He set her on the counter and stepped between her legs. “I care about her the same whether I’m officially her father or not. But I want something more permanent, committed.”
Doubt reflected in her eyes, and she bit her lips. “What happens if there’s an emergency, and you have to quit a race? Or your sponsors drop you?”
“Nothing’s more important than you and Emma. Besides, Mr. Bowers and Mr. Jewell are forming a Silicon Valley Executive Triathlon team and they’re hiring me to coach them. Privately and on contract. This means I can stay around this area most of the time.”
“You didn’t tell me.” She straightened her shoulders and leaned away from him.
“I only found out this week, but didn’t want to say anything until I knew if I should accept their offer.”
“And why wouldn’t you accept?”
He lowered his gaze. Her lips were plump and smooth, beckoning for another kiss. He caressed the side of her neck and slid down to his knee, placing his left hand on her thigh, and slipping his right hand into his pocket. “I need to know if you want me to stay.”
Her fingers tightened on his shoulder, and a blush traveled from her chest to her cheeks. He fumbled with the box and dropped it on the bath rug. Her breathing was shallow but she didn’t interrupt his moment. His vocal cords tightened, and he grunted to get his words out. Sweating now, he held the ring box up like an offering to a goddess. Rap, tap, tap. Someone knocked on the bathroom door.
Lucas jumped from the floor. “Just a moment.”
“Wait a second,” Maryanne said at the same time.
“Lucas?” His mother’s voice sounded. “You in there with a woman?”
“Sorry, Ma. I’m almost done.” He pushed the ring into Maryanne’s hand. “Will you marry me?”
Her eyes dilated, and she drew in a sharp breath. “Oh, Lucas. It’s beautiful.”
The door rapped again. “Mrs. Torres needs to pee.”
“Oh, my mom’s out there.” Maryanne said. “I have to get Emma ready. Can we talk about this later?”
Lucas tapped the tip of her nose. “Just remember, I won the bet. They’re all here, your parents, my parents, your brother, my sister.”
Her fingers tightened around his waist. “You must have bribed them. I didn’t know baby dedications were such a big event.”
“Oh, you’ll be surprised. Since I win, you have to do as I say. When they ask for the parents to step up, follow my lead. Trust me, I’ve been to plenty of baby dedications. I’m sort of a pro at baby dedications.” He tipped her chin and kissed her again. “Mmm… you’re going to be the most beautiful mother at a baby dedication, ever.”
“Stop it.” She glanced at the door. “It’s not about me.”
The door rattled again. “I think your mom is in a hurry. Make sure you smile, okay?” Lucas kissed her again and licked a quick line around her parted lips. “Don’t stop smiling. You’ll do great.”
He opened the door and ducked between the two soon-to-be in-laws with his fingers crossed behind his back.
~~~
Maryanne’s mother hugged her as she entered the bathroom. “Oh, dearie, we’re going to have so much fun. Gil said I could only bring two dolls, a boy and a girl.” She set her baby dolls on the counter. “Brenda, you wait for mommy to pee, and Darrell, make sure no boys knock up your sister.”
Maryanne shoved the ring into her pocket and hugged her mother. “I’m so glad you could come. I’ll wait for you outside.”
“Oh, that’s quite all right.” She pulled her skirt up and panties down and sat on the toilet. “It’s not like I didn’t change your diapers.”
Failed to see her logic there.
“Mom, after you wash your hands, I’ll let you hold Emma.” Maryanne averted her gaze and picked up Brenda and Darrell. She hadn’t realized the extent of her mother’s delusions.
Mom dried her hands and took Brenda and Darrell. “Let’s see Emma. She’s getting married today.”
“It’s a baby dedication, Mom.” Maryanne opened the door. The decorations were strung across the entrance and bright streamers hung in the living room. Balloons were tied to the bannister of the stairs. The banner said, “Emma: Dedicated to the Lord.”
“See Mom?” She pointed to the banner. Her mother hummed and kissed her two dolls.
