Two Wrongs Make a Right

by Ann Everett

  “I guess we need to get serious about that.” Quinn set mashed potatoes on the table. She already felt at home in the cozy kitchen. Early afternoon light filtered in through a large bay window. Pots of African violets lined the sill, their delicate flowers poking above dark green leaves like tiny umbrellas.

  “Well, I’ve made a list.” Bitsy reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a pink paper. “I’m not making a play for any of them, but Dak said you liked antiques and old fashioned things, so I thought you might want to consider family names.”

  Quinn blinked surprise. He’d discussed her with his mother? Maybe there was a chance for the marriage to be more than a necessity. Then reality set in. It was part of the act. He’d want his parents to believe he was taking an active role. Silly me. “That would be nice.”

  “Oh, and one more thing. Has he mentioned his grandmother’s ring?”

  “Yes, and I’m excited. Knowing it’s been in the family makes it even more special.”

  “Do you want to see it?”

  “Oh…uh…does Dak want me to?”

  “He won’t care. Let me get it.” She walked down the hallway and in a minute returned and handed a small box to Quinn.

  Her hands trembled as she popped the lid back. Inside, resting in the velvet slot, was a band with three diamonds surrounded by filigree. “This is beautiful.”

  “It’s platinum, and each diamond is a half-carat. The filigree work is so delicate.”

  “Why don’t you wear it?”

  “I did until Buck gave me this one for our silver wedding anniversary.” She wiggled her hand in the air, the big diamond sparkling in the light. “Then I put his grandmother’s back in the box until Dak found his true love. The youngest son gets it. If y’all have any boys, you’ll keep the tradition going.”

  Boys? As in plural? His true love? If she knew Dak didn’t believe truth was in Quinn’s vocabulary, and after this baby, they’d part ways, it would take the J out of joy for Bitsy.

  Quinn wasn’t sure how she’d made it through the evening. Other than smiling and nodding, most of the conversation was jumbled words. They were such a close-knit family, and soon, she’d be blamed for messing up everything.

  “We’ve got to go, Mom,” Dak said from the doorway. “I need to stop by the grocery store before we head home.”

  Quinn closed the album and scooted her chair away from the table. Along with her future mother and sister-in-law, she’d spent the last thirty minutes flipping through family photos with plenty of Dak’s baby pictures.

  Once on the road, she looked over at her soon-to-be husband. “You were a beautiful baby. I hope this one has your eyes.” She waited for him to say something, but he didn’t. “Your mom and dad are nice, and I love their choice of grandparent names.” When he still didn’t respond, she gave up and rode the rest of the way in silence.

  Dak got a spot near the HEB grocery store entrance. “Are you coming in or staying in the car?”

  “I need a few things, so I’ll go.”

  This time he didn’t open the door for her. He took off, leaving her in his wake. She pulled her jacket tight and followed.

  Inside the store, she got a cart and headed for the cereal aisle. When she rounded the corner to the canned goods, a familiar voice called her name. She twisted around, hoping against all hope, she was mistaken. Then she faced him and three years of wasted time crashed down on her. “What are you doing here?”

  Brad stepped forward to hug her, and she backed away.

  “It’s good to see you. I’m in town to close on the condo and get the last few things moved.”

  Heat rose in her cheeks. She’d not considered what she’d say if she saw him again, but now blurted the question. “How long were you screwing Blair?”

  His head jerked. “What?”

  “Blair. Your secretary. Blonde. Blue-eyes. Legs spread. Ring a bell? How long, Brad? Weeks? Months? Not that it matters now, but I’d like to know.”

  “Quinn…”

  “Oh. My. God. It’d been the whole time, right?”

  He shook his head. “No. Just the last year. I didn’t mean for it to happen, and at first it was a fling, to spice things up, but then…”

  She thrust her open palm out. “Stop! I don’t want the details.”

  His eyes wandered to her belly. “Good Lord.” He stepped forward and laid his hand on her stomach. “You’re pregnant. Is it mine?”

  That caused her to laugh. “No. Thank God.”

  “Are you sure?”

