Chapter Twenty-One
OH MY GOD! What had he done?
And who in the hell was this random dude?
Indi pressed her hands to her heated cheeks.
“Mr. Black, we’re ready to—oh, you’re all in here.” Another woman poked her head into the room. “The President of the Chamber of Commerce is ready to proceed with the formal presentation of the plaque.”
No one spoke or moved, their bodies suspended in the thick and gelatinous tension that filled the space.
Feeling the vibe the woman said, “I’ll tell them you need another five minutes.” She held up a finger and reached into the wall to pull out a hidden pocket door, which she closed, giving them some much-needed privacy.
Only after she left did everyone shake off their stasis.
“Is that true?” Barbara asked, her gaze swiveling from Indi to Mike. “You’re the father?”
Morgan looked dazed. “Indi’s pregnant and Mike’s the father? Holy shit.”
“Goddammit, son!” Robert’s voice was the loudest of them all. “How could you do this?”
Mike’s eyes narrowed and a muscle ticked in his jaw. “I’m going to give you a warning and you’d better heed this one. Watch the next words that come out of your mouth.”
Quadrupled expressions of shock covered the other faces in the room. Even Robert had heard and understood the leashed menace in his son’s tone. His mouth tightened but he didn’t speak.
Indi stared at Mike, her pulse racing at the speed of light.
He was angry?
She’d agreed to let him raise Nugget, had given him access to her body and her heart. All she’d asked was that he keep their relationship secret, just for a little while.
But he’d barely waited twenty-four hours to substitute her judgment with his own.
Her stomach twisted and she placed a hand on her belly.
I know it’s not you this time, Nugget. This is a different kind of upset.
She shook her head at the father of her child. “You promised not to tell anyone.”
“I know you were worried.” Mike settled a hand on her waist and she stiffened. “But you don’t have to be. Now it’s all out in the open and we can deal with it together. You won’t have to go through this alone.”
She jumped when she felt a hand on her back.
“Michael’s right. You’re not alone anymore. You’re part of our family,” Barbara said, tears glistening in her eyes. Mike’s eyes. “You’re carrying my grandchild.”
“I’m going to be an aunt. This is wild.” Morgan smiled. “And we’re going to be sisters.”
“See?” Mike asked softly, his palm against her cheek. “Everyone’s fine with it.”
“Hello? I’m not!” Thompson raged. “You’re supposed to marry my daughter!” His nostrils flared and spittle gathered in the corners of his mouth.
His daughter? The older man practically vibrating with fury, his suit rumpled, hair disheveled, tie slightly askew was Skylar Thompson’s father?
When Mike shifted his stance, using his body as if to shield her from the angry businessman, she tilted her head to the side and glared at him. She didn’t need his protection. She’d been taking care of herself for the past twelve years, thank you very much!
But his attention was focused on Thompson. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m making sure you honor your agreement.”
Mike raised a brow. “As far as I know, we don’t have an agreement. The contracts are still being sorted out.”
“Not the deal! I’m talking about that day two weeks ago when we stood in your lab and you assured me, man to man, that you weren’t dating my daughter just to do business with me.”
Indi pursed her lips. Guess Mike was zero for two in the promises department.
“I know how it looks, but—”
“I’m glad you know how it looks because it looks like shit. It’s only been two weeks since that conversation—two weeks!—and now you’re announcing you’ve gotten another woman pregnant and you’re marrying her?”
“With all due respect, sir, this was between Skylar and me. We’ve already talked and we’d decided to end our relationship.”
Thompson waved his explanation off. “That’s the same nonsense she said, but I knew it wasn’t the entire story. When your father called and explained what was happening, I flew back here as fast as—”
“My father did what?” Icicles hung from each word.
Realizing what he’d said, Thompson’s mouth slammed shut. He swallowed and his gaze swung to Robert—
Who stood there with his arms crossed in smug defiance. “Yes, I called him.”
Barbara frowned at her husband. “Why did you get involved? It was none of your business.”
“Of course it’s my business. He’s my son. Franklin and I were both concerned our children were making a dreadful mistake.”
Mike’s hardened gaze speared his father to the spot. “I may be your son, but I’m not a boy. I’m a man who doesn’t need you to question my decisions. You’d better hear me, Dad. This is my life. You’ve already lived yours and you do not get a do-over through me.” He paused and clenched his jaw. “Or Morgan. If she wants to study abroad, for whatever reason, she can do so. She’s an adult and she’s more than capable of making her own decisions about her education. And if you won’t pay for it, I will.”
“I don’t need you to do that, Mike. Like I said, I can get financial aid. But thank you. All I ever wanted was my family’s support.” Morgan’s tentative smile pierced through Indi’s withdrawal. She knew what Mike’s words meant to Morgan.
Barbara took her daughter’s hand. “You have it. And don’t worry, we will pay for it. We can discuss it, all of it, later.”
At least something good would come out of this situation. But Mike wasn’t done.
