“I had my doubts about Sutton and that whole mess with the dating mix-up and Sebastian,” Lauren confided. “I thought Sutton was tricking me and lying to me...and it was all so confusing. But when it’s meant to be, it finally comes together. I sense that with you and Sebastian. Even if you don’t see it yet.”
“Maybe I’m beginning to.”
“Then trust what you’re feeling, Gracie. Open up your heart. Let him in.”
The thought of opening her heart to Sebastian wasn’t novel. Heavens, she’d dreamed of him for years, and now all of her fantasies were coming true. He was the man she’d been attracted to at the masquerade ball. And the father of her child, the man who’d earned her trust. Perhaps it was time to finally accept that. Maybe, against all odds, she was meant to love and be loved by Sebastian. “Thank you, Lauren. I always feel better after I talk to you.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
She was grateful for Lauren’s friendship. She reached over to take the other woman’s hand. “I’m glad we’re friends.”
Lauren nodded. “Me, too. I mean, who knows, maybe one day we’ll be more than friends. I mean, it’ll be cool if all the stars align, and you and I become family. As in sisters-in-law.”
And she was amazed Lauren’s notion didn’t send her into an immediate tizzy.
It felt sort of...right.
* * *
The next day, Gracie made an unannounced visit to Sebastian’s office. She had a song in her heart as she rode the elevator to the sixth floor of the building and got off. The receptionist greeted her from behind her half-moon-shaped glass desk. “Hello, how can I help you?” the woman asked.
Behind her, the Wingate Enterprises sign, carved out of teak, shone with a glowing polish. Everything in this building spoke of contemporary design and success.
“I’m here to see Sebastian Wingate.”
The woman looked at her computer. “Do you have an appointment?”
“No, but if you tell him that Gracie Diaz is here to see him, he might find time.”
The woman smiled. “I will do that.” She buzzed in, and announced just that.
She could hear Sebastian on the other end. “Please show her in, Lois.”
“Right this way.” The receptionist had only taken a few steps toward the wide double doors to her left when Sebastian flung them open and spotted her. “Gracie! This is a surprise.”
“A good one, I hope.” Lois put her head down and Sebastian grinned.
“Thanks, Lois. I’ll take it from here. Hold my calls, please.”
And then he reached for her hand and tugged. “Come in. Is everything all right?” He shut the doors behind them.
Gracie laughed. “Everything’s fine.”
“Okay, great.” He nodded his head. “It’s good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too.” His eyes sparkled and she had a good idea hers did, too, as they stared at each for a few long seconds.
Then instinct took over and Sebastian reached for her, just as she reached for him. And the kiss they shared was more than the meeting of their lips—it was a welcome, an invitation, a promise. Sebastian broke off the kiss but hugged her so tight she thought she’d burst from joy. “This made my day,” he whispered in her ear. “Seeing you was just what I needed.”
“Really? Are you having a bad day?”
“It’s better now that you’re here.” He kissed her again and tenderly brushed a few locks of hair away from her face. The way he touched her, the way he looked at her, brought ribbons of warmth to her heart. Finally, in his arms, she felt safe and maybe a little bit loved.
Maybe Lauren was right, maybe Sebastian didn’t want to burden her with his work problems, because he never really brought the subject up. “I didn’t want to interrupt you if you were busy, but I took a chance at coming here.”
“I’m glad you did.”
She broke away from him to look around his office. “So this is where you spend a lot of your time.”
“Some days, yes.”
She peered out the window, and from the sixth story, she had a breathtaking view of blue skies above and the town of Royal below laid out before her. “Only some days? What do you do the other days?”
“Have meetings with bankers, and lawyers, and politicians.”
Gracie made a face.
“I know, it’s no fun. But sometimes, I get to see a beautiful woman, and it makes it all worth it.”
Gracie spun around and stared into his eyes. “Really?”
“You have to know, seeing you is the best part of my day and...night.”
She didn’t know. But she was beginning to. And that made her heart open up wider, letting him in, loving him even more than she thought possible.
“I do have a reason for this visit.”
“You do? You mean it wasn’t just to put a happy face to my day?”
She smiled. “What are you doing on Saturday morning?”
He gave her a puzzled look and shook his head. “I don’t know. Seeing you?”
“I need a partner for my early bird classes, and I—”
“Yes.” He took the steps to bridge the gap between them quickly. “Yes. I’m your partner, Gracie. I wouldn’t miss it.”
He put a hand on her tummy, something he’d done many times before in the heat of passion. But this time was different; this caress meant more. She was finally putting her faith in him, letting go of her doubts and tearing down the walls that had kept her from trusting him.
“You have no idea how much this means to me. I want this, Gracie. I want more with you.”
“I think I do know,” she whispered back. “I want that, too.”
Sebastian took her into his arms again and kissed her tenderly. “I can’t wait for Saturday now.”
“Neither can I.”