The scent of hickory wood and charbroiled meat wafted through the open window. Maryanne walked by the kitchen. Debby held out her arms and hugged her. Behind her, Sarah and Tim waved. They were to be Emma’s godparents. There had been tears of disappointment and sorrow, but everyone loved Emma and agreed to support Maryanne’s decision to raise her as a single mother. Besides, several members of the church band confessed, and Lion Ministries settled a large sum of money on Emma for her housing and health insurance in exchange for Maryanne retracting the rape charge.
Maryanne’s mother showed Debby her dolls. “You can hold Darrell if you want. He’s the tough one.”
“Okay,” Debby said. “Can we see Emma now?”
“Just a minute. I have to put her christening gown on and get her all prettied up.” Maryanne turned toward the nursery.
“Take good care of Brenda,” Maryanne’s mother said and handed her doll to Sarah.
Emma snorted in her sleep, tiny rasping sounds. The sight of her never failed to warm Maryanne’s heart. She had just been weaned from the nasogastric tube, so Maryanne had to feed her in small increments. “Let’s get you fed first.”
“She’s so tiny.” Maryanne’s mother peered into the basinet. “Like you were. So very tiny.”
“She’s a lot bigger than when she was born.” She gently picked up Emma. “Aren’t you, big girl?”
The baby squirmed and sighed. Her face reddened and she squeezed her eyes, taking a breath.
“There, there, precious.” Maryanne stroked her cheek, and her mother touched the soft downy hair. She unwrapped the lacy dress decorated with delicate embroidered roses and ribbons. After changing Emma’s diaper, she slipped her from her sleeping gown into the dress.
“Don’t forget the socks.” Maryanne’s mother tickled Emma’s feet. “Baby’s feet get cold.”
The socks were miniature doll’s socks. Her mother unrolled them and pulled them over Emma’s feet while Maryanne brushed her hair. She lingered over each silky tuft, delighting in the softness and warmth of her baby’s skin. Emma opened her watery eyes, and her gaze tracked Maryanne when she went to heat up a bottle.
Maryanne let her mother feed Emma. “I have to put on my clothes. I never knew baby dedications were such a big deal.”
“I saw limos outside.” Maryanne’s mother tipped the bottle into Emma’s mouth. “That’s why I thought someone was getting married.”
Someone knocked on the door. “Maryanne?” Her father’s voice called. “Are you almost ready? The preacher is waiting at the church.”
“She’s not even dressed.” Her mother stood and cracked open the door. “Look at our granddaughter, isn’t she the prettiest flower girl ever?”
Maryanne’s father whispered to her mother. A grey cloud swept Maryanne. Poor Mom, so lost outside of reality. Well, if it made her happy to pretend, Maryanne would go along with it. She pulled her dress from the closet. At least she had resisted Vera’s pleas to make it lacey, frilly and flowing to the floor. She settled for an ivory silk-linen sheath with flowery cutouts and a scalloped hem. The A-line silhouette and cross sash tied below her breasts would make her look taller. But seriously, it wasn’t like it was her quinceañera. Goodness no!
“You should pin your hair up,” Maryanne’s father said, rummaging through her hair accessories. “You’ll look so professional, just a like an experienced mother.”
“Dad, can you, uh, step out?” She held up the dress. “Emma’s ready, so if you’re really careful with her, you can put her in the car seat. Make sure you tuck the head protector around her. Her diaper bag is on the dresser.”
“Okay, hurry. Lucas and his parents have gone
ahead.” He took Emma from Maryanne’s mother. “Come on, sweetie, let’s get a front row seat.”
“Wait, Dad! Don’t take Emma without me.” Maryanne zipped her dress on quickly and fluffed her hair. No time to put it up. She touched up her makeup, slipped on her shoes and ran after them.
Gil Torres secured Emma’s car seat in the back of the limo while Maryanne tightened the straps of her shoes and checked her lipstick. Emma kicked and squirmed, trying to pull off the lace. Maryanne tucked a towel over the lace and calmed Emma by stroking her head. “I know it’s itchy, little one. But you are so pretty.”
The church parking lot was full. A news van marked Olga, #1 Gossip at OgleNet was parked next to a satellite truck. Maryanne turned to her father. “Why are they here? I thought this was a family affair.”