  The baby kicked as if to shoo him away. “If it was, I’d already have it. I’m due in February. You do the math.”

  “Whoa! Strong kick. Must be a boy.”

  “Is this guy bothering you?” Dak’s voice boomed from behind Quinn. Before she could answer, he spoke to Brad. “Unhand her.”

  “It’s okay, Buddy. No need to be concerned. We know one another.”

  Dak dropped some items into Quinn’s basket, then took a step closer and glared down at Brad. An impressive contrast, Brad’s five-nine frame in the shadow of Dak’s six-two.

  “My baby. My concern. And if you want to keep that hand, I suggest you take it off her.”

  Brad pulled his hand away and frowned at Quinn. “And you have the nerve to ask about Blair? You didn’t waste any time. How long had you been seeing him behind my back?”

  Before she answered, Dak looked at her and narrowed his eyes. Then he turned back to Brad. “We’re done here.” Dak wheeled around and pushed the cart down the aisle, taking Quinn with him.

  Her heart hammered against her rib cage. She didn’t remember checking out or Dak paying. She didn’t recall getting into the car, but now sat in stunned silence while he put the bags in the backseat. When he slid behind the wheel, she leaned her head back and took a quick breath. “I wish I had that on film. Do you think the store would give me the footage from their security camera? His expression when you said the thing about keeping his hand. I thought he would pee his pants! I can’t believe I wasted three years of my life with him.”

  Dak snapped his head toward her. “You were with that guy for three years?”

  “Yeah. I convinced myself he was The One. Thank God he dumped me or I’d still be with him.” She glanced at Dak and he had an odd look. Something between disbelief and happiness. Strange.

  He started the car and stared straight ahead. “That man is an idiot.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Quinn replayed the scene at the grocery store over and over in her head. Brad’s look of fear was so real. Then there was the remark Dak made in the car about Brad being an idiot. What did he mean? A generalization—or that Brad was a dimwit for letting Quinn get away? No, he couldn’t have meant that. A lying woman wasn’t worth keeping—unless you needed her for something.

  She fidgeted in her seat, adjusted the seat belt, and tried to stop her leg from jumping. She glanced over at Dak, his hands gripped strong on the steering wheel. If he was nervous about meeting her parents, he didn’t show it. It made perfect sense. He didn’t plan to be in the family long enough for it to matter if they liked him or not.

  She occupied her mind by studying the passing scenery. Early November in Texas was beautiful. Plum and sweet gum trees sported deep red, gold, and orange leaves, rustling in the breeze like layers of a colorful skirt. If he wanted to talk or not, she needed to fill him in. “There are some things you need to know before you meet my parents.”

  “What?”

  “They divorced when I was sixteen, but still love each other. Neither remarried.”

  He glanced at her, then put his eyes back on the road. “I don’t get it. If they’re in love, why not stay together?”

  “My mother is difficult.”

  “You don’t get along with her, right?”

  “Let’s just say our personalities clash.”

  “Oh, so she’s not deceitful?”

  Quinn didn’t respond. Better to let him condemn her, if that’s wha
t made him happy. She moved on. “She’ll love you. Until she finds out the truth, you’ll be the one thing I’ve done right in my life.”

  He turned to look at her again, this time holding her gaze longer. For a moment, something flashed in his eyes. It was in those seconds, the real Dak surfaced. He was still in there, buried under the anger and hurt. If she could hold out long enough, maybe good Dak would win out over bitter Dak.

  He swung the car into the drive, and again came to open the door for his bride. They strode across the lawn, the cool breeze gusting leaves along the ground. Funny how the temperature outside was warmer than inside the car. But a cold heart could freeze everything around it, and she felt the chill.

  “Hi Mom!” Quinn shouted as she came through the door. Her mother hurried down the hall. “You’re early. I didn’t expect you for at least another hour.” She hugged her daughter then turned to Dak. “I’m Marita Dorsey. It’s so nice to meet you. Please come sit.”

  “Nice to meet you, too.”

  She cut her eyes at Quinn. “I’m just so happy she brought you. I wasn’t sure she would. She’s been so secretive. So tell me about yourself.”

