“S-so...am...I.” She put her hand over her tummy and thought of the baby she was to have. Sebastian’s child. Her heart shattered at the realization that this child wouldn’t have the comfort and security of a real family unit. Originally, she’d wanted to have the baby alone, to raise her child as she saw fit. But when Sebastian entered into the picture, she’d started to believe they could become a true family. That dream was way out of her reach now.
She sighed deeply, trying to hold tight to her emotions, but her tears flowed freely and she couldn’t stop them. The ache inside was greater than anything she’d experienced before.
“The a-article s-says that Wingate Enterprises is still h-having money troubles. You and I have talked about this, but I thought maybe things had gotten better...since, since Sebastian never once mentioned it to me.”
Lauren shook her head. “Don’t think it, Gracie. Sebastian wouldn’t use you that way.”
Her heart broken, Gracie didn’t agree. “Apparently, the news report says differently.”
A pounding at her door startled them both. Lauren rose to peer out the window. “It’s him,” she said. “Sebastian is here.”
“I don’t want to talk to him.”
“Are you sure, honey?”
“I’m sure. I can’t, not tonight.” Maybe never. “I’m too upset.”
“He’s a hard one to say no to, but I’ll try.”
“I don’t want to see him or hear his voice now. I’ll be in the kitchen.”
“Okay, I’ll deal with him.”
Gracie rose up on wobbly legs and went into the kitchen. She slumped in the chair and waited. A few moments later, she heard muffled sounds from the front door, but thankfully she couldn’t make out what they were saying. A long time passed and finally Lauren entered the kitchen. “He’s gone. It took some doing. I finally used the baby card, telling him your stomach is already upset and seeing you might jeopardize the baby’s health. That got him to leave.”
“Good. Thank you.”
“He’s really hurting, too, Gracie. He says none of it’s true.”
“What else could he say?”
“He asked me to make sure you’re all right. He’s genuinely concerned.”
For the baby. Not her. The fact remained that he seemed totally horrified when she’d asked him to marry her. That pain just added to the humiliation of seeing him with his ex, of the entire county seeing her in that light. Of basically announcing to the world that Sebastian was the true father of her baby.
How could she forgive any of that?
Lauren began opening cupboards, looking for things. “What are you doing?”
“I’m going to make you some herbal tea. And you need to eat something. I bet you haven’t put anything in your stomach for most of the day.”
“You’d be right. But I don’t think I can eat a morsel right now.”
“Tea, then. And I’ll make you some soup. If you’re hungry later, it’ll be waiting for you.”
“Thanks, tea sounds good.”
Lauren made herself comfortable in the kitchen. It came second nature with her, and there was no doubt whatever she made would turn out delicious. “Thanks for staying with me. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course. I’m not leaving until you feel better.”
“Oh, then you’ll be taking up permanent residency?”
Lauren’s shoulders slumped and sympathy filled her eyes.
“I’m sorry. Bad joke. I’ll be okay. I just have to...to... I don’t know.” She sighed. After being with Sebastian these last few weeks, she’d grown so much closer to him. They’d gone beyond the physical. Great sex was one thing, but she thought they’d really made a connection in other ways. They’d had fun together and had a possible future to look forward to. And she’d finally allowed herself the freedom to fall in love with him. That was what hurt the most, the betrayal of her trust. When it had been the hardest thing for her to give.
When the tea was ready and a delicious-smelling vegetable soup was simmering on the stovetop, Lauren took a seat at the table, handing her a teacup. It was a cinnamon-spicy blend perfect for winter and warmed her throat going down. “This is good.”
“Hmm. It is.”
“Lauren?”
“Yeah?”
Gracie steadied her breathing, trying to calm herself down. “What can you tell me about Sebastian’s relationship with Rhonda?”
“Well, I don’t know much really. Sutton said that it wasn’t what it seemed. But Sebastian’s pretty closed-mouth about his relationships.”
“Do you think Rhonda broke his heart?”
“That, I honestly don’t know,” Lauren admitted. “It’s something you could find out, when you’re ready to speak to Sebastian again.”
A lump rose to Gracie’s throat. “Will I ever be ready?”
“Well, you’re having his child, so I would think at some point you’re going to have to be, but you don’t have to think about that now. Just sip your tea and try to relax.”
“I’ll try.”
But Gracie knew sleep would be a long time coming tonight. Her heart ached and she didn’t figure that was going to get better anytime soon.
* * *
Sebastian was up half the night, pacing the floor, wearing out the rug, as his mother would say. He sipped bourbon straight up, too anxious to sleep, too keyed up to think about anything but Gracie and how she was feeling.
Tonight, when he’d gone to Gracie’s house, Lauren had laid down the law. Gracie didn’t want to hear from him; she didn’t want to see him. And how could he blame her? He’d lied to her, omitted the truth and subsequently destroyed the relationship they’d been building. She’d actually proposed to him, and it had taken him by total surprise. He’d reacted badly, and he didn’t think he’d ever get the hurt look on Gracie’s face out of his head.