* * *
Gracie sat cross-legged on a yoga mat in the Pregna-Gym at the birth center, Sebastian by her side, as the childbirth instructor introduced herself. “Hi, I’m Maddy, and first of all I want to say congratulations! This is an exciting time in your lives and I’m honored to be a part of it. We’ll be together for the next four weeks, getting your mind and body ready to welcome your child into the world. Now, if we can go around the room and find out who you are and what brought you to this class...”
Several couples introduced themselves. When it was Gracie’s turn, knowing eyes gazed at her and Sebastian, as if introductions were not necessary. She was the millionaire lottery winner in Royal, and he was one of the most eligible, recently scandalized, bachelors in Maverick County, a Wingate no less. “I’m Gracie, and I want to learn everything there is to know about having a healthy pregnancy and doing what’s right for the baby. This is my coach, Sebastian.”
Sebastian smiled to the group.
There were six couples in all sitting in the circle, and after the introductions were made, the instructor passed out a workbook and asked them to take a few minutes to look it over. Gracie shared the workbook with Sebastian, and quietly they turned the pages, heads together, seeing a whole new world opening up before them.
“This is surreal,” Sebastian whispered. “In a good way.”
“I know. Like, in less than six months, the baby will be here.”
Sebastian laid his hand over her wrist and gave a squeeze. “Are you scared?”
“A little.” Then she faced him. “I’ve been wanting a baby for so long, but I have to admit it is a bit daunting.”
“I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
She nodded, grateful for his support, noticing wandering gazes landing on them from around the circle. “I think we’ve been recognized,” she said under her breath.
“I think so, too. Are you okay with it?” he asked.
“I guess I have no choice now. But yes, I’m oka
y.”
Sebastian’s eyes flickered and his approval was written all over his face. He kissed her cheek, a sweet little kiss that packed quite a punch. “Me, too.”
“Okay, class, now it’s time to get our bodies in shape for the athletic event of childbirth. The more work we do now, hopefully the less labor you’ll have later. So today, we’re going to learn exercises that will tone your bodies and stretch your muscles. But before you do that, grab a pen or pencil, go to the back of your workbook and write down everything you ate yesterday.”
The women in the group groaned.
“I know, I’m catching you off guard. And that’s the point,” Maddy told them. “We’re going to get you on the right track with nutrition, too. But that’s next week’s class. Oh, and be honest, jot down everything you ate, even those chocolate brownies you had yesterday,” she said. “I won’t judge. I’m here to help.”
The class, which was supposed to last an hour and a half, went quickly. Gracie was almost sorry it was over. She’d learned a lot, and actually felt a camaraderie with the others in the class.
“See you next week,” one of the guys said to Sebastian. During the break, they’d bonded over football.
“Yeah, see ya.”
Sebastian grabbed her yoga mat and took her hand. They walked over to the instructor. “Thank you,” Gracie said. “It’s a very informative class. I learned a lot.”
“We learned a lot,” Sebastian clarified.
The instructor shifted her gaze from her to Sebastian and smiled. “That’s nice to hear. There’s a lot to learn in a short time, and I’m afraid it can be overwhelming at times.”
“Pregnancy is overwhelming. Period,” Gracie admitted.
“You’ll do fine. You have a good coach helping you. My number is in the workbook,” Maddy said. “Call if you have any questions about the exercises or anything so far.”
“Oh, we will,” Sebastian assured her.
“Thanks again,” Gracie said.
Once they were outside, Sebastian rubbed his stomach. “I think all these exercises made me hungry.”
“Made you hungry?” She swatted his arm. “I did all the work!”
“Hey, it’s not easy being the coach.”
She chuckled, loving that she and Sebastian could finally have some light moments. “Are you complaining?”
“Never,” he said, drawing her close. “Being by your side and helping you is my most important job.”
Her head tilted to the side. “Really?”
“Yes, never doubt that.”
As he leaned in, the deep green flecks in his eyes mesmerized her. And then his hands were cupping her face, his lips claiming hers. She fell into the kiss, right there in front of the birthing center, with cars driving by, for all the world to see.
Suddenly, she felt free, liberated from her doubts and fears.
Sebastian was her life, her future. She couldn’t ask for more. And it dawned on her then how much she loved him, how much she needed him in her life.
She circled her arms around his neck. “How would you like to marry me?” Once the words were out, suddenly, she wanted nothing more.
“You want me to...to—”
She nodded. “Marry me.”
Sebastian’s eyes grew wide, and he backed away. She’d never seen that particular look on his face before, a mixture of disbelief and horror. As if this was the last thing on his mind, the last thing he wanted. And, oh, boy, she hadn’t seen this coming. Not at all. Had she misread everything?
“Oh, God. I’ve shocked you.”
“No, yes... I mean...”
Her eyes welled with tears. Sebastian didn’t want her. He didn’t love her. She’d misread all the signs. Once again, she was that little girl on the outside, looking in. The woman who’d never quite be good enough for a Wingate, regardless of her big lottery win. She was only little Gracie Diaz, daughter of an immigrant ranch worker, someone not in his class, despite everything she’d accomplished in her life. All her innermost fears were coming true, slapping her in the face, breaking her heart.
“Never mind,” she said, turning and walking away.
“Gracie, wait.”
