He reached over and closed his fingers around her upper arm. “Stop teasing. Is it my kid or not? Or don’t you know?”
“Of course, it’s your kid.”
“So, what’s the problem? We can get married in a few days.”
“Lovely. A shotgun wedding at city hall. To a man who would hardly speak to me two months ago. How romantic.”
“Please, Erica. I want you, and I want this baby.”
Looking into his eyes, she saw he spoke the truth. He does want the baby. But what about me? What if he tosses me aside and tries to take my child? “You hated me two months ago and now you expect me to believe you love me? Not buying it.”
She headed for the door. He jumped up, following her. “Wait, Erica!”
She took off across the set. A loud noise grabbed her attention. She looked up in time to see a large spotlight break free from the ceiling and swing down toward her. Everything happened too fast for her to dodge the heavy object. It bashed into her belly, knocking her in the air. She flew about ten feet before crashing into a wall.
Gunther yelled her name and ran to her. Blood began to ooze out of her, soaking her jeans.
“Call 911!” He screamed. “Get an ambulance!”
The assistant director joined him. Gunther pleaded frantically, “Please, please get someone. She’s bleeding. Can’t you see? She’s pregnant. Call!” Gunther hollered, picking her up in his arms.
People scattered. Calls were made and someone brought a blanket. Others brought towels. Erica was awake, looking up into Gunther’s eyes. Tears had gathered there. He brushed her hair back from her face and kept murmuring, “You’ll be okay, you’ll be okay.” She nodded and tried to smile, but the pain in her guts made her cry out.
The ambulance took them away. Gunther rode with her, holding her hand the entire time. She felt the warm wetness of his tears spilling on her cheeks. At the hospital, she was taken away. Doctors and nurses hovered around, giving orders and carrying them out. Her head buzzed, and her mind was fuzzy. She was out cold before she could utter a word.
When she awoke, she was in a private room. Gunther dozed in a chair next to her bed. The minute she moved, he jerked awake. He took her hand.
“The baby?” she asked.
Gunther paused. Tears overflowed his eyes again as he shook his head.
Erica covered her mouth with her hand. “Tell me the baby is okay!” she hollered, gripping his arm with all her strength.
“The baby is gone, doe-eyes. I’m so sorry.”
She gave a loud wail then collapsed, sobbing. Gunther got on the bed and took her very gently in his arms. A doctor came in for a moment then retreated. When Erica was able to calm down, the doctor reappeared. She had cracked her collarbone and broken some ribs along with losing the pregnancy.
She was doped up for a day. When she was able to walk, Gunther accompanied her to the set. That night, he took her back to his suite. They ordered in dinner. When they finished eating, she stretched out on a velvet divan while he massaged her calves.
“I’m sorry I cost your movie so much money.”
“Forget about it.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. My timing may stink, but…” He pushed to his feet then reached into his pocket. He opened his fingers to reveal a small velvet box as he dropped to one knee. “Marry me, Erica. Doe-eyes. I can’t stand being without you. I love you so much.”
She listened.
“I’m so much better with you. Happier. A better person. Please, baby. Do you love me?”
She nodded.
“Then, what’s the problem? Let’s get married.”
She smiled at him and held out her hand. “Yes.”
He slipped a gorgeous, four-carat diamond ring on her finger.
“I love you, too, Gunther.”
“I believe you do.” He smiled.
“Can we try again?”
“Of course. As many kids as you want.” He picked her up and carried her to bed.
“A shame we can’t make love the night we get engaged.”
“We have the rest of our lives to make love.”
“Do you promise to chase me around the bedroom until you’re ninety?” she asked.
“Why stop at ninety?” He chuckled.
“Call your mom.”
“Yeah.” He checked his watch. “She said she’d wait up.”
“She knew about this?” Erica raised her eyebrows.
“Hell, yeah. You know I can’t keep anything from her.”
“This wasn’t her idea, was it?”
“Really? Come on, give me some credit.”