  He offered his future mother-in-law his best smile. The one that melted Quinn’s heart. “Okay. Full name, Dakota Bryce Savage, but I go by Dak. I’m thirty-nine. Head of marketing at Galaxy. Have a twin sister, Simona, and older brother, Shane.”

  “Have you ever been married?”

  “No. Never fell in love—until Quinn.” He reached for her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it.

  She drew a shallow breath. Damn, he’s good. Mother will love him.

  “Galaxy? Do you work with Megan? Is that how you and Quinn met?”

  “As a matter of fact, it is.”

  “Well, I’m relieved. When Quinn told me she was pregnant but wouldn’t say who the father was, I’d decided she’d gotten involved with a married man.”

  Dak chuckled. “Well, come Saturday she will, because we’re getting married.”

  “Are you serious?” She pressed her hand to her chest. “Oh my goodness that is wonderful news! Quinn, why didn’t you tell me?”

  Quinn started to speak, but Dak kept the conversation going.

  “I just asked her two days ago and we see no reason to wait, so the ceremony is at my house. Well, I should say our house since she’ll be moving in with me.”

  Mom looked at her with tears in her eyes. “Oh honey, you are so lucky to have found him.”

  He kissed Quinn’s hand again. “I’m the lucky the one. I keep trying to find something about her that isn’t perfect, but for the life of me, I can’t.”

  “Well, two days doesn’t give me much time. I’ve got to buy a dress.” She stopped and studied her daughter for a moment. “I guess your dad will give you away?”

  “Yes. Will that make you uncomfortable?”

  “Absolutely not. I look forward to seeing him. Won’t y’all stay for lunch? I can make some sandwiches.”

  “Some other time,” Quinn said.

  “We’d love to,” Dak said, and smiled at Quinn. “Don’t you think we have time, honey? We’ll still be able to work in a visit to tell your dad.”

  “Oh, so you told me first?” She went to her daughter and embraced her. “Thank you. You’ve made me so happy. If there is anything I can do to help with the wedding, let me know.”

  Quinn froze in place. She couldn’t remember the last time her mother had given her more than a slight pat and air kiss. “Dak’s sister has taken charge, and she’s handling everything. All you have to do is show up.”

  “Well, I’ll do that. Your wedding will be the highlight of my life. Now, I have ham and cheese, or I can make some tuna salad.”

  “Ham will be great, Mrs. Dorsey.”

  “Oh, please call me Marita, or Mimi, that’s what I want my grandbaby to call me.”

  Quinn jerked her head around to face her mother. “You’ve already decided on a name?”

  “I’ve had it picked out for years. I’ve just been waiting on you.” She practically skipped to the pantry and took out the loaf of bread and chips, then spoke over her shoulder. “Would you mind getting the things from the fridge?”

  Quinn bit her bottom lip and choked back tears. She’d not seen her mother this happy in a decade.

  Once she finished the sandwiches, they sat at the table, and Mom eyed Dak. He glanced at her.

  “Oh, I’m sorry for staring. I’m trying to picture how the baby might look. If it gets Quinn’s dark hair and your green eyes…” her voice trailed off, and she pressed her hand to her chest again. “Oh my, it will be as beautiful as Quinn was. When she was born, I’d never seen a more gorgeous infant. She had a head of black hair, and eyes like coal.”

  Tears streamed down Quinn’s cheeks. She’d never seen her mother more excited or emotional. “You never told me you thought I was a beautiful baby.”

  “I’m sure I did.”

  “No. You didn’t. Ever.”

  Dak took Quinn’s hand and held it. “The sandwiches were delicious, Mimi. Thanks for fixing them.”

  “I wish I’d had more notice of your visit so I could have made a dessert. I’m sure you know what a good cook Quinn is, and she gets that from me.”

  “Next time, we’ll give you plenty of warning. But right now, we need to hit the road. It’s been a pleasure and we’ll see you on Saturday.” He pulled a folded paper from his shirt pocket. “Here’s a map to the house. It’s isolated, but you won’t have a problem finding it.”