But he hadn’t hurt her on purpose, damn it, and he was innocent of the claims the news reports had made. There was no love triangle. He loved Gracie. And it’d taken him losing her to figure out just how much she meant to him. Suddenly it was all clear, but she wouldn’t believe him now if he declared his love.
Rhonda wasn’t back in his life, and the innuendo that he was using either woman to bankroll his business had struck him right between the eyes. Nothing was further from the truth. But how could he ever convince Gracie of that?
When his cell phone rang at midnight, he had an iota of hope it was Gracie. But his hope was stifled the second Rhonda’s image appeared on his screen. He let it ring a few times, and then finally picked up.
“I’m so sorry,” she said immediately.
This wasn’t her fault. Other than the fact that she was world-famous and always had some sort of paparazzi following her if they sniffed out a story. But he should’ve realized that. He should’ve known that would be the case. Even in Royal. “I had no idea I was being followed. I only wanted to help Lonny, Sebastian. I never meant to hurt you.”
“I know that, Rhonda. And I wanted to help him, too. My mistake is that I wasn’t honest with Gracie.”
“You really care about her, don’t you?” she asked softly.
“Yeah, and she’s not talking to me right now.”
“She’s having your baby. I guess I should say congratulations. There’s no doubt you’ll make a great father, Sebastian.”
“Thanks,” he said. “But right now I have to figure out a way to gain Gracie’s trust.”
“Let me know if I can help in any way.”
He didn’t think bringing Rhonda into this would help. It could possibly make things worse. No, he had to do this on his own. But first he had to get Gracie to talk to him.
Nine
Gracie lay low for the next few days. She didn’t want to see anyone, and she certainly didn’t want to do an interview. News vans had parked o
utside her house for two days, but by the third day, they’d found the next new big scandal and left. Thanks to Sebastian and his lies, she’d been like a prisoner in her own home. The flowers he sent every day had been returned, the notes went unopened. Sebastian continued to text her, continued to clog up her voice mail with messages, until finally, because he’d given her no choice, she decided to confront him.
On Friday morning, she put her long dark hair up in a ponytail, and tossed on a ball cap and sunglasses. Wearing jeans and a big bulky sweater and no makeup, she got into her car, making sure no one was following her, and drove to Sebastian’s office on the outskirts of town.
She parked in the large parking lot and sat there, determined to set him straight, make her point and get away from him as quickly as possible. But her heart still ached, and it was difficult to make the move, difficult to get out of the car.
“You’re doing the right thing, Gracie,” she whispered to herself. She had to put the future she’d always dreamed about out of her mind. Had to make a clean break. Sebastian would be free to date anyone he wanted. She’d make that clear, too. Just thinking of the humiliating photos and articles written about her gave her the incentive she needed to get out of the car and march toward Sebastian’s office. As luck or fate would have it, she was nearing the building when she heard her name called from behind.
“Gracie? Is that you?”
She turned to find a blonde-haired, green-eyed Wingate approaching. For a second, she thought it was Sutton, but as he strode closer, she knew it was definitely not him. She’d learned the tiny nuances that other people usually didn’t notice to determine it was Sebastian.
He seemed glad to see her, his eyes so very green at the moment, his handsome face filled with hope. A less determined woman might just melt on the spot, but she wouldn’t allow that to happen. If she had to confront Sebastian in the parking lot, so be it.
She acknowledged him with a nod.
“Gracie, I’ve been trying to reach you for days.”
“I guess I didn’t want to be reached, Sebastian.”
“I’m sorry about this whole mess. If you’ll let me explain, I’ll—”
“I don’t want to hear your explanations, Sebastian. I doubt I’d believe them. I only came here to tell you we’re through. You can stop sending flowers and notes. They don’t mean anything to me.” She took a breath, watching the light dim in his eyes, watching his demeanor change instantly.
“You’re not even going to hear me out?” he rasped.
“Are you saying you didn’t lie to me countless times?”
“I—I... Okay I did, but for a good reason.”
“There’s no reason that’s good enough for me,” Gracie said adamantly. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to see you anymore. I think it’s best this way.”
“It’s not best. You can’t break up with me like this. You have to be reasonable and allow me to explain.”
His voice held an edge, as if he was barely holding on to his anger. She knew why he was so upset, aside from being caught in the act. It was because of the baby. He wanted an heir, his own flesh and blood, but he didn’t want her. Sebastian had never claimed to love her. He’d rebuffed her marriage proposal almost instantly, making her feel unworthy yet again. And worst of all, he may have pursued her solely for her money.
She lifted her chin, more determined now to make things clear. “I won’t get in the way of you seeing the baby, Sebastian. I’m not that cruel. You’ll have generous visitation rights. The child should know its father. We’ll work something out between our attorneys when the time comes.”
“We’ll work something out between our attorneys,” he repeated, his voice a low growl. “That’s not the way we should approach this, and you know it, Gracie.”
“I know of no other way.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I can think of a dozen different ways, and they all start with you letting me explain.”
“Ever since we’ve met, I’ve listened to your explanations, Sebastian. I’ve heard about enough this time.” She released a quavering breath. “I’m humiliated and hurt and angry enough to cut you completely out of my life. Am I sorry about this? Yes, but it’s not my doing. It’s yours.”
