard.
“I’m with Ike.” Kenny strode off.
“You’re a jerk. I thought better of you, Tru.” Linc stalked toward the barbecue and joined their mom and Rory.
Tru looked helplessly at Jake.
His friend shrugged. “I’m sorry, bro. I warned you.”
“I was only trying to do what was best.” The irony of those words choked him as he met Jenny’s gaze.
“Isn’t that always your excuse?” she asked sadly, before walking away.
Tru didn’t try to stop her. He was numb. He’d screwed up royally. He’d hurt his family and disappointed his friends. Once again, his good intentions had come back to bite him on the ass. What would his actions cost him this time?
Before he could straighten out his thoughts, Jenny stumbled. She doubled over, clearly in pain. Rushing to her side, he put his arm around her.
“Are you okay?” Dumb question. Obviously, she wasn’t. “Another cramp?”
She nodded, her blue eyes swimming with tears. “I think I’m losing the babies.”
* * *
JENNY WOKE SLOWLY. Her mind was groggy, her mouth dry and her body ached.
She wasn’t sure where she was.
Silvery-gray light crept through the room’s vertical blinds. Dawn or dusk? Beeps echoed around her head. Machines? Her heavy-lidded gaze crept around the room. Utilitarian furniture. White walls. The smell of disinfectant confirmed what her brain was telling her—hospital.
Vague memories returned. A long night. Tru.
She blinked as tears burned. She tried to wipe her eyes, then realized he was holding her hand. He’d been in the chair by her bed all night. He’d reassured her, held a cup so she could sip water and eased her back to sleep.
Now he slept. His head rested on the bed next to her, his body bent in a position that couldn’t be comfortable. Even asleep, furrows creased his brow.
Warmth filled her. He’d looked after her. He’d stuck by her when she’d needed him. For the first time, she was grateful not to be going through the pregnancy alone.
More memories filtered into her foggy brain.
Tru rushing into the hospital, carrying her, calling for a medic. He’d been as terrified as her, but he’d calmed her panic, refusing to let her despair. Maggie and Jake had followed them to the hospital, but Tru had been the one she’d turned to. Relied on.
He’d stayed with her through the barrage of tests and as the doctors had prepped her for surgery. He’d been there when she’d woken up afterward. He’d insisted on staying with her, even after the doctors had reassured him that both she and the embryos were okay.
A wave of relief washed over her. She was still pregnant.
Jenny shifted slightly, to get more comfortable. Her body was tender, even though they’d performed a laparoscopy.
Tru stirred, opening his eyes. He jolted upright when he saw she was awake. “Are you okay? Any pain?”
“I’m a little sore, but I think I’m fine.”
“Are you thirsty?”
“A bit.”
He released her hand. Instantly, she missed his touch. He held the plastic cup to her lips so she could drink. Though she only managed a few sips, the ice water was heavenly.
When she’d finished, he asked gently, “How much do you remember?”
She frowned. “Do you mean that Biscuit and Basket didn’t detach during the surgery?”
&nb
sp; Tru nodded. “The doctors want to keep you here for a few days. Even though they removed the damaged ovary and cleaned up the mess, they want to ensure there isn’t any infection from the burst cyst.”
“Everything will be okay, won’t it?” Jenny asked anxiously.
He took her hand again and smiled. “There shouldn’t be any more problems.”
She closed her eyes briefly and sent a prayer of thanks heavenward. Fighting back tears, she squeezed Tru’s hand. His jaw worked as he tried to contain his emotion.
Tru sighed. “That’s a Fourth of July we won’t forget in a hurry.”
His words blew through her mind like a strong wind, clearing the remnants of the fog that had clouded her thoughts. Memories of what had happened at the party flooded her brain.
What Tru had said. How he’d betrayed her, yet again.
Pain thumped her chest, stealing her breath. She tugged her hand out of his grip. “How could you?”
He slumped in the chair and dropped his head back. “I know it’s no excuse, but I was...am...exhausted. I was concerned about your twinges. What Mom said made me lose it.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I just wanted them to stop treating you like a villain.”
“But I begged you not to.”
“I’m sorry. I thought it was the be...”
“Please,” she interrupted. “Stop doing what you think ‘best.’” She used air quotes. “Every time you do, I end up in hospital.”
“That’s not fair. I didn’t cause the cyst.”
“Maybe not, but you caused me as much pain.”
He leaned forward, his expression pleading. “I did the wrong thing, but I did it for the right reasons.”
She shook her head sadly. “Even after that mess with your father, you still don’t understand that you can’t make decisions for people.”
“I told him not to come to the party. You heard him—he did what he wanted.”
“What he thought best?” Jenny arched an eyebrow. “Where have I heard that before?”
His clenched jaw said her dig had hit home.
“If my father hadn’t showed up, I’d have told my family about him. You know that.”
“I also know that you promised you wouldn’t tell my secret. Once again, you’ve broken your promise. How can I trust you again?”
Tru went pale.
She continued, “What’ll happen if you disagree with how I’m caring for my babies? Will you overrule me because you know better?”
“Of course not.”
“Really? What happens if you don’t think I’m a fit mother? Will you take my children from me?”
“You’re twisting this. I wouldn’t do that.”
“Can you honestly say you wouldn’t interfere, even if you thought it was ‘best’?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t believe you.” She blew out a heavy breath. “I can’t afford to believe you.”
“But we have a legal agreement.”
“If I can’t trust your word, how can I trust a signature on a piece of paper?”
Tru dropped his head into his hands. “What do you want to do?”
Weariness washed over her. Unfortunately, there was no medicine to ease the ache in her heart. “I need some time to think about this. To figure out what’s best for me and my babies.”
