“I can’t believe I missed the signs, either. How could I be so blind?”
Kristi folded her legs underneath her. She’d turned on the air conditioner, and her feet were cold. The baby moved, and she reached for another doughnut, this one chocolate with chocolate icing and filling. “I guess the good thing about being pregnant is that all this stress eating doesn’t count.”
“You can pig out and eat whatever you want. It’s a wonderful nine months,” Alison agreed.
Kristi bit down to get both pastry and fluffy chocolate filling. She savored it for a few seconds before speaking. “I am so confused. I don’t get it. If he liked me, why didn’t he ask me out? Especially after we made love. Why all this silly subterfuge?”
Alison shook her head. “I don’t know. Like he said, you told him one night. He was respecting your wishes.”
“And what guy does that?”
“Mitch.” Alison grabbed another doughnut.
“Just when I thought things couldn’t get more complicated. We’d just decided not to pretend.”
“And we see how well that worked out. You decide to fake date Mitch, and it becomes real. Your dad wants you married so badly he’s probably counting down the days until you fall for Mitch. No wonder he called your bluff.”
So that was why he’d been so smug lately. He wanted her to marry Mitch. Kristi hadn’t gotten her father’s reaction quite right. He didn’t want her to be a single mother. Under these circumstances, Mitch would seem perfectly suitable for his daughter. She sighed and ate the last of her doughnut. She reached for the third pastry. “So where do I go from here?”
“You tell Mitch the truth about how you feel and about the baby. You wouldn’t be getting in the way of true love. Heck, you are his true love.”
“Which means he’ll be all over me trying to do the right thing.”
“Is that really so bad? It’s the solution to all your problems.”
Kristi sat back with a thump, powdered sugar coating her fingers. “Why didn’t you warn me sparks caused so much trouble?”
Alison shrugged. “I thought I did, and I sure didn’t know you’d sleep with Mitch.”
Kristi ate some of her third doughnut, trying to think. But no answers came. “Tell me, is it irrational that I’m upset? Is this all hormonal? It’s like I’m on a roller coaster and I can’t get off.”
“You’re going to have a baby. That changes everything.”
Kristi couldn’t shake the black cloud hanging overhead. “I’ve made a big mess and it’s getting worse.”
“You have a hunky man who worships you and treats you like a queen. I’d kill for that. Kristi, be honest. How do you feel about Mitch?”
“Guilty. I asked him to sleep with me because I wanted to feel desirable. I can’t believe I didn’t realize he had a crush on me. Why can’t I pick someone up and have it be simple?”
“Do you like Mitch?”
“Yes.” She could say that easily.
“Do you love Mitch?”
“I don’t even know what love is. Is it what I felt for Bobby Jones our sophomore year, until he dumped me for Marla Evans? Is it what I thought I felt for Bill? How do I know when I’ve met Mr. Right? And how do I share my life?”
“You just do.”
“What if I fail? I’ve screwed up every other time.”
Alison shrugged. “It’s the risk you take. But you have to start by being honest with yourself. You like spending time with Mitch and he makes your pulse race. Why is that? Figure out how you really feel and tell Mitch the truth. Even if that means spilling all your secrets.”
“I’m not very good at that.”
Alison snagged the last doughnut. “Then, my friend, you’re going to have to learn.”
Chapter Twelve
By Monday morning Mitch still hadn’t spoken with Kristi. He’d heard from her, if one measly text message saying she’d see him at the office counted.
He had a meeting with Larry, so he headed for the CEO’s office just before 10:00 a.m. After a five-minute wait, the secretary sent him in. “Have we heard back from the union?” Mitch asked as Larry waved him forward.
“That’ll probably be tomorrow. They have to vote. Sit down.” Mitch sat across Larry’s desk. “So how was your sister’s engagement party?”
Mitch had no idea what Kristi had told her parents. “We had a nice time.”
“Good. I thought it might be difficult for Kristi, what with another person getting married before her.”
That hadn’t been what had upset her. “I don’t think your daughter is really all that focused on marriage.”
“Of course she is. All women are, whether they’ll admit it or not. Kristi’s sidetracked by the fact that she’s pregnant, that’s all. I think the right man could convince her quite quickly.”
“Are you saying that I’m that guy?”
“I’m asking your intentions toward her, yes. You’ll be headed back to your division, Kristi to hers. The job of getting her to stay home hasn’t been accomplished.”
“She has balanced work and pregnancy just fine.”
“Did your mother stay home?”
Mitch nodded. “She did.”
Larry leaned back as if that proved his point. “How much do you like my daughter?” “Sir?”
“It’s a simple question. You two are dating.”
“Yes.”
“So it’s not a smoke screen after all.”
“It’s never been that on my end.”
Larry seemed pleased. “I didn’t think so. Where do you see this relationship heading? Speak to me as her father, not as your boss.”
Mitch knew nothing but total honesty would do. “I care about her a great deal. I love her, but I’m not sure my feelings are returned.”
“That’s fixable,” Larry declared.
