One Indecent Night

by Hargrove, A. M.

  “You’re right. She can be pretty adamant about things when she sets her mind to them.”

  “Yes, sir, I’ve already figured that out.”

  He sized me up and down, then asked, “I know you can take care of her financially, but I’m not concerned about that. The only thing I want for my daughters is they find the kind of love I had for their mother. If you can provide that, I’ll be a happy man.”

  “I love Sylvie with all my heart. I’d walk on broken glass for her. Or a bed of nails, or hot coals…”

  “Okay, you don’t have to go that far.” He half-chuckled. “I just don’t want this marriage ending in divorce. The rich and famous have a way of tossing their wives aside for a younger, newer version of the old one.”

  “I understand why you feel that way, but can I say I don’t come from that kind of background? My family is like yours. My parents have been married for almost forty years and I want the exact kind of marriage they have, or that you had. And so does Sylvie.”

  “I appreciate that. Can you do me a favor? Can you two please get married before that baby arrives?”

  “John, I would gladly marry Sylvie, but she wants to wait a little.”

  “I’m going to kill her. That baby needs a father. Her mother will die—” He crumbled at his own words. “Jesus, it’s so hard to believe.”

  “Please, sit.” I motioned toward the bed and we both sat. “Can I tell you something and I may be stepping over the line?”

  “Yeah, what is it?”

  “If I had been the one with that tumor, I would’ve wanted to go the way Cindy did. I know it was unexpected, but the suffering would’ve been…well, let’s say going under anesthesia would’ve been my preference.”

  “I hadn’t really thought of that. I mean I had, because she just fell asleep and didn’t wake up, and she’s in a much better place now, but the suffering, yeah, it would’ve been awful. I read so much about brain tumors, I prayed every night for her not to have that particular one.”

  “I don’t even know much about them and I’m not sure I want to.”

  “No, son, you don’t.”

  Sylvie walked in just then and said, “Hey you two. I wondered where you went.”

  “I gave him the tour and showed him his room.”

  “Dad, you’re not trying to sneak off without dinner, are you?”

  “I told you,” I said.

  Sylvie crossed her arms and asked, “What did you tell him?”

  “Only that you’d insist on him eating.”

  “That’s right. Come on.” She took his hand and off we went to chow down on Rita’s food.

  The group congregated in the living room after dinner and told stories about Cindy when the girls were growing up.

  “Dad, you wouldn’t believe how Mom covered for us, especially when it came to boys,” Reynolds said.

  “You think I didn’t know? She always told me, but after the fact. That woman couldn’t keep anything from me.”

  They laughed and cried about all sorts of things, but mostly how warm and loving their mother and wife was.

  “Mom tried to act tough, and in the end, when her personality changed, I kept thinking back to how she used to be and couldn’t figure out what was going on.” Sylvie let out a sob. “I was so hoping she’d be here to see the baby when it comes.”

  “Oh, honey, that would’ve been her greatest moment too. You have to know that,” John said.

  “I do. Dad, you’re going to have to be Gramms and Gramps all rolled into one.”

  “Sylls, you’re forgetting something.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Your fiancé has two parents who, I imagine, will be thrilled when they discover they have a grandchild on the way.”

  She nodded, but I knew it was different for a woman. They usually had a special bond with their mothers, and it would be difficult for her.

  Piper, who was looking rather awkward during this exchange, said, “I hate to change the subject, but what are we going to do about Mom’s funeral?”

  John instantly deflated. He looked exhausted, I wanted to tell him I’d handle things, but it wasn’t my place.

  “I’ll call them in the morning. I want it to be at the church. Cindy became very involved there over the last several years.”

  “Have you called the priest, Dad?”

  “Not yet. I’ll do that in the morning as well.”

  Sylvie was sitting the closest to him, so she reached for his hand. “Do you think we should have the wake the evening before and the funeral the following morning?”

  “That sounds fine. We can receive guests in the church hall afterward.”

  I made a suggestion. “Why don’t I call Paige to see if she and Rick can handle the food and drinks.”

  “Evan, that’s a great idea. They go to the same church and will know how many people to figure for.” Sylvie mouthed a thank you to me.

  “I feel so empty inside,” John said.

  Piper went over to him and sat on the floor by his legs. “Oh, Dad. So do I.” She laid her head on his knee.

  I was totally helpless and had no idea what to do. My phone rang, startling everyone.

  “Sorry. I forgot to mute the darn thing.” I checked it and said, “It’s Pearson. Do you want me to say anything?”

  “It’s fine. Dad, you should call Uncle Rick,” Sylvie said.

  “You’re right. I hadn’t thought of it. I’ll call him now.”

  I answered the phone while John went into the other room to call his brother. Then I relayed the terrible news. Pearson’s reaction was what one could expect.

  “Oh, man, I don’t even know what to say. I wondered why we hadn’t heard from anyone. I just figured you were wrapped up in everything that was going on, but certainly not this.”

  “Yeah, it’s been really rough on everyone. We’re all sort of in shock over it.” I walked into the kitchen and continued talking, telling him what the doctor said about how bad the tumor had been.

