The sound of the door opening behind me interrupted my internal battle.
“I’m sorry, but I need a moment,” I directed to the intruder without looking. “Please, tell everyone I will be out in a few moments.”
“You look beautiful, Angel.”
My entire body came alive at the sound of the voice I remembered all too well. I whirled around to see Dash standing in the doorway wearing a black suit and clutching purple flowers in his hand.
“Wh—what? How?”
“I have my sources,” he stated smugly.
God, I love his cockiness.
What am I saying?
“I just wanted to come and wish you well.” He moved closer and I fought the urge to back away. Something about the way he stalked me was predatory. “I hated how we left things.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea that you are here. It’s not right.”
“Relax. I didn’t come to steal the bride.” He laughed. My eyes narrowed. His presence made me wary.
“Don’t even joke. I don’t know how this day can get any worse.” I clutched my protruding stomach and took a deep breath unknowingly drawing Dash’s attention to my stomach. He rushed forward and placed his hand over mine and my heart skipped a beat.
Did he know?
How could he not know?
“Shhh. Calm down. You don’t want to hurt the baby.” His hand rubbed ever so lightly, and for a moment, I forgot myself and closed my eyes, leaning into his touch.
“Judging by his kicks, I’d say he’ll be just fine.”
“His?”
“Oh. Uhhh, yeah. He’s a he.” I laughed, but it sounded nervous and awkward. I didn’t know what else to say. I was afraid of what would come next. Would Dash deny his son? Would he resent me for being pregnant when he wanted nothing to do with me?
“I’m having a son,” he whispered. I had never heard his voice so delicate. It was a healing balm to my own fears.
My brain must have truly taken a break because I found myself saying, “I have pictures… if you want. They’re at my father’s place, but I can have them sent after the honeymoon… well, I guess it will be sooner rather than later.”
His eyes darkened with an emotion I couldn’t place. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”
“I’m sorry… How? There is no way I can find a priest on such short notice,” I exclaimed in disbelief.
“There’s always a way.” With that, he pulled out his phone and walked away. I stared after him and tried not to feel anything. I never expected him to be this civilized or calm about the pregnancy after I kept it from him for five months.
Ten minutes later, he returned with a wide grin. “I have good news. I was able to call in a few favors and find a priest who can be here within two hours.”
“Are you serious?” He nodded and took my question as elation when in truth I was disappointed and… hurt. I was hurt that he went to all the trouble to see me married off while I was feeling confused about it all. He seemed to notice my hesitation and frowned. “Why the long face? You should be smiling. You’re going to marry the man you really love today and start a family with him.”
My tongue completely dried in my mouth and I felt like I was choking on air. “Why are you doing this to me?”
“Doing what? I don’t understand.” His expression told me he really didn’t.
“Why are you saying these things? You should be mad at me, throwing things, cursing my name.”
“Why would I do that, Angel?” His eyes implored me to tell him exactly why.
“Because you love me,” I blurted.
I expected him to deny it and call me crazy given the last time we had seen each other. I finally realized when I saw him last that we had done nothing but destroy each other slowly.
“I do. Very much.”
“Then why?”
“Because I love you enough to do what I have to do. Loving you means it’s my responsibility to make you happy. I finally realized you belong with the man who makes you happy.”
“Wow, that’s very good of you to say.” His answering stare was dark and lingering, sending chills up my spine.