“I’m not about to go all underhand. I want her to love me for who I am. That takes time.”
“You don’t have time. There’s a baby on the way. Mitch, you weren’t what I envisioned for my son-in-law, but you love her, and you’re a good man.”
“I’ve loved her for a long time,” Mitch admitted.
“I wondered. Well, if that’s the case, do something about it. Win her over.”
“I plan to try.”
“Good. So let me help. I’m sending you back to the Communications Department. While I won’t promote you to vice president until after you’re married, I will put you second in command.”
“That’s Brett’s job.”
“I’m sending him to Distribution.”
“I really don’t think this is a good idea right now.”
“Of course it is. You two need to spend time together. Mitch, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. I’d think it over carefully.”
Mitch got to his feet. “Believe me, I will.”
BY TWO, when Kristi caught up with her father, her nerves were shot. She’d asked Mitch for space, and as he had after the Christmas party, he’d given it to her. He hadn’t even answered her text message.
“You look tired,” her dad remarked as she stepped into his office.
“I’m fine,” she replied automatically. No need for her dad to worry. He was already trying to push her out.
“Well, hopefully I have some good news. I’m transferring Mitch back to your department and sending Brett to Distribution.”
“Why?”
“You and Mitch work well together—you two are quite the pair. And he’s much better suited there than where he is. This was a business decision.”
“You never say that unless it isn’t.”
“He’s the only person you’ll trust with your job when you’re on maternity leave. I’m thinking long-term here. You are having a baby, and you will not work from home. Maternity leave is just that, leave. Don’t take this personally.”
Her father reached for a pen and twirled it. “Mitch is the best candidate. All I want is what’s best for you and for Jensen.”
; “You just want me married.”
“I admit I dropped a few hints Mitch’s way. I’m an old man. I get to do those things. It’s obvious you care for Mitch. He was the first one you called Easter weekend when you were having complications.”
Kristi could be as stubborn as her dad. “I could have driven to the hospital myself.”
“But you didn’t,” Larry pointed out. “You wanted him there.”
She had.
“I’d even venture that you have deep feelings for him.”
“Maybe.” She’d realized that this weekend during all her soul-searching. Besides Alison, he’d become her best friend. She didn’t want to lose him.
Her father studied her for a moment “Mitch cares for you more than you realize. Think about how many opportunities he passed up so he could continue to work with you.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t fire him for staying close.”
“Why would I?”
“You had Randy fired and he didn’t even work here.”
“That was different. I’ve mellowed. As for Mitch, I like him.”
“You and Mom are constantly fixing me up with guys from a certain social class.”
“Well, those are the only people we know.”
Figuring out her life was like putting together a thou sand-piece all-white puzzle—next to impossible. “This is crazy.”
“What? That you found someone you like and he likes you back? I’d say it’s about damn time. Don’t mess this one up.”
“Dad…I’m scared.”
Larry leaned down to give her a hug. “I know, sweet heart. I know.”
“What am I going to do?”
“You’ll figure it out. You always do.”
“That doesn’t help.”
Larry released her. “You’ve got a great man there.
Maybe you should tell him how you feel.”
Larry rested his fingers on the door frame. “You know I love you. Your mother and I both do. Now, I’m late for a meeting, but feel free to stay as long as you like.”
Kristi leaned back against the chair. She did trust Mitch with her department. She was pretty sure he’d do the right thing and step aside when she returned—he was an honorable guy. She needed to see him. She rose, used her father’s private bathroom to freshen up and took the elevator to Mitch’s floor.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Jensen, he’s left for the day,” Mitch’s secretary told her.
“But it’s only two.”
“He left after lunch. Said he was going home,” she replied.
Back in her office, Kristi dialed Mitch’s number, but it went straight to voice mail.
Well, they needed to talk. Grabbing her purse, she headed for her car.
AFTER THREE MINUTES of ringing Mitch’s doorbell, Kristi decided that maybe she’d made a dumb move. He obviously wasn’t home.
She went back down the walkway, toward the street, but paused as a whirring sound came from the backyard. She listened for a moment, and then walked around the side of the house and through the gate. The yard was empty, but a door into the garage was open and as she walked toward it, the noise became louder.
She poked her head inside. The two-car garage didn’t house any autos. Instead, it was filled with machinery. Mitch was cutting wood with a table saw. He finished the piece and then, as if sensing someone, glanced up. He turned off the machine and removed his safety goggles.
“Hi.”
“Hi,” Kristi answered, stepping inside. Mitch had all the doors open, but despite the ventilation, the garage smelled of wood stain and sawdust. The aroma wasn’t wholly unpleasant. “I didn’t know you did this.”
“Yeah. It’s a hobby of mine. Got it from my dad.”
“So you build things.”
“Tables. Chairs. Beds. Furniture mostly, but I also like to carve. I made my mom a nativity set for Christmas.”
“I admit, I’m impressed.”
“It’s nothing, really.”
“You cook and make furniture. I’d say you’re pretty amazing.”
