"I know too, that's it's not right for a bride to walk down the aisle alone on her wedding day. And if you'll allow me, it would be my honor to stand in your father's place and escort you on my arm. After all, you're the woman who's made my son happier than he's ever been."
20
Libby
"But it's all going too far…!"
I'd caught Jack's arm in the hallway. After agreeing to let Fletcher… no, Dad Mason, escort me down the aisle, I was currently on my way up to Mom's bedroom to try on my stupidly expensive wedding gown. It had been hand delivered that afternoon.
"We don't even know if there is a baby yet. And now there's a wedding and I'm supposed to call them Mom And Dad." I was starting to hyperventilate. "They're welcoming me as their daughter, Jack. And the whole thing is one big lie."
"It's no lie, Libby," he whispered back, his hands on my shoulders. "The baby is real. I know he is. And the marriage will be perfectly legal…"
"I don't like feeling as though we're deceiving them, Jack. When they're being so kind to me." I brushed the tears away as they dripped from my chin. "It just feels wrong…"
He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me tight to his chest. "I know, Libby. But it's better in the end. It's better for them… for the baby." He reached down and put his big, warm hand low on my belly. "Look, he's here already, making his mother all emotional…"
I held my breath, looking up into the depths of his dark eyes. All evening he'd been so attentive, so affectionate toward me. The others had noticed, exchanging knowing glances. And now we were alone, here in the dark…
His mouth came down on mine, everything else started to slip away. His tongue found mine and I reached up, pulling him closer. After so long without his touch, his taste, I felt desperate for more. The fire he'd lit inside me more than a week ago had only grown. All it took was his kiss for it to consume us both…
"If you can bear to part with her, just a little while longer…" Mom's voice interrupted softly. "I promise I'll give her back." I turned to face her, my lips still embarrassingly parted.
"Of course. I'm sorry, Viv… Mom," I said unsteadily. "The dress…"
"That's right, honey. And if the shop's going to have time to make any last-minute adjustments, we need to see if it fits, right this minute. Jackson, Ben and your father are in the study. Libby, let's get you into that dress. India's already got hers on."
Jack gave me a steady smile. Lending me his courage, as I followed his mother down the hall.
He was right, after all. This was all for the baby's sake. And even though it was still too soon to be sure, I knew she'd be worth it. Besides, in a few more days, the wedding would be behind us, and Jack and I would be alone on an island, where there would no longer be any need for pretense. But his kiss still burned on my lips.
"Is this perfect or what?" India whirled around as we entered the room. She was wearing silk, the color of silver and was a knock out. What I wouldn't have given for her height and natural slenderness?
"Now, come on," she said, easing my own dress from a white velvet hanger. "Mom can help you into this while I go change. Be back in a flash."
India gave me a smile and turned her bright eyes to Vivian. For a split second, I thought I saw something there. And then she was gone, and Vivian was undoing the tiny buttons along the back of the gown.
"You have the loveliest kind of figure for a dress like this," she said. She glanced up as I was slipping out of my blouse and then back down to the buttons. "Pretty… feminine… The kind of woman a man just can't resist."
I laughed nervously for a moment and then sobered. "I know it's all happened so quickly," I began. "For Jack and me to be living together and now getting married…"
"No quicker than Fletcher and me," she said. I thought I caught a flicker in her eye. "The Mason men have always known what they want. Even when they don't even realize it yet. Five generations of them. All strong Southern men who know exactly what they want and waste no time in taking it." Her voice was soft, but sure.
"You and… Dad… were married quickly?" I stepped into the dress she held for me. "I thought that long engagements were the tradition in the south…"
"Has Jack been fillin' your head with how conventional Fletcher and I are?" She slid the dress over my shoulders and I saw her shake her head gently. "I swear, that boy."
She stepped behind me and began to button. "Of all our family, he's the most conventional one of us all. And yet he goes on and on about what traditional folk the rest of us are." She smoothed the fabric at my waist. "It's a little snug here." I blinked, but said nothing. She went on.
"Fletcher and I were married not one month after we met, and that was thirty-four wonderful years ago. Now we never lived together first, but…"
"That's why I told India I wasn't sure about the white dress. I'd thought the silver might be…"
Vivian turned me by the shoulders to face the cheval mirror in the corner. Her eyes were finely lined, but they were sharp and brilliantly blue as she looked over my shoulder, into my reflection.
"I never saw a bride more suited to white," she said firmly, kindly. "And I can't imagine any woman better suited to my Jackson." She turned me gently around to face her and I saw her eyes sparkle as she kissed me on the cheek.
"Besides, if a lady had to earn the right to wear white on her wedding day, I'd have had to wear scarlet." She winked conspiratorially and I smiled back, blushing furiously.
"And just between you and me, honey, it simply isn't my color."
21
Jack
Libby came downstairs with a glow about her. When we headed out to the car, she hugged Mom and Dad and they kissed her cheeks. It was wonderful to see, but I had to admit. I was feeling some of the same discomfort Libby had brought up on the stairs.
"Your mom wants me to stay with them… the night before the wedding," Libby said as we drove back to the lake house. "She said it's good luck for us not to see each other until I'm walking down the aisle."
I reached over and squeezed her hand, letting it rest on my thigh. It just felt so fucking good. So real to reach out for her. More and more, I was realizing just how much I enjoyed behaving as if we were a real couple.
"I'll stay at the lake and drive in early," I answered. The wedding was set for Saturday at eleven o'clock. "Are you sure you don't mind spending the evening on a plane? Our pilot's wife is expecting and due any day. He didn't want to wait until Sunday… The jet has beds that fold out, if you need to rest."