Her father shrugged. “Price to pay for winning that lawsuit. Everyone wants to see the little lioness that tamed Lion Ministries.”
“Oh, stop it!” Maryanne rearranged Emma. “They’re probably still speculating on who her father is.”
She had declined matching Emma to any of the men who confessed. No way did she want to associate Emma with any of them, least of all Barry, although he never admitted to anything, preferring to rot away in the mental institution where he belonged.
Maryanne’s father snapped his fingers. “Live it up. Nothing’s too good for my granddaughter.”
~~~
Lucas sweltered in his tux and stood in front of Zach near the altar. Zach nudged him as he checked his watch for the seventeenth time. “Someone spilled the beans, and she’s coming at you with a kitchen knife.”
The church filled in with guests on both sides. Pastor Ortega chatted with Lucas’ parents in the front row. Maryanne’s family had yet to appear. What if Zach were right? Lucas’ mouth went dry, and he tugged at his bowtie.
The minutes ticked by. People milled around, glancing at the clock. The members of the string quartet sipped water and looked his direction every so often. Lucas held his breath and let it out slowly, his heart scrambling like a dog treeing a squirrel. A cameraman stepped through the door trailed by a petite dark-haired woman with a microphone. She spotted Lucas and strode vigorously toward the platform.
“Uh oh, an ex-girlfriend you failed to invite?” Zach snickered.
“Shut up.” Lucas elbowed him lightly.
“I’m here to back you up. She’s an iron skirt, but cute.”
The woman stopped in front of Lucas and stuck the microphone at his nose. “I’m Olga. Let me be the first to congratulate you, if you can pull this off.”
“Thank you.” Luca stepped on Zach’s prosthetic foot and was promptly shoved forward.
Olga turned toward the cameraman. “We’re here for another episode of Reality Bites as Lucas Knight, champion triathlete and unlucky in love, attempts to hoodwink his lady love into the bonds of holy matrimony. Rumor has it she believes it’s a baby dedication.”
Olga gave him an okay sign and a Sarah Palin wink before turning to interview some of the guests.
Lucas swallowed acid and rubbed his palms on his jacket. People were pointing at him and smiling smugly. Some were texting and others pointed their cell phones at him. If Maryanne backed out, he’d be the laughing stock of the century.
Maryanne’s mother arrived on the arm of an usher who seated her in the front row next to the Tanakas. She waved to Lucas and smiled, bouncing on her seat. Pastor Ortega took his spot, Bible in hand. “We’ll do the baby dedication first or the wedding?”
“Baby dedication,” Lucas replied. At least he hadn’t lied to her, just left out a few details.
“The bride has arrived,” Olga announced. She waved to the cameraman, and they stood off to the side near the baptistery.
Zach punched the small of Lucas’ back. “Showtime!”
The string quartet played a slow, spritely classical piece. Lucas had no idea what it was. The church doors opened, and his sister walked in. She raised an eyebrow at him and smirked before taking her place. She told him she never hated Maryanne and had only been testing her, like she had tested any woman interested in him. Better to have an overprotective family than one who didn’t care.
Vera followed next, winking as if her contact lenses were about to pop out. Zach chuckled and blew her a kiss.
“Guys, can you calm down?” Lucas gritted his teeth.
“I can’t wait to see Maryanne’s face,” Zach whispered.
Vera giggled and Sandra stuck her tongue at him. The string quartet raised a huge crescendo of sound effects, then settled into a formal march. Lucas’s heart thumped in his ribcage like a battering ram. He stared at the church door. Maryanne held Emma and stopped, looking bewildered. Her father whispered and offered his arm. She shook her head, gesturing with her free arm. Crap. She didn’t look happy.
Other than the string quartet, no one else made a sound. Everyone’s collective breath waited. The string quartet repeated their marching tune. Maryanne clutched her baby and walked with her father toward him.
“Look at those daggers aimed at you,” Zach whispered.
Lucas concentrated on gazing toward his bride with every ounce of love he could muster as she stepped onto the platform. Her father placed her hand in his. She pinched him and sniffed out of her nose as if he stunk.