“Keep complimenting me and it’ll go to my head.” He wiped his hands on his jeans and grabbed something off a workbench. “Here.”
He handed her a small object, a bluebird of happiness about the size of a baseball. The bluebird statue was usually made of glass, and it was always given to wish someone peace and joy. Mitch had made this one out of wood.
The blue-stained oak was smooth to the touch, and she ran her fingers over the piece. “It’s beautiful.”
“Keep it.”
“Really?”
His face remained impassive. “Yes. I made it for you a few days ago because you seemed unhappy. I’d hoped it might make you smile. It’s finally finished.”
“I’m sorry I’ve been such a nightmare.”
“You haven’t. You’ve been overwhelmed. I understand.”
“My dad told me he’s moving you back to the Communications Department.”
“Yeah. I found out this morning.”
“Which is why you left?”
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea. You need space. Having me underfoot is not going to give you that.”
“You can’t quit.”
The corner of his lips inched upward. “No. I won’t. But I’ll need to finagle your dad into putting me back where I was.”
“He’s stubborn.”
“So are you.”
She sighed and set the bird down. “I have no idea what to do anymore.”
“Whatever you do, don’t put any of the blame on yourself. You don’t need any additional stressors and I went into our relationship with my eyes wide-open. Getting to date you, making love with you, it was wonderful. It was what I’d always wanted.”
“You sound like you’re breaking up with me.”
“I don’t know what we are.”
“Are we fighting? If so, it’s unlike any fight I’ve ever had.”
“Maybe it’s a chance for us to be totally honest. Clear the air. Bare it all. If that doesn’t work, I’ll refuse the transfer, and you and I can go back to being on different floors and never seeing each other.”
“I don’t think I’d like that.”
“But it’s our out.”
Panic clutched at her, and she rubbed her throat. “I don’t want out.”
His eyebrow arched and he folded his arms across his T-shirt. “No?”
“No. But I’m scared. You have all these feelings you never shared. Everything seems so overwhelming…”
“You said be honest, so here it is. From the first moment I set eyes on you, I wanted you like I’d never wanted anyone before. All the girls I tried to date paled next to you. When we made love, it was like discovering nirvana. Walking away from you the next morning was horrible. I wanted to stay.”
“Then why didn’t you?”
“Because you asked me to go. You only wanted one night. So I went and didn’t contact you. And I’ll go again if that’s what you want.”
“I don’t.” Of that she was certain. She stared at the bird. He’d made it with his own hands. Hands that had caressed her body and loved her well. He’d given her the life growing inside her.
“I could make you happy. I feel complete when I’m with you. You’re my soul mate, Kristi,” he said.
“Do those really exist?”
His smile was sad. “I believe so. All those failed relationships have made you cynical.”
“So even now, after everything we’ve been through—”
“I’m more positive than ever that you’re exactly what I want for the rest of my life. I trust my gut. I always have.”
“No one’s ever said these things to me before.”
“That’s because none of the men you’ve dated have been right for you.”
A bold assertion.
“Ask me,” he said.
“Ask you what?”
“Ask me what you really want to know.” He stood there, quietly waiting. She’d done this before.
Said the words. Asked the loaded, life-altering question that usually led to her breakups.
Her mouth suddenly felt dry, and she had to force her tongue to move. “Do you love me?”
His eyes never left her face. “Yes.”
One word, but that yes had Kristi inhaling several deep breaths. How many times had she told someone she’d loved them, only to be met with stony silence?
But Mitch loved her. He hadn’t hesitated. Not once.
“It’s okay if you can’t say the words back,” Mitch told her. “I don’t expect you to have those feelings yet.
Not when we haven’t been truly honest until now. What you give me is enough. What we’ve shared lately is more than I’d dreamed.”
“Sparks.”
He frowned. “What do those have to do with any thing?”
She straightened. “Sparks. Passion. We have that.”
“We do. But we have much more than that. We’re friends. We care about each other. We get along and enjoy each other’s company. My feelings run deep. I love you.”
“You won’t after you hear what I have to say.”
“We’re being honest. Whatever you have to say, I can handle.”
She bit her lip, and then blurted it out before fear paralyzed her. “The baby is yours.”
Chapter Thirteen
Ten seconds was long enough to make a touchdown pass. Thirty seconds was long enough to make a sane woman crazy. The dust-covered clock flickered, indicating two minutes had passed. The silence was deafening.
Mitch hadn’t even looked at her. After her announcement, he’d picked up some sandpaper and begun to run it over a piece of wood about the size of a cable-box remote control. He’d tuned her out.
Kristi couldn’t take it anymore. “Mitch, please, talk to me.”
“What do you want me to say?” He lifted his head, letting her see his face. The pain in his eyes stabbed her like a knife. “What am I supposed to say? All this time you’ve known I’m the father and you let me think it was someone else’s baby. How should I respond to that?”
“I don’t know. Yell. Curse. Tell me I’m despicable. Do something, but please don’t shut me out.”
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