“Did you tell Skylar you were coming here?” he asked Thompson. “I’m sure she’ll have a lot to say about your interference in her personal and professional life.”
Thompson looked around at them like he couldn’t believe this wasn’t unfolding as he’d planned. He straightened, pushing his chest forward and his shoulders back. “I may have little standing with regards to her personal life, but in business, that’s another story. One day Skylar will take over TTL, but today’s not that day. Either you marry my daughter as planned or the proposed deal is off.”
Indi’s mouth flew open. This wasn’t happening. She knew what he said, but she wouldn’t let this happen. Not because of her.
Mike shrugged. “Then the deal is off.”
Thompson and Robert exploded.
“Are you insane?”
“What has gotten into you?”
Indi moved to stand in front of Mike. “We should talk about this.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.” Mike’s physical stature and commanding presence worked to impose his will on the room’s other occupants. “If he thinks he can blackmail me into marrying his daughter, he has no idea who he’s dealing with.”
Morgan gasped. “He’s giving it all up for Indi? Unbelievable. I never thought he was a romantic.”
“Shhh,” Barbara said.
“Son,” Robert said, “don’t do this. Think about your company.”
“Computronix will be fine. I’m done taking your advice. Indi and I will be together. And if you plan on being a part of your grandchild’s life, you’ll need to accept it.”
This was the tenacious, ruthless man who’d helped build one of the most successful tech companies in the world while still in his twenties. Unfortunately, those traits weren’t relegated to his business persona. He was determined to get his own way, despite what anyone else said.
Despite what she said.
Indi brought her hands up to massage her temples.
“Indi and I will be together . . .”
“ . . . being a part of your grandchild’s life . . .”
What happened to giving her space? It was way too much, way too soon.
“I won’t forget this, Black. You’ve made a huge fucking mistake.”
Thompson stormed across the room and after a brief skirmish with the pocket door, he slid it open, only to be greeted by a large group on the other side.
Waiters carrying trays of champagne, most of the invited guests, and several members of the orchestra, stood assembled behind the woman who’d interrupted them earlier. Some openly stared, others looked away and attempted to initiate their own conversations, but it was clear from the awkwardness that permeated the space, they’d all heard at least part of the confrontation.
Robert threw his hands in the air. “Great.”
Thompson pushed his way through the crowd and several moments later, the door that led out of the ballroom slammed shut.
“Umm, yes, well, when you didn’t return after five minutes, the committee thought it might be fun to bring the presentation to you.” The woman smiled, though it looked more like a grimace, and held out a beautifully engraved plaque in the shape of a shield. “Congratulations?”
Chapter Twenty-Two
THE CAR RIDE back to the house was uncomfortable.
They’d driven to the gala separately; Barbara and Morgan had gone with Robert in his car, while Indi had enjoyed some alone time riding with Mike. However, after the evening’s events, Robert had been shocked to find himself his car’s sole occupant.
When they reached the house, Indi had attempted to excuse herself for the night, claiming exhaustion, but Mike had steered her past the hallway that led to the west wing and straight into the great room. Infuriating man. And if she’d somehow managed to make it past him, she never would’ve been able to ditch Barbara and Morgan. The two women hadn’t left her side.
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Barbara asked Mike. She shifted her attention to Indi as she pulled her down on the sofa. “Are you feeling okay? Do you want some tea?”
Maybe it was the way she’d grown up, without people caring what she did or where she went, but Indi found the attention smothering. Especially when she knew it couldn’t last.
“I’m fine.” She straightened the two picture frames on the side table next to the sofa.
She wanted to leave. But how? Hotwire one of the cars? Probably not a good idea when she was already facing felony charges. She had money. If she could get downtown, she could catch a bus. How would she get downtown without Mike knowing? It was too far to walk. Call a cab? She’d have to get out of the house unseen. Barbara and Morgan would have questions. Robert! He wouldn’t interrogate her. Hell, he’d probably offer to drive her all the way back to San Francisco if he thought it would keep her from his son. Speaking of . . .
She hazarded a glance at Mike and found him frowning at her from his perch next to the fireplace. She looked away. He couldn’t know what she was planning, could he?
Robert thundered through the front door. “Am I the only one who realizes this is a problem?”
Mike flicked his gaze heavenward. “Yes. You’re the only one.”
“Are you even certain the baby is yours?”
Indi stiffened.
Mike pushed away from the fireplace. “You’re my father and I love you, but if you say another insulting thing—”
“Michael, no.” Barbara stood. “Robert Black, your behavior this evening has been appalling.”
“You all don’t seriously expect me to remain quiet while my only son ruins his future?”
“We’re about to have our first grandchild,” Barbara said. “How about focusing on that?”
Apparently Robert was having a difficult time letting go. “What are you going to do now?”
“The deal will go through. Despite what Thompson believes, Skylar and I already discussed it. And if she somehow changes her mind, we’ll find another cable conglomerate to approach. One of my reasons for choosing TTL was the convenience factor, but they aren’t irreplaceable.”
“And your relationship with Skylar Thompson?”