Pastor Ortega cleared his throat and the quartet stopped. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to dedicate Emma Faith Torres to an Almighty and Loving God.”
Maryanne looked uncertain and darted a glance at Lucas. Now it was his turn to smirk, so he chuckled under his breath and mouthed, “What did you think it was?”
He could hear the swish of the sharpening stones in his pulse as her eyes narrowed.
The pastor continued. “Will Emma Faith’s parents step forward?”
Lucas took Maryanne’s hand and reached for the baby. She placed Emma halfway into his arms. Her expression softened as she lowered her head for prayer. They dedicated Emma to the Lord, and the pastor asked Maryanne to hand Emma to Vera, and then asked Lucas and Maryanne to join hands.
The uncertain look crossed Maryanne’s face again, but she didn’t withdraw. Lucas gazed deeply into her beautiful eyes. Freckles danced as her nose twitched, and she suppressed a tiny sneeze.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here before an Almighty God in this unforgettable occasion to join this woman, Maryanne Torres, with this man, Lucas Knight, in the bonds of holy matrimony.”
Maryanne’s mouth opened, her face flushed crimson. Lucas nodded discreetly. She caressed his fingers, a smile tilting her face toward him. Lucas’ heart lifted as light as the balloons that carried their notes to Heaven.
THE END
Thank you for reading. I sincerely hope you enjoyed Hidden Under Her Heart. You’ll warm my heart with an honest and thoughtful review on your blog or at the vendor where you bought the book.
Feel free to contact me at my blog or website and let me know your thoughts about this story. Thanks.
Discussion Questions
At what point do you think Maryanne became a mother? Do you think her concern over her preborn baby came from being a nurse or her motherly instinct?
What do you think a father feels when his baby is aborted? How much input do you believe a father should have?
Do you think Lucas was too extreme in his position? How does he change at the end of the story?
Do you think Maryanne can love her daughter without thinking of her as a result of rape? How does her decision change her?
Why do you think Maryanne changed her mind about the abortion?
Have you had an abortion? How do your feelings about it change as the years go by? After milestone events such as subsequent pregnancy or having a baby?
Do you recommend this book to young adults? Post-abortive parents? Men?
How did this story impact you? Did this story challenge you to think about your opinions on abortion and why you feel the way you do?
About the Author
Rachelle is an active member of online critique group, Critique Circle, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has three children and has taught violin and made mountain dulcimers.
Rachelle is the author of Michal’s Window (A Novel: King David’s First Wife)
and Broken Build (Silicon Valley Romantic Suspense)
Visit her at her website: http://rachelleayala.me or her blog: http://www.rachelleayala.com or follow @AyalaRachelle on Twitter.
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to my wonderful critique partners and beta readers: Melisa Hamling, Annamaria Bazzi, Lucie Ulrich, Aminah Grefer, Carla Barber, Chantel Rhondeau, Amelia Waters, Lori D., Genna Collins, Kimberly Sullivan, Jennifer Kenney, Melissa Foster. Their eyes and feedback were invaluable.
My gratitude also goes to Melissa Foster for including Hidden Under Her Heart in the World Literary Press lineup. I also thank the World Literary Café crew, especially my fellow volunteers, for giving me early feedback on the plot and characters as well as daily support and humor: Stacy Eaton, Amy Manemann, Emerald Barnes, Natasha Brown, Bonnie Trachtenberg, Christine Cunningham, Gerria Johnson, Tia Souders, Wendy Young, and Melissa Foster.
Melisa Hamling, author of Twenty Weeks and Matt Patterson, author of My Emily inspired me to write this book. Melisa, for being courageous enough to tackle the subject of teen pregnancy and abortion. Matt, for encouraging me to turn my grief over my son Ross into a positive testament to his life. Thank you both for your faith in me and your support when times were tough. This book required a lot of prayer and I appreciate Flara Richards, Pastor Devon Ortiz, Pastor Brent Strouf, and my church family for their prayers and friendship.
Hidden Under Her Heart Page 32