Sebastian closed his eyes briefly. “We can’t be through.”
His plea broke her heart all over again. “You’re free to see anyone you want. You can go about your business and—”
“I don’t want to see anyone else! Damn it, Gracie, listen to me. I have no feelings for Rhonda—”
“Stop. Just stop, Sebastian. No more. I have to think about the baby and how this turmoil is affecting my pregnancy. If I do know one thing, it’s that you care about this child. At least, I think so.”
“Of course I do,” he said firmly.
“F-fine, then. If you care about the health of this baby, let me walk away. I need you to. This is hard for me, Sebastian. Maybe you don’t realize how much, but I’ve let you hurt me enough. I can’t do it any longer. I don’t have the strength.”
Sebastian stared at her, his gaze penetrating, and she recognized the exact moment he relented. His face fell, his shoulders slumped and he shifted his stance ever so slightly to let her pass.
She stepped away from him and squeezed her eyes closed, saying a silent goodbye to her dream. Her heart hurt now, more than it ever had. Putting one foot in front of the other, she moved through the parking lot, got into her car, took one last look at Sebastian and then drove off. She was doing what she had to do to protect herself and the baby, yet the pain was almost unbearable.
* * *
It was hard to believe that just a week ago, Gracie had proposed marriage to him and he, like a fool, had reacted badly. It wasn’t that he didn’t love her, he did. He was just coming to the realization that Gracie was his whole world, when she’d proposed and caught him off guard. Now that she’d cut him out of her life, it was a vital wound to his heart, a stabbing pain that ached with every breath he took.
But he loved her beyond belief and he wasn’t about to let her go so easily. He’d just have to show her she couldn’t get rid of him so fast. That he was in it for the long haul. So he mustered his bravado and entered the birthing center, enduring the stares of the couples who now knew more about him than he’d like. But he was here for Gracie and their baby.
He waited around for Gracie, hoping to prove to her he wasn’t going to abandon her, but after a few minutes, the instructor, Maddy, approached him. “Hello again.”
“Hi.”
“I, um, thought I’d mention,” she said quietly, just for his ears, “your partner, Ms. Diaz, dropped out of class.”
“She did?”
“Yes, she’s going to be taking private classes from now on. I’m sorry.”
“No, no. I should’ve figured. I’m sorry for bringing your place into the public eye like that. It was all one big misunderstanding.”
She nodded. “It’s okay. Good luck with the baby,” she said.
“Thank you.”
Sebastian walked out of the place feeling like he’d been sucker punched in the gut. He was angry with Gracie for cutting him out of her life like that, but he was angrier with himself for all the bumbling mistakes he’d made with her. Of course she wouldn’t want to show her face in the early bird class, not after all the things that had been printed about her.
She been humiliated, and it had been his fault.
He’d never really given her a reason to trust him. He’d gone about this courtship all wrong, and wow, now he was paying the price.
By six o’clock he was dressed in jeans and a button-down shirt and knocking on his mother’s door. It was family dinner time, his mother calling the shots, wanting everyone in the family to sit down with her. She didn’t do this often, but when she did, you didn’t dare refuse. He was in no mood tonight for a get-together, but
his family’s name, once again, had been dragged through the mud because of some overambitious news reports that got it all wrong. He owed his family an explanation, for many things.
Ava greeted him at the door with a big hug, and the look in her eyes wasn’t what he’d expected. She’d always been a stickler for transparency and expected to be clued in on everything that went on with the family. It surprised him that she wasn’t showing her disapproval. She wasn’t judging him, but instead was providing unconditional love. “Hello, dear.”
“Mom.”
“How are you doing tonight? You had a rough week.”
“I did, but I’m doing okay.”
“Just okay?” Ava asked.
“I may have lost something, someone, who I really care about. Mom.”
“That’s not the man I raised, Sebastian. You’re one to never give up, and it’s a trait I admire about you. Don’t throw in the towel just yet. Gracie will come around.”
He doubted that, but his mother’s encouragement meant a great deal to him.
“Come, your brothers and sisters are all here.”
She led him into the dining room, where the others were already seated, noisily chattering while drinking wine and munching on appetizers. “Hey,” he said to everyone, slapping his brothers’ backs and kissing the women on the cheek.
Sutton and Lauren were here along with Beth and Cam, who were back from their honeymoon. Miles and Chloe were in town, as was Aunt Piper, who was sitting beside Brian. Beside them sat their cousins and the women in their lives, Luke and Kelly and Zeke and Reagan. Then, turning toward his baby sister, Sebastian marveled at what an adorable threesome Harley and Grant and little Daniel made. Soon, Daniel would have a cousin, which was a good thing, but would they be close? Would they even get a chance to know each other?
He pulled out a chair and sat down. This dining room in his mother’s rental apartment was a far cry from the beautifully decorated oversize one in the mansion they were used to, but it didn’t matter. The family was here, and everyone was in good spirits.
One Night in Texas Page 14