“Sebastian, please stay where you are. Don’t you dare follow me. I can and will take care of myself.”
“You’re mad and I’m sorry. I...uh...”
“I am not mad,” she called over her shoulder, making a dash to her car. She was humiliated. How could she have been such a fool to think that Sebastian had fallen in love with her? He’d never said as much—he’d never actually confessed any true feelings for her at all. She’d only presumed. And what a faulty presumption that had been! All the while, he was only interested in the baby. He wanted to insure a place for himself in the baby’s life, not hers. “Just leave me alone.”
She picked up her pace, leaving him standing there, her dream man now her worst nightmare.
* * *
Gracie wiped at her teary eyes, unable to control her emotions tonight. She was confused and conflicted about what had happened earlier. Once she settled at her house, she made a cup of hot cocoa, got comfortable on the sofa and began to rethink things. It was remotely possible she’d overreacted with Sebastian today. He’d been calling and texting, but she wasn’t ready to speak to him yet, and she figured, knowing him, that he just might show up on her doorstep tonight.
She didn’t want that. It was the last thing she wanted. Not while she was so confused.
Maybe she’d sprung her proposal on him too soon. Just because she’d been sure of her feelings, it didn’t mean that in that very moment, he was ready to make the same commitment. She’d been pushing him away almost all along, and then, suddenly, she’d done an about-face and decided she wanted to get married. She shook her head, trying to grasp the truth as the pain of his rejection gnawed away at her.
When the doorbell rang, she was both angry and hopeful. Maybe Sebastian had an explanation as to why he’d reacted that way and just maybe some of the blame could be from her highly emotional state. Had her hormones tripped to the moon and was she finally coming down to earth?
She wiped at her eyes again and went to the door.
And was taken totally by surprise, finding Lauren on her doorstep. “Lauren,” she said, looking past her, seeing if anyone was with her. Her friend was alone and looking quite distraught.
“You’ve been crying,” Lauren said. “I’m sorry. I ran over here as soon as I heard.”
“You heard? Did Sebastian tell you what happened today?”
“Sebastian didn’t say a word. I saw it on the news tonight.” Lauren wrapped her arms around her, hugging her tight. “I’m sorry. I’m sure there’s a good explanation.”
Gracie backed away. “You saw what on the news? I only just proposed to Sebastian this morning. How—”
“You proposed? That I didn’t know. Oh, honey,” she said, taking her hand. “Let’s sit down.”
Lauren tugged her over to the sofa in the living room and both took a seat.
“Are you going to tell me what you’re talking about?”
“Maybe it’s better if I showed you.” Lauren took a tablet out of her purse and clicked a few times. “There’s no easy way to explain this...so brace yourself.”
Gracie trembled in anticipation. Lauren’s expression alone was enough to make her shake with nerves. She bit her lip and gazed at the screen that loaded on the nightly news site. Under the entertainment and lifestyle section, there was Sebastian with his ex-girlfriend, supermodel Rhonda Pearson, in an embrace. The two looked very comfortable in each other’s arms. And the next picture was of her and Sebastian, coming out of the birthing center, Sebastian holding her hand and her yoga mat. The headline read: “Wingate Love Triangle? Supermodel or Lottery Winner?”
Gracie’s eyes traveled to the text below the photos and
she whispered the words as she read them.
“With Wingate Enterprises still struggling, is Sebastian Wingate charming both mega wealthy women into investing in his company? Or is it true love? Which diva owns his heart? His ex-girlfriend, world-famous supermodel Rhonda Pearson, or his apparent baby mama, lottery winner and entrepreneur Gracie Diaz? Either way, Wingate is bound to come out a winner.”
Gracie gasped as tears trickled down her face. She was numb, too stunned to feel anything at the moment. Her mind was spinning, and suddenly everything was beginning to make sense. Sebastian standing her up. Sebastian canceling dates at the last minute. Sebastian looking shocked when she proposed to him.
He wasn’t at all the man she thought him to be. “I’ve been such a fool.”
Lauren took her hand and squeezed. “It looks bad, Gracie. But I know Sebastian, and he’s not capable of doing this to you.”
“He’s already done it, Lauren. Don’t you see? He never wanted me. He wants his baby and his ex-girlfriend. He wants to have it all. And I can’t figure out who’s worse—him for betraying me and leading me on, or me, for believing I wasn’t good enough for him. All my life I felt like I’d never fit into his world. My father worked for the family. He was loyal and dedicated, but he knew his place. I guess I didn’t get that gene, because for just a while lately, I was beginning to believe that I was worthy of love, worthy of a Wingate. Now I see how wrong I’ve been. I’m not only worthy of Sebastian Wingate, I’m far better off without him.”
Tears continued to stream down her face.
Lauren squeezed her hand tight. “Gracie, of course you’re good enough for Sebastian. There was never any doubt, but I hate that you’re writing him off without getting an explanation from him.”
“How do you explain the photo, then? Look at them together. He doesn’t look like a man who’s ready to commit to another woman.”
“Gracie, I’m so sorry this happened.”
One Night in Texas Page 13