She cuddled into his shoulder. Sadness mixed with optimism for the future.
“We can never replace that baby,” she whispered, her eyes tearing up.
“Nope. But we can share the grief. Please don’t shut me out. That was my baby, too.”
She turned her face into his chest and cried. He rested his cheek on her head, his eyes watered, and tears disappeared into her hair.
* * * *
Six months later
Strange Bedfellows ran over budget as Gunther suspected it would. He didn’t worry too much about it because the feuding stars on the set would bring in a ton of publicity, which he figured would spark sales.
Sway was a huge Broadway hit, nominated for a bunch of Tony Awards. Erica went back to work for Gunther until her next acting job arrived. They were casting for Sway. Max Webster had signed the papers and East West Productions was launched as a new corporation. Max was looking into the possibility of bringing Strange Bedfellows to Broadway if the movie should hit it big.
Erica had temporary office help while she was planning the advertising and promotion campaign for Strange Bedfellows. She and Gunther had put their wedding on hold until the major projects of the fledgling company were set in motion. In the meantime, there was much to do. Gunther bought a four-bedroom house in town. Erica moved in with him, leaving Amy with the headache of paying for their apartment alone.
Arguments broke out between them about who should play which part in Sway, the Movie.
“I want Jake Matthews,” Gunther said.
“I doubt he’ll speak to you after what happened between you and Gracie.”
“But it’s her movie. She wrote the script.”
“I hear he’s still pissed.”
“Cara Brewster, Quinn Roberts, and Chaz Duncan. Can you see that all-star cast? Box office sales would jump to the moon!”
“Yeah, well, it’ll be a little hard to get them, since some of them aren’t speaking to you.”
“Work your magic.”
“I’m not a miracle worker.”
“At least Dorrie has agreed to choreograph.”
“Thank God.”
Gunther’s phone rang, and Erica left his office to attend to other business and check on the temp, Gloria. Erica picked up the call. “East West Productions.”
“Samson Miller, calling for Mr. Quill,” the female voice said on the other end of the wire.
“Just one moment.” Erica buzzed Gunther, and he took the call.
“That’s odd,” she said to Gloria.
“What?”
“Gunther got a call from Samson Miller.”
“The famous divorce attorney?”
“Yeah. Divorce and palimony.”
“I bet he’s calling him to arrange for a pre-nup for you to sign.” Gloria raised her gaze to Erica’s face.
“A pre-nup? Really? Gunther’s such a generous man.”
“Yeah, they all are, while you’re sleeping with them. But when marriage enters the picture, guys want to protect their dough.”
An hour later, a large envelope arrived from Samson Miller. Erica signed for it and gave it to Gunther, who was on the phone. Must be the pre-nup. A small pang shot through Erica’s heart. Does he distrust me so much? Gunther doesn’t trust anyone. It would make sense. Not exactly going into marriage with a good attitude, is he?
Alt
hough she tried to be objective, she was hurt. When he emerged to continue their casting discussion, she turned chilly.
“Did you have a good conversation with Samson Miller?” She tapped her pen on her notebook.
“Uh, yeah. How did you know?”
“I took the call, remember?”
“Yeah. Right. Nothing for you to worry about.”
“Really? He wouldn’t be doing something that might affect our marriage, would he?”
“I can’t discuss what he’s doing, doe-eyes. Don’t worry your pretty head, baby.”
“Don’t condescend to me.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. Come on. I don’t want to fight.”
“I don’t feel like doing this now. I’ve got some other stuff to clean up on my desk. Let’s do this tomorrow.”
“Whatever you want, baby.”
He leaned over to kiss her, but she pulled away. He shrugged and returned to his office. The light for his private line went on. She went to the file cabinets where she could listen to his conversation because his door was ajar.
“The wheels are in motion, Ma. Not getting married until after we get this settled. Miller didn’t seem to think it would be difficult. But you never know with these things. You’re right. It’s delicate. You don’t want to push too hard and mess it up. Then, you’ll never win. Bye, Ma.”