  “I’m really sorry. Maybe it was for the best, as bad as that sounds.”

  “I agree. It would’ve been hell on her had she made it.”

  “Can I talk to Sylvie?”

  “Yeah, give me a sec.” I took the phone to her and they spoke for a few minutes. When they were finished, she handed it back to me.

  “Hey, I’ll be in touch with funeral arrangements.”

  “Sure thing and if there’s anything the family needs, let me know.”

  “Actually, I’m going to call your mom to see if she’d mind handling the food after the funeral. I’ll handle the bill, of course. But they want it at the church hall after the service.”

  “I can talk to her, if you want.”

  “Fine, but I’ll call her too.”

  “Sounds good. Talk to you tomorrow.”

  My next call was to my parents. Mom couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t told her about the surgery because I expected to call her afterward.

  “I can’t imagine your poor Sylvie and her family. What can I do?”

  “Mom, I’m lost. I’ve never been in this situation.”

  “Be there for her, son. That’s about it. You can also handle some of the arrangements, to take the burden off the family.”

  “Paige will do the food. What else is there?”

  “Flowers,” Mom reminded me. “I can take care of that if you let me know what they want.”

  “Okay. I’ll call you tomorrow after they visit the funeral home.”

  “Good. Talk to you then. I love you, Evan.”

  “Love you too, Mom.”

  In the morning, we left for Sylvie’s place while her Dad went home and so did her sisters. We met everyone at the funeral home to set everything up. It was suggested we do a combination wake and funeral on the same day since tomorrow was New Year’s Eve and the church would be occupied with services on the morning of New Year’s Day. John decided that would be best instead of postponing it for afterward. We had been so w
rapped up in everything, none of us had remembered about the holiday.

  When we were driving home, I asked Sylvie, “There’s something I’d like to do if you’re okay with it. Would it be okay if we told my parents about the pregnancy?”

  Fifty-Four

  Sylvie

  As soon as I heard those words, I started wailing. It was completely unreasonable, but all I could think of was Mom and that I never got the chance to tell her. The crushing pain of her loss was too much. Evan tried his best to calm me, and none of this was his fault. I wasn’t angry. It was just that my guts had been ripped out because Mom had passed way before her time. It wasn’t fair. Why did it have to be her? The world is full of evil people. Why couldn’t it have been one of them who had a giant tumor in their brain?

  We made it to my townhouse and Evan turned off the car. “Had I known this would upset you so much, I would never have brought it up.”

  “It’s not that. I’m just so damn miserable over Mom and that we never were able to tell her.” Only it didn’t sound like that. It came out like a bunch of garbled words that he couldn’t understand.

  He carried me inside and waited until I was able to speak.

  “She always talked about being a grandmother—the kind who would spoil the kids to pieces so when we came to pick them up, they’d be little stinkers. Only she never got that chance.”

  It reminded me of all the days and nights I spent with my grandmother and made me sad to think my button wouldn’t have those special times. I hoped Evan’s mom would be that same kind of grandmother…the kind that read stories, made cookies, took you to the zoo, and did all sorts of fun things.

  “Babe, I’m so sorry, but I don’t know what to say or do for you right now. I’m at a loss.”

  “There’s nothing you can do.”

  “One thing though, our baby will give your father something to focus on. Maybe it’ll help him deal with the loss of your mom.”

  I shrugged. “I hope so.” I wiped my eyes and face for the umpteenth time. “God, Evan, do you think I’ll ever stop crying? This is exhausting.”

  “You will, but you’ve just lost your mother. Grief is an ongoing process.”

  As a counselor, I realized that. Only it was different when you were the one who was experiencing it.

  I rested my head on his shoulder. “True. I’m sorry for that reaction. It had nothing to do with your parents knowing about button. And of course we should tell them.”

  He smoothed my shirt, which had bunched up around me. “I didn’t think it would be right for everyone in your family knowing and—”

  I quickly cut him off. “You’re exactly right. They absolutely should know. How do you think they’ll react?”

  He shrugged. “I’m not really sure.”

  “You don’t think they’ll see me as a gold digger who trapped you, do you?”

  He tucked my hair behind my ear and smiled. “If they do, I’ll tell them how you avoided me for days, wouldn’t talk to me, and how I had to beg you for a date.”

  “Don’t you dare! They’ll hate me.”

  “Sylvie, don’t worry. My parents have only wanted me to be happy. They’ll be fine with this.”

  His eyes didn’t betray his words, so I believed him.

  “Let me splash some cold water on my face and get rid of my raccoon eyes. Then we can go.”

  “Only if you’re sure.”

  “I’m sure.”

  Walking into the Thomas home was like walking into a warm blanket. First, Evan’s mom wrapped her arms around me and just held me, while telling me how sorry she was. No surprise, I bawled again. When she released me, his dad did the same. Evan handed me a bunch of tissues. My nose was raw already. I wondered how it would hold up for another few days.

  Evan’s mom, Anna, said, “Darling, all the flowers have been ordered.”

  My head snapped to attention. Flowers! Shit, I’d totally forgotten. “Anna, you ordered flowers. I need to do that.”