  As they drove away, Quinn focused on the rearview and watched her mother wave until they were out of sight.

  “Who was that woman, and what has she done with my mother?”

  “She isn’t so bad.”

  Quinn flapped her hand. “I have no idea who that was.”

  He laughed, and Quinn loved the sound of it, but he quickly got control, and straightened his face into the hard line he’d had since showing up on Halloween. It was almost as if he had a split personality. One minute, he’d kiss her hand and profess undying love, and the next, make hateful remarks or give the silent treatment. “Anyway, thanks for taking charge back there.”

  “No problem.”

  “I should warn you about Gramps. He can be a little gruff, but it’s his normal demeanor. Oh, and he likes to share the condition of his bowels.”

  Dak laughed again, and for a second his mood lightened, but then came back with another stiff answer. “I’m sure I can handle it.”

  “Daddy recently finished chemo, so he’s frail, but he’s getting his strength back.”

  Dak glanced at her again and pulled his brows together. “What kind of cancer?”

  “Melanoma.” Just saying the word caused her to cry. She quickly pulled a tissue from her pocket. “I’m sorry. I promised myself no more tears today.” She expected him to make another snide remark, but he didn’t.

  She turned to stare out the window again, and thought of Dad’s happiness. She admitted, forced marriage or not, having him walk her down the aisle would make a childhood dream come true. For the last two years, his illness threatened that he might never see her married, or have a grandchild, and now both would be a reality. Regardless of her situation, she was thankful for that.

  She’d imagined her wedding day a hundred times, and like every little girl’s fantasy, it always finished with happily-ever-after. Even now, in the back of her mind, and deep in her heart, she romanticized somehow, someway, it would come with a fairy tale ending. How ridiculous. Exploding hormones must be causing her to think that way.

  When they turned into the drive, Gramps came from the side of the house and stopped to watch them. As if someone yelled, lights, camera, action, Dak slipped into character, and ran his hand around Quinn’s shoulders. Even if it was an act, she liked the feel of it, warm and strong against her. For months, she’d fantasized about his touch, and how it had affected her more than any other man she’d been with.

  Dak stepped back a
nd Gramps greeted her with a hug. “How’s my girl?”

  Miserable. Sad. Evil. “I’m fine. You?”

  “I got the damn piles. Can’t sit without using that blow-up donut.” Then he leaned away and took stock of Dak. “So you’re the daddy?”

  “Yes sir. Dak Savage.” He offered his hand and Gramps shook it.

  “You love my girl?”

  “Gramps! Don’t interrogate him. You’ll scare him off.”

  “Love’s overrated anyway,” Dad said, coming to join them. “I’m more interested that you’ll be good to her.”

  Quinn fell into his arms and sobbed.

  “What’s wrong, Quinnie? Don’t cry.”

  Gramps moved closer and pointed his finger at Dak. “What’s going on? I may be old, but if I find out you’ve hurt her, I’ll skin your hide and hang you out to dry, boy.”

  Quinn pulled away and wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her sweater. “It’s not him. It’s me. I’m emotional, and hate myself for being this way.”

  Gramps handed her a handkerchief, and she blotted her cheeks.

  “Let’s sit on the porch,” she said.

  Once seated, Dak focused on the two men. “I know I’m going about this backwards, but I’m here to ask for her hand in marriage.”

  Quinn’s breath hitched. She’d not considered he’d ask for permission, just announce it the same as he did with her mother. Apparently, Gramps’ threat made a difference, or perhaps Dak was giving her dad the respect he deserved. It wasn’t his fault he had a lying daughter.

  She wanted to get past the crying jags, but emotions lodged in her chest until it got so full, she had to release them or choke to death. She should try breathing exercises, because since Dak showed up on her doorstep, she’d had a ringing in her ears and was sure it wasn’t wedding bells. Because of that, she heard none of the conversation between the men, but from Dak’s expression, he’d gotten their blessing.

  “Saturday? That’s quick all right, but like he said, no need to wait. I’ll have to get my suit out and see if it’s still decent enough to escort you down the aisle.”