They shared the apartment in harmony and talked about Jelly Bean all the time. They lived in tandem, always knowing what the other wanted or needed. He kissed her before he left the house, and when they made love they shut the world away. Both of them were careful not to touch the reason why they’d ended up married.
It helped that Stacey’s texts had stopped and when she did message him, it would be to ask how June was doing. She’d even offered to take June shopping when he told her that his wife didn’t like to drive. He liked that she hadn’t mentioned anything about continuing their relationship when his secret contract with the Greenwalds was over. She seemed to have moved on.
But what he wanted now was for the contract to disappear. He didn’t care about the other half of his inheritance, if his parents disowned him or if he lost everything. All that mattered to him now was June and their baby. If only his parents and the Greenwalds would listen.
Like a teenager with a constant boner, he just wanted to stay close to his wife, cuddle with her in front of the television, and take naps in the afternoon, which he hadn’t done since he was two. Most of the time, he found himself looking at her. At night, while he watched her sleep, Craig’s words would echo in his head.
“She’ll make you fall in love with her without even trying. Then she’ll break your heart—also without even trying. Mark my words.”
His heart always beat erratically whenever he thought of his wife in love with him, and anger would rise from his chest whenever he thought about June breaking his heart.
Does she really love me?
In bed, she never showed anything that would tell him to slow down. He was careful not to hurt her and the baby, but their passion never diminished. In fact, it was getting hotter, stronger and deeper. They enjoyed playing with food in bed and she pleased him to heaven.
Her actions—the way she looked at him and how she took care of him—all spoke of more than just a wife caring for her husband. But not once had June mentioned that she loved him. To hear her say that she loved him would be wonderful, though. Why it mattered, he didn’t know. And it wasn’t as if he’d uttered the word himself.
Soon this marriage would end.
Thinking about waking up and going to bed without seeing her lovely face poked him deep in the gut. He frowned at the painful feeling. Damn, could he really give up this marriage? Could he let her go?
“What’s up with the deep frown? You look like a king with a heavy crown on his head, thinking about how to take care of his kingdom.”
Henry looked up. A vision of his wife standing in front of him in a pale yellow dress with her hands on her rounded belly made him smile. She looked like a dream. “A king?”
“Uh-huh. Is it really that hard?”
He motioned for June to come to him. As soon as she was close enough for him to touch, he pulled her onto his lap. “Not yet, but getting there.”
June pinched him.
“Owwww…meany mommy.”
“I’m talking about what had you frowning.”
“I’m just thinking. Our child will have your eyes, nose and hopefully not your toes.”
“What?”
“Accept it, hon. Your toes are stubby.”
“Shut up!”
“How are you?” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Emotions running high, he couldn’t stop touching her.
“Heavy. Feeling fat.”
“I know. You look like a cow now. I hardly recognized you.”
“Soon I’ll be an elephant.”
He shifted June’s position so she could straddle him. “Comfy?”
“Yes.” June ran her fingers at the back of his head, massaging his scalp. He loved it when she did that.
“How’s the baby treating you?”
“Still pushing on my bladder. What about you?”
“Tired. My wife is keeping me awake all night. But I’ve never been happier.” Slowly, he lifted her dress to bunch it around her waist.
“Are you really happy?”
“I am, hon. You make me happy and hotter than ever.” He cupped her face with his hands then kissed her. She was rounder now, her breasts plumper and harder. He ran his hands over her shoulders and back before moving down to her thighs. “What a beautiful mama.”
“Hmm. Keep saying that and I might believe you.”
“It’s true. How’s your back?”
“Fine. Didn’t hurt today.”
“You sure your doctor is—?”
June touched Henry’s face. “Yes.”
“Why can’t I take you to your appointments once in a while?” He’d been jealous of Vivienne for driving June to her doctor appointments. “Shouldn’t I be a part of this whole pregnancy thing?”
“You’ll be bored sitting in the waiting room. It’s better if you just work with John. Besides, Vivienne and I like to hang out after my check-ups. It’s a woman thing.”
“To chit-chat? Fine. But what about the car that I bought for you? It’s been sitting in the driveway collecting leaves and dust.”
“Maybe I’ll drive it with Jelly Bean.”
“Do you want to go out see a movie tonight?”
“Are you sure? You might be seen walking with me.”
“Do you think I care? What made you say that?”
“Because we’ve never gone anywhere together.”
“It’s because I’d rather spend my time here with you. While working, I always look forward to coming home because I know you’ll be here. I keep thinking about this apartment that you’ve turned into a home. Going to different places would be a waste of time when we could be here together. Here, I feel like I belong, you know. I’m home. Here is the best place for me. Nowhere else. I’m sorry for being selfish.”
June stared at him. “Really. You love my cooking that much?”
“Ha. Ha.”
After combing back Henry’s hair, she pressed her forehead against his. “That’s the best thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“You’re a good woman, Juniper Ivy Colchester. You deserve the best the world can offer.”
“You, too, Captain Colchester. You have a good heart.”