  “No, I’ve taken care of it for everyone. Evan and I talked yesterday, and I told him I would. I hope you don’t mind. The florist will call the funeral home to see where they should be sent.”

  The woman was a blessing. “How can I thank you? I don’t know where my head was.”

  Evan put his arm over my shoulders. “Babe, you’ve been preoccupied with other things. Mom offered and I took her up on it. I forgot to tell you.”

  “You don’t know how much I appreciate it. I need to call Dad, just in case.” I quickly called him, and he’d forgotten too.

  “Syll, can you ask her what she sent? Your mother loved roses so…”

  “Hang on.” I grabbed Anna’s attention. “Anna, did you by any chance send roses from my dad.”

  “Yes, I called the funeral home and they said there would be no casket because you were doing cremation, so I ordered a lovely huge spray of red and white roses from him. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Did you hear, Dad?”

  “Thank her for me, will you?”

  I ended the call, promising to do just that. “Dad was most appreciative.”

  Then I cried… again, dammit.

  Evan explained to his parents about the funeral arrangements.

  Then Greg asked, “Sylvie, can I get you a good stiff drink?”

  Shit, here it goes. I glanced at Evan, and he reached for my hand.

  “Dad, Mom, we have news.”

  “News? What news?” Anna asked with a furrowed brow.

  “Sylvie and I are going to be parents.” Evan pulled me to his side as he grinned.

  “Parents?”

  “I’m pregnant,” I said. Then broke into tears. Jesus, I was so lame.

  “Mom, Dad, she’s crying because she never got a chance to tell her mom before…well you know.”

  “Oh, you poor dear.” Anna came over and drew me to the couch to sit. “Now, now, things will work out just fine.”

  “Imagine that, a baby,” Greg said, sounding like the average man. “Can I have a word, son?”

  “Dad, anything you have to say can be said in front of Sylvie.”

  Greg eyed me and then Evan. He appeared reluctant at first, but then spoke. “Will you two be getting married?”

  “Eventually,” Evan said.

  “Son, you know that’s not the responsible thing to do.” His tone carried a warning. He sounded like my dad.

  “Dad, it’s our decision.”

  It really wasn’t. It was mine. Evan would marry me in a second if I’d consent.

  “Greg, that’s not your business,” Anna said.

  “And speaking of business, will you have her sign a prenup when you do get married?”

  Evan’s jaw snapped shut as his lips pressed into a thin line. His posture stiffened like rebar. He was not pleased with that question, and I’d never given a prenup a thought. Yeah, I knew he was loaded, but as for how much, it was anyone’s guess.

  “Dad, you have crossed the line.” Ooh, I’d never heard him use that tone around me.

  “Have I?”

  “Yes, you have. I built my businesses and wealth on my own and fully intend to disburse my money the way I want.”

  This was a battle of the wills, so I stepped in. “Greg, I’d like to say something. When Evan and I started dating, I didn’t know who he was or what he did. To be honest, his money intimidated me and still does. I don’t really have an interest in it.”

  “Sylvie, I’m sorry. You say that now, but when you start living the life, I’m pretty damn sure your mind will change.”

  “Dad!” Evan snapped.

  I raised a hand to stop him. “Maybe it will, maybe it won’t. But I fell in love with Evan, not his money. You can believe what you want. I didn’t come here to argue that point. If Evan wants me to sign a prenup, I will. But all we wanted to do today was share with you our wonderful news, not argue about a wedding or money details. We are very excited about our baby and hoped you would be too. And Anna, now that our little button
will only have one grandmother, we hope you will love her enough for two.” I wiped the unending supply of tears from my face.

  Greg looked as though I’d punched him in the gut and Evan only grinned. Score one for Sylvie…maybe.

  Fifty-Five

  Evan

  Sylvie was bone-tired. Between the pregnancy, her mother’s death, and the funeral today, I was praying she’d hold up. I didn’t want to wake her, but time was running out. We had to be at the church at ten and she had to shower and eat.

  “Babe.” I nuzzled her neck.

  “No. I’m not ready.”

  “I know. I didn’t want to wake you, but it’s already eight thirty.”

  “Can I skip today? I’m out of tears,” she groaned.

  “I wish you could, but you’d hate yourself.”

  She rolled over and rubbed her eyes. “These have been the worst days ever.”

  “Hey, I was thinking, since we won’t get to celebrate New Year’s, do you think your family would like to go to the house in Vail for a few days to get away? I have to work the first part of the week to catch up, but what about the end of the week? It would do everyone some good.”

  A slow smile appeared on her face. “That’s very kind of you. We can make them go and yes, I think it would do everyone some good to get away. None of us are what you call great skiers, but what the heck.”

  Glad I was able to make her a tiny bit happy on this terrible day, I helped her out of bed and sent her off to shower, while I made coffee. I’d be sure she’d eat a big breakfast before we left for the church.

  On the way, she surprised me with her statement.

  “Evan, I was serious about what I said last night. I’ll sign a prenup if you want, as long as there’s a provision in it to take care of the baby. I don’t care about your money for myself.”

  “Sylvie, you’re not signing any prenup. You and I are forever, not just for a year, or even twenty. And I mean that.”