“For the last time, there is no relationship. I’m marrying Indi.”
Oh really? Since when? Did it ever occur to him to ask her before announcing it to the entire town?
In two weeks she’d gone from having only one other person concerned about her welfare to having her future passionately debated by one of Barton Point’s finest families.
How in the hell had that happened?
“We are not getting married,” she said to the room at large.
“Of course you’re getting married,” Barbara said. “You’re having a baby together.”
“They don’t have to get married,” Morgan argued. “That’s so 1980s. It’s the twenty-first century. They can coparent.” She looked at Indi. “It’ll be easy if they live near each other. Do you live in San Francisco or Palo Alto?”
Indi was dazed. Did they hear what she’d said? It was like she had no opinion of her own, or if she did, as if that opinion didn’t matter.
“I don’t live in either place,” she told Morgan.
Barbara patted her knee. “Exactly where do you live, dear?”
“I move around.”
“But you are going to settle down in San Francisco?” Barbara nodded her head as she asked the question, insinuating a positive response was the only proper response.
The thought made the hair rise on her arms. “I’m not settling down anywhere.”
She could feel Mike’s stare boring into her, but she refused to look at him. This was all his fault.
“But you have to.” Barbara’s expression was horrified. “You can’t haul my grandchild around the country like a vagrant. Children need stability.”
“That isn’t my intention.” She paused, aware that all eyes were on her. “I’m not raising the baby. I planned on giving him up for adoption.”
Barbara’s hand flew to her chest. “You can’t do that!” She shot a look at Mike.
Morgan looked at her, confused. “You’ve been in the system. Why would you do that to your own child?”
“It’s not always like that,” Indi said. “Look at your experience. You were given to people who love you.”
Mike’s voice cut through the debate. “She’s not putting the baby up for adoption! I’ve asked her to let me raise Nugget.”
Morgan frowned. “What’s a nugget?”
Mike rolled his eyes. “It’s what she calls the baby.”
“Another brilliant choice, son.” Robert rocked back on his heels, his smug tone grating on her nerves. “You’ve given up an incredible woman and an important deal, and she doesn’t even plan on keeping the baby.”
“Shut up, Dad.”
“I understand why you’re frightened, but you don’t have to be. You have us now. You won’t have to do it on your own,” Barbara said, her features soft with compassion.
Indi stroked the end of her braids, her stomach churning. “I’m not worried about doing it on my own. I’ve been on my own for years.”
“Then what are you worried about?” Mike rubbed the back of his neck. “Whatever it is, I’ll take care of it.”
Morgan added her fifty cents. “Forget that. What about Nugget? What are you going to do when he wants to know his mother? To see where he comes from?”
“I—I don’t—know. Yet. I just decided to let Mike raise him. We haven’t talked much beyond that.”
“Well shouldn’t you figure it out? Unless you’re willing to curse him to a life of looking at every black woman with light brown eyes and wondering if she’s his mother?” Morgan’s tone was accusatory.
“Morgan!”
Indi stood. She needed to go. Now. These peop
le barely knew her, but everyone had an opinion about what decisions she should make and how she should live her life. She could call a cab. Did Barton Point have Uber? Who did she know—Jill! She’d had a wonderful time shopping with Chelsea’s assistant after her visit with Dr. Kimball. If she called her, would Jill drive three hours to pick her up?
The doorbell rang.
Robert scowled. “Who in the hell would show up uninvited at this time of night?”
He left to answer the door and she heard a familiar voice. “Is India Shaw here?”
Relief rushed through her, stealing her knees’ ability to hold her upright. She’d braced herself against the arm of the sofa and was halfway to toeing off the heels she’d worn all evening when Chelsea appeared in the doorway.
Indi couldn’t recall seeing a more welcoming sight, save the night the guard had escorted her from the jail cell. She didn’t know how she’d gotten here, or where she’d come from, but Chelsea still looked fresh and rested. Her long dark curls were pulled into a sleek ponytail at the base of her neck and the jeans, tank top, and cashmere duster she wore screamed traveler chic. Her sister’s brown eyes took in the scene with one thorough, experienced glance before she hurried over and pulled Indi into a tight hug.
“Are you okay?” Chelsea whispered in her ear.
Indi was vaguely aware of the commotion in the background as Adam greeted the family.
She sighed and clutched at Chelsea’s back, covering her eyes with a free hand, in case she was unable to curb the tears currently filling them. “I will be. How did you know I was here?”
“We got Mike’s email about the charges.”
“Email?” Mike had sent them an email? When? “But how? I thought you were at a tech-free resort.”
“We will never do that again,” Adam said. “If the lodgings do not provide decent Wi-Fi, we are not going.”
Chelsea shot an amusingly resigned look at her husband. Her new brother-in-law was a handsome devil, tall and athletic with shaggy dark hair and eyes the blue of the darkest sapphire. But even with his resemblance to a dark sex god, he didn’t make her blood sing like the blond archangel standing next to him.
Along Came Love Page 25