Henry pulled June in for a tight hug. God, it felt so good to have her in his arms like this. Oh, how things had changed. He had a wife now who needed him, and he longed for her. Yeah, he yearned for his wife the way a sailor needs his compass. Without her, he’d be lost.
Lost.
Henry closed his eyes. When he opened them and stared at his wife, at that moment, he knew that no amount of money could take her away from him. Damn the fucking contract. Henry laughed as he remembered Craig’s words.
“She’ll make you fall in love with her.”
Henry combed June’s hair with his fingers. He loved his wife.
“My wife,” he whispered, while his heart soared.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Fuck!”
Stacey threw the glass she held across the room, hitting the china cabinet her mother had given her. The glass shattered. She should care. The cabinet had belonged in the family for generations, but she was too pissed to care. She wanted to destroy everything, anything. Including that bitch, June. That fucking JC Penny woman can’t take Henry from me! He belonged with her and no one else.
She’d fucking destroy her! She wasn’t a successful prosecutor for nothing. If her plan worked, that damn cheap JC Penny bitch would regret sleeping with Henry.
Stacey smirked at the sound of the doorbell. Taking her time, she changed into her little black dress and pumps. After gathering her hair, she tied it on top of her head, leaving a few strands dangling. After the third ring, she went downstairs and straight to the kitchen. Earlier, she’d tried preparing a meal. The whole kitchen was a mess. It was perfect. She splashed water on her dress then smeared spaghetti sauce on her cheek.
She opened the door.
“Hey, stranger. Lost your key?”
Henry just smiled. “You look great, Stays. But what
have you been doing?”
Stacey laughed. “What do you mean?”
“Cooking?”
She waved Henry’s question away. “Trying.”
“Is that how you plugged up your sink?”
“I guess. Sorry to bother you this late, but I couldn’t find a plumber to come after five. How’s June?”
“Getting big. Let me check the sink.”
“Okay. I bet she’s more beautiful now.”
“Yeah, she is.”
Damn her. Aware that Henry followed behind her, she made sure he saw her best asset. She walked as gracefully as she could, swaying her hips with seduction in mind. “I heard most pregnant women glow and their skin looks younger.”
“She’s all that, but June thinks she resembles a cow. What’s this?”
She is a fucking cow. “A simple meal. Spaghetti. And I think I botched it. Please don’t compare, okay? I heard your wife cooks like a pro. Why don’t you sit? You can fix the sink later.”
“Thanks, Stays. But I—”
“Oh, sorry. I understand. Don’t worry. I don’t think you can hurt my feelings.” Oh yeah, you did, Henry.
Henry sighed. “I could have a bite. Looks good.”
“Looks are often deceiving.”
“What are you saying?”
“Spaghetti tastes like eww.” Stacey winced.
Henry sat. “I’m sure it’s fine.”
She watched Henry take a big serving then sprinkled grated cheese on top. “I miss hanging out with you.”
“Me too, Stays. But my wife—”
“I know. I know. I understand. You know, these past months I came to realize that you are only right to stop coming here. If I were in June’s shoes, I’d be crazy mad if you hung out with your ex. You’re married now. We have to accept the change. It’s only right that you take your role as her husband. You’re a man of honor and loyalty. The contract was stupid from the very beginning anyway. I’m proud of you, Henry, of everything that you’ve accomplished, of who you have become. I hope June knows that.”
“She’s wonderful, Stays.”
“But you don’t know why she lied to get pregnant, right?”
Henry shook his head.
“Well, whatever it is, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. It’s just…”
“What?”
“If she loves you, she wouldn’t keep a secret from you. Anyway, how’s the pasta?”
“Good.”
“Thank you for coming.” Stacey picked up her wineglass and raised it.
Henry did the same.
“Congratulations. May your marriage be blessed with a hundred more kids.” Stacey forced a smile and tried not to choke on the words.
“Hundred?”
Stacey laughed. “Ten?”
Henry smiled, but Stacey noticed sadness in his eyes.
“What’s up, sweetheart?”
“June is not the only one hiding something. She doesn’t know anything about the contract. I don’t think I can walk away from her and our baby.”
Oh, you will do it, dear. I’ll make sure of it. “What’s this? In love with your wife?”
Henry gave her a shy smile. “Deeply.”
“Does she know?”
“Not yet. It’ll be our eight month wedding anniversary in two weeks. I plan to take her on our yacht. I’ll tell her then.”
“Ah. Where everything started. Well, make sure she doesn’t hear about the contract. Wait until you two have built a stronger foundation that no bad news could demolish. Don’t worry about your parents and the Greenwalds. Once they realized that you two love each other, I’m sure they’ll shred the contract themselves.” She reached across the table to cover Henry’s hand with hers. “June has her own secret. So I’m sure she’ll forgive you for keeping yours.”
Henry nodded. “I hope so. Thanks, Stays. For everything. How have you been doing?”
“Good. Been busy planning.”
“Planning what?”
“Another reason why I asked you to come here.”
“And that is…?”
“I want to throw a baby shower for June. A surprise. That is, if it’s okay with you.”
Henry squeezed Stacey’s hand “Of course. It would be nice if you two became friends.”