“Take whatever time you need.” He sighed heavily. “Look, even if you don’t want a relationship with me, we could still go ahead with our plan.”
Her laugh was raw. “I think people know who the father is. Unfortunately, that won’t be what they’re gossiping about.”
“I’m sorry.”
“So am I,” she said quietly.
“You want to end things.” His flat tone made it a statement, not a question.
Jenny’s gut twisted. “Maybe that would be best.”
“But those babies are mine, too. They deserve to know their father.”
“Yesterday proved that some children are better off not knowing their father than having a bad father.”
He reared back, as if she’d slapped him. She regretted what she’d said as soon as the words left her mouth.
His expression hardened. “I was never going to win, was I?”
“That’s not fair,” she protested.
“Isn’t it?” His lips twisted cynically. “You’ve been waiting for me to fail from the minute we got together. I’ve done everything you wanted, but you never gave me a chance. Sure, I’ve made mistakes, but at least I tried. Which is a damn sight more than you’ve done. You held back when we were sixteen and you’re holding back now.”
He rose slowly. “I told you I loved you. Something I’ve never told another woman. What did I get from you in return? Not a damn thing.”
Jenny wrapped her arms around herself as his angry words hammered her. She wanted to make him stop, to tell him he was wrong, but she couldn’t speak past the tightness in her throat. She turned her face to the window, unable to face the bitterness in his green eyes and unwilling to let him see the tears burning in her own eyes.
“You win. I give up.” Tru strode to the door, then halted. “I was in this relationship by myself all along.”
Jenny didn’t move until she heard the door swish shut behind him. Then in the silence of the empty room, she let the tears fall.
* * *
JENNY SHOULD HAVE been happy that she was being released. She’d spent the past two days longing for the peace of her own home, where no one would bother her for blood-pressure readings or stick her with a needle for tests. She wanted to scrub that awful disinfectant smell off her body before it became ingrained, and eat anything but hospital food.
Yet, now she was about to be discharged, nerves gnawed at her stomach. In here, she’d been cocooned from the outside world. Maggie and Jake had visited, but everyone else had kept their distance. Jenny was glad; she hadn’t wanted pitying looks or well-intentioned platitudes. Once she walked through the glass doors downstairs, she became fair game.
Don’t flatter yourself. You’re not that important.
Her uncle’s sniping voice pissed her off. “You’re wrong—you’re not that important.”
The solitude had given her a chance to think about everything that had happened since that fateful night, long ago, both good and bad. She’d been shocked to realize how much of what she’d done in her life had been driven by that vile voice in her head. She’d banished him from her life, yet he’d continued to dictate it. Harboring that shameful secret had given him way too much power over her.
Now her secret was out, she had nothing left to fear. And she was damned if she’d allow Douglas Boult to affect one more second of her life.
Instantly, she felt better. Stronger. Free.
The irony didn’t escape her. What Tru had done actually had been for the best.
Her chest squeezed. She’d also had plenty of time to think about him. It hadn’t taken long to come to a painful conclusion.
She missed Tru.
He’d always been there for her. Even during the years when she’d thought she hated him. Somehow, the knowledge of that safety cushion had enabled her to survive. To have the confidence to live her life.
Now Tru wasn’t there and never would be again. The gap he left yawned larger by the day.
Jenny hadn’t heard the outcome of his trip to Denver and Detroit. Her gut told her he’d choose the exciting young team the Avalanche were building. They were a team on the rise, with a bright future.
Plus, Denver was a long way from New Jersey...and her. Her chest squeezed tighter, making it hard to breathe.
The door swished open and one of the nurses bustled in. “I need you to sign the paperwork and then you’re ready to go.” She handed Jenny a clipboard and pen.
“I’ve highlighted the relevant parts.”
“Great.” Jenny forced a smile as she signed the forms. “Can I get a cab downstairs?”
The nurse frowned. “But you have a ride home.”
Jenny’s heart skipped. “I do?”
“Sure. She’s waiting outside your room.”
She. Must be Maggie. Jenny was grateful for the thoughtful gesture, but she couldn’t help the twinge of disappointment.
“I’ll give you your final instructions when you’re ready to leave.”
Once the nurse had gone, Jenny rose and gathered her things. She looked up when she heard footsteps. “Lizzie, what are you doing here?”
“You mean because you didn’t tell me you were in the hospital?” her sister retorted.
Guilt tugged at Jenny. “I didn’t want to worry you. It was nothing serious.”
“So it was better for me to panic when I couldn’t reach you on the Fourth?” Anger flashed in Lizzie’s eyes. “If I hadn’t got hold of Maggie, who told me where you were, I’d have called the police.”
“I’m sorry.” Jenny reached for her sister, who shrugged her off. “I should have let you know. But I thought it best to wait until I was home.” She winced at her choice of words.
“Is that why you didn’t tell me you were pregnant?” Lizzie’s voice rang with hurt.
Jenny sank onto the bed. “It’s complicated....”
Lizzie swiped the air, as if swiping away Jenny’s excuse. “How complicated is ‘I’m having a baby’?”
“The situation is complicated. It wasn’t something I wanted to tell you over the phone.” She sighed. “I was waiting until you came home, so we could talk about it face-to-face.”
“Why didn’t you insist I came home?”
“It’s not that important.” God, she was making a mess of this. No wonder Lizzie stared at her as if she’d lost her mind.
“My unmarried, not even dating sister is expecting and you don’t think it’s important?”
“Like I said, it’s complicated.” Jenny rubbed her forehead. “Let’s go home and discuss this there.”
Lizzie got a familiar stubborn expression. “Is it because you don’t trust me?”
A Perfect Trade (Harlequin Superromance) Page 27