She moved away from the door when she heard the click of the receiver. So he’s planning a pre-nup? Damn. Not signing. She finished up her work and prepared to go home.
Gunther stopped at her desk. Gloria was packing up, but Erica noticed her watching them.
“Let’s go out to dinner tonight. I need you to sign something. Then, we can celebrate.”
“Sign something?” She saw Gloria’s eyes light up.
“Yeah. Nothing bad. Are you ready?”
Erica swallowed. “Okay.”
He opened the Ferrari door for her. Why do I feel like I’m going to the gas chamber? I’m not signing a pre-nup. If he asks me, the wedding is off. She began to sweat.
“Should I turn on the air conditioning?” he asked, looking her over.
“I’m fine,” she said, tight-lipped.
He cocked his head at her and smiled. Smile now. You won’t look so damn gorgeous and sexy wearing your dinner. She hunkered down in her seat, her lips compressed into a frown.
They arrived at The Satin Club and were ushered to a table in a quiet corner. Gunther ordered champagne. Erica wondered if she’d be able to eat or drink anything. Let’s get this over with.
“What did you want me to sign?” She folded her arms across her chest.
He followed her movements with his gaze. “You’re jumpy tonight.”
You would be, too. “Papers. I assume you’re not asking for an autograph.”
“Oh, yeah. I almost forgot.” He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a white envelope.
Tears burned her eyes.
“No waterworks.”
“Can you explain this? Why are you giving me a pre-nup to sign? Don’t you have faith in us? In me?” She wiped away a few tears that managed to escape.
“What?”
“You heard me. A pre-nup!”
“What pre-nup? Is that what you thought?” He roared with laughter. “So that’s why you’ve been so…so…upset today. This isn’t a pre-nup.” His eyes glistened with mischief.
“Then what is it?”
“It’s a petition for you to get custody of Billy and Chickie. I was gonna file it as a surprise, but the lawyer said you had to sign it. So…surprise!”
“What?”
“Billy and Chickie? I thought you’d be happier if they came to live with us.”
“What?”
“Is there something wrong with your hearing?”
“You don’t want me to sign a pre-nup?”
“Why would I do that? We’re gonna be together forever. That would be a waste of a fee to a lawyer.”
“This is what Samson Miller was doing for you?”
“Yep. I always go to the best. I can’t believe you thought I’d want you to sign a pre-nup. Geez, woman. That’d be mean.”
“I…I…I had no idea. What else was I to think?”
“You could’ve asked. Surprised you, didn’t I?”
“Damn right you did. You want Billy and Chickie to live with us?”
“If it’d make you happy. Sure. Good practice for when we have our own.”
The floodgates opened up and Erica broke down, sobbing.
The waiter hurried over, shooting a dirty look at Gunther, who shrugged.
“I didn’t do anything. Honest!” Gunther gave her his handkerchief. “Does this mean you’re happy?”
Erica nodded. “I can’t believe you did this for me.”
“I told you, doe-eyes. I love you.”
“That’s why you bought such a big house?”
“Yeah. Room for them and our own.”
“They’re going to be so happy.”
“Are you happy?” His brows knit.
“Delirious,” she said, leaning over to give him a huge, deep kiss.
Gunther ordered their dinner while Erica sat back and tried to take in all that had happened.
“I don’t know how long it’ll take to get the kids, but Samson said we needed to get the ball rolling. So now that you’ve signed, we can go ahead.”
Erica raised her glass, “To my Prince Charming.” Gunther blushed and raised his, too. “I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”
“I won’t argue with that one,” he said. She laughed as she clinked her flute with his.
On the drive home, her phone rang.
“Erica? It’s me,” Amy said.
“Amy! How are you?”
“I’m fine. I wanted to congratulate you.”
“Really?” Erica was soaring, nothing could spoil her good mood.