Yeah. And I’ll fucking choke her to death. “Of course. Maybe I’ll take her shopping this weekend. Do you think she’ll like that?”
“I’ll talk to her.”
“Okay. So what do you think about the Hyatt, Cedar Brook Lodge or Alexis?”
“Any place not so expensive. She hates attention and spending money. What about the Edmonds Senior Center? They have a big conference room.”
Cheap slut. “You sure? I wouldn’t want to insult June by using the center for seniors.” God, I hate the smell of old people.
“She’ll feel the opposite. Believe me.”
“All right. If the center will make her feel comfortable then we’ll do it there.”
“It will.”
Stacey touched the side of her head with her index finger. “Venue. Senior Center. Okay, change of subject. Is John still interested in Vivienne?”
Henry laughed. “I don’t know. He hasn’t said anything.”
“Maybe he’s moved on.”
“Might as well. Vivienne hates him.”
“Why?”
“Because of me.”
“You?”
“June told Vivienne about the kiss.”
Stacey placed one hand on her chest. Perfect. “Vivienne knows about our kiss?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh, dear. I hope they don’t harbor hate against me. Henry, they might not agree with the baby shower.”
“Don’t know about Vivienne, but I’ve seen the best of June, Stays. I don’t think she’s capable of hating anyone.”
A fucking saint, you mean. “Glad to hear it.”
“During the first weeks of our marriage, she never made demands or asked questions where I spent my time.”
“And now?”
“She still has never asked. I hurt her, I know, but she never showed it. In fact, she just trudged on. She made us a beautiful, warm home. I think she’s trying to prove that she’s not really a bad mistake. And she’s not. To tell you the truth, I’m glad our parents did what they thought was best. Otherwise, I would have lost her forever.”
“She makes you happy.”
“Yes. She’s nothing but a good wife, Stays. Funny, too.”
Fuck that bitch. She won’t be laughing when she bleeds to death. “Henry, don’t get mad, but maybe she doesn’t care at all, so that’s why she’s never asked?”
“She knew her actions affected me, you, my plans. She didn’t think she had the right to make demands, to ask. But she cares, Stays. She loves me. I know. And…” Henry shook his head. “I’m in love with her.”
Stacey lifted her wineglass again. “Here’s to your happy marriage, Henry. May you and June fill your home with healthy kids.”
Henry smiled and lifted his glass. “And may you find your own happiness, Stays.”
Oh, I will. And if I don’t, that bitch wife of yours won’t either.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Why Stacey would give her baby shower was beyond her.
When Henry had told her that Stacey was planning a baby shower, June couldn’t believe it. That woman would probably cut her hair if she weren’t looking. So why?
Vivienne refused to believe that Stacey could be a friend. Not in a million years. June agreed. Best friends and family threw baby showers, not exes, and especially not for someone they didn’t know. But June had said yes—for Henry.
June thought about her husband. He was once again the man she had spent nights together with in his fancy yacht—funny, caring and worried a lot about her. He was aware of her pains and would be at her side instantly if she so much as winced. For months now, he’d been the perfect husband any wife could wish for.
He had told her not to expec
t anything from him. But lately he’d been giving her more than what she ought to receive. That night when he’d said he liked coming home to her, it was as close as saying that he loved her, and she’d settle for that. If coming to this baby shower would make Henry happy, fine by her.
“We should leave, June. I don’t like this.”
June looked at Vivienne. Her friend had been ranting about this baby shower from the moment they’d left the apartment until they’d parked the car. It was a miracle her ears hadn’t burst. “Aren’t you a bit curious about this shower?”
“No. That bitch who kissed your husband on your wedding day and most likely is still sleeping with—”
“We said yes, Vi.”
Vivienne shook her head. “You love him so much that you would do everything he says. Did it ever occur to you that maybe he’s just being nice to you now so when he files for a divorce, he won’t feel guilty about it?”
“Many times, Vi. But I just want to enjoy my marriage right now while it’s still good.”
“While it’s still good,” Vivienne repeated. “You really think he’s changed.”
“I’d like to think that he has.” June forced a smile. “Look at this place. Don’t you want to see what’s inside?”
What seemed to be hundreds of balloons were tied outside the Edmonds Senior Center. June thought if the building wasn’t attached to the ground, it might fly away. Boy, she could hardly see the front door. Too bad her mom couldn’t come because of a cold. She would have loved to have seen this.
“I’m sure somewhere a kid is crying because he didn’t get his balloon. You know why? Because they were all here.” Vivienne scowled. “This is weird.”
“Why?”
“So over the top. Colorful balloons are supposed to make one smile, but I feel the opposite. I have a bad feeling this is not really going to end well.”
“Vi, what if Stacey really wants to be friends?”
“Wake up, June. You stole her man! Her kind doesn’t just back down. Do you honestly think she’d want to be your friend? You know, instead of going in there, we should run.”
June wrapped her arms around Vivienne. “Okay. How about let’s go in there. If Stacey says anything then we’ll leave right away. How’s that?”
The Best of June Page 23