“Yeah. Guess I was wrong about Gunther. You’ve had a tough time. You deserve to be happy, and I hope you are.”
“Thanks. That’s a nice thing to say. I’m happier than I ever thought I could be.”
“We spent a lot of time together. I felt guilty we didn’t part on the best terms.”
“Forget it. I don’t hold a grudge. Yeah. We lived together for over a year. I’m not mad or anything.”
“Good. I still consider you a friend. I hope you feel the same.”
“Why not? We had some good times.”
“Yeah, thanks. I’m relieved.”
“Will you come to the wedding?”
“Do you think Gunther will approve?”
“I don’t think he’ll be a problem. He’s pretty happy right now, too. Come, and bring Garth.”
“Thanks. Maybe we will. Talk to you soon,” Amy said and hung up.
“Who was that?” Gunther asked.
“Amy.”
“Amy? You invited her to the wedding? Are you nuts?”
“She’s the one who got us together. Don’t forget that. Without her, we wouldn’t be here.”
He chuckled. “You got a point there. Okay. I promise not to yell at her.”
“Good. I’m feeling grateful tonight.”
“Grateful? Does that include me?”
“Of course. And if this was a bigger car, I’d show you right here.”
Gunther pulled into the garage. “Race you to the sofa.”
“You’re on,” she said, pulling back on the handle to release the car door.
Chapter Thirteen
Gunther whistled softly as he walked into his office building. Life was going well. If only he could get the casting nailed down on Sway, it would be perfect. He’d put work on hold for the next two weeks so he could concentrate on the wedding. He checked his cell for a list of tasks. He and Erica couldn’t agree on a setting. She wanted the private Malibu Beach Club, and he wanted a hotel wedding. He’d decided to let her have her way. Not my usual, but hey, it’s doe-eyes.
He already owned a fantastic tuxedo,
so he didn’t need that. But flowers had to be selected and a guest list made. Gunther offered to pay for everything. Erica had some money she had made from her role in the movie, but it wasn’t much, and he wouldn’t let her touch that. Dorrie had taken her shopping for a wedding dress.
She and Dorrie are getting pretty close. Hmm, my almost-wife and my wife. He chuckled at the irony of it. The to-do list was long. The only one that worried him was the guest list.
Sitting down with his phone, he went through his contact list, adding some to his wedding list. Erica bopped in, all smiles, too nervy to sit still. “I have three dresses on hold. Can’t decide on the veil. Dorrie is going to be my matron of honor. Don’t know what color she’s going to wear yet. Who’s standing up for you?” She fired her words at him like an automatic weapon fires bullets.
“Whoa, wait a minute.” Gunther held up his hands. “Slow down, slow down. Max Webster said he’d be my best man. Dorrie’s husband is going to be an usher.”
“Dorrie’s husband! Crap! That means I need someone else. I know! Grace Brewster. I have your wedding present all ready.”
“I don’t need anything, Erica. Save your money.” He stood up.
“You need this, and it didn’t cost me a dime.”
“Are you sure?” He cocked an eyebrow at her.
“Hell, yeah…to quote you.”
“Yours will be ready on our wedding day.”
“Did you reserve a hotel room for your mom? Near the beach?”
“You’re set on the beach club?”
“You love the beach, and I want to have it in your favorite place.” She twined her arms around his waist and hugged him tight.
“Okay, okay,” he laughed. “I give up. We’ll have it at the beach. Weddings are for chicks.”
He pulled her in for a kiss then angled his head to deepen it. Erica melted against him, and the embrace heated up. He slid his hand up to cover her breast. She moaned at his touch.
Erica was the perfect wife for Gunther, and he knew it. How did I get so lucky? When they broke, curiosity got the best of him. “What did you get me?”
“Not telling.”
“Come on. I’m dying to know. This fantastic, free present. The one I need so much.”
“You want it now? Here?”
“Some sex thing? I’m there.” He started to pull his tie down.
Lovers & Liars Page 17