"I don't mind," she said. "It's not like we'll have anything better to do…"
I pulled into the drive and shut off the engine. "Libby…"
"It's okay, Jack." her voice was soft, firm. "I know why you've been keeping your distance since that night we were together…" She stopped and looked off toward the dark water. "It was wonderful, Jack. And I don't regret it. But I understand why it can't happen again… and I agree with you that it's the best thing…"
"It was beautiful, sweetheart. Just like you." I swallowed, keeping her hand under mine. "And I'd like nothing more than to pick up where we left off that night…"
But we're two different people… With two separate lives," she added, reading my mind. "And it could only make things harder for both of us… in the end." She turned her palm upwards and our fingers meshed together perfectly.
"Yes… it would make everything harder," I said. "If I'd met you at a different time in my life… If we wanted the same things…"
"It's all right, Jack. Really.
I'm sorry I got upset at your parents' place. I'm fine with this, truly. I came to terms years ago with the fact that I'm not the mothering kind. And I can't imagine anyone who'd make a better father than you will." She squeezed my hand and let it go. "We met at just the right time, Jack. And I don't believe in regrets." She opened her car door and inhaled the crisp night air.
"I'm good with everything, just as it is. I'm glad we're friends. We're fine, really." She
took my hand and placed it on the gentle curve of her belly.
We sat, looking out over the water, only the buzz of an insect breaking the silence. Never in my life had I felt such contentment. She was right. Things between us were just as they should be.
So why did I still want so badly to possess her? To take her upstairs and rediscover every inch of her?
I was so fucking close to everything I wanted. So why was there a feeling deep down inside, that the most precious thing of all could be slipping away?
Friday
"What the fuck do you mean, the contract isn't ready?" I stood over Spencer, not giving a shit that my voice was too loud. "I'm leaving tomorrow for the next four weeks, and you're telling me it's not ready?"
He looked up, spreading his hands. "Monday, at the latest, Jack. Honest to god, I did my best. But I can fax the shit to you on the island and you can sign from there…"
"I needed this merger finished and done before I leave the country," I said, tearing through my hair with both hands. "It's not so fucking simple as a few signatures…"
Spencer got up and poured two cups of coffee. He handed me one and stood with me looking out over the city. "I'm sorry, boss. I fucked up and I know it. But you know me, Jack. You know I'll make it right. I just needed a few more days to tie up the loose ends. Wyler needed a little extra romancing, is all."
I knew he was right. I'd been on the phone with the man myself a dozen times in the last week alone. I had his promise, just like I had Spencer's. I just didn't like the idea of not being present when the deal was finalized. Still, my brothers and Dad were more than able to handle things, along with Spence.
"I'd postpone until Monday, if I could," I said. "There's just no fucking way…"
"There isn't anyone here at Mason that would allow you to," he answered. "We're all glad to see you happy again, boss." He smiled and put his hand on my shoulder reassuringly.
"Go on. It's time for you to have a life, for Christ's sake. Get married and enjoy your honeymoon, Jack. I'll have everything faxed to you on Monday, and the rest of the month will be nothing but happily wedded bliss."
I stayed long after everyone else was gone. It reminded me all too well, of how obsessively I'd worked, for years to get the company back on track.
The halls were dark and silent. The only light left came from my computer screen. I'd checked and double checked all Spencer's work. He was right. Everything was right on track. There was nothing to worry about. I shut down the computer and turned my chair so I could look out over the lights of the city. It was beautiful at night. And I was way too distracted to focus on work anymore.
Libby was already at my folk's place. By now, I expected she was probably asleep. I'd called three hours ago, to wish her sweet dreams. Tomorrow was our wedding day. I could still feel her in my arms as I'd kissed her goodbye…
"The dress was snug in the waist," she'd whispered. "I know it's still just a little too soon to test, but it seems like a good sign anyway."
We'd agreed to wait until we were on the island to take our first pregnancy test. I'd already gone out and bought more than a dozen. It seemed perfect, to confirm our baby's new life on a lovely tropical island. Plus, the longer we waited, the more accurate the result. And we'd be back from the honeymoon before her first OB visit.
"It's a great sign, Libby," I'd said smiling. Ever since we'd talked in the car, things had been easier between us. "Happy Wedding Day, tomorrow."
"Yes… Happy Wedding Day," she'd chuckled. "I'll be the one looking ironic in white."
The sky was dark and clear as I thought about everything Libby had brought into my life. She had a lightness, a spontaneity about her that felt like a refreshing breeze. She was warm and kind and beautiful. And even though we'd agreed not to complicate things with sex, my body still responded to her with a ferocity that left me aching with need. Shit, nobody ever said it was going to be easy, living with a woman I couldn't have…
I loved how she looked in the morning with her hair rumpled from her pillow. I loved how passionate she was about her art. She didn't know it yet, but I'd had the contents of her studio shipped to the island for our stay. I was aching now, remembering our hands, together on the clay. And everything else that night had led to…
I loved how her eyes glittered like jewels when she laughed. And how my parents had already fallen in love with her… She'd won them over, just by being herself. Lovely, pure, honest.
I locked my office and headed down the long corridor. I was long past time I should have been home, but without Libby waiting there, I hadn't been in any hurry.
My steps fell softly on the carpet as I passed office after office. Every one was closed and dark inside. I passed Spencer's door and reached for the elevator button. There was something familiar… something I knew, but couldn't place…
It wasn't until the elevator reached the parking garage that I made the connection. That scent… I'd caught the barest hint in the hallway…
It was imported from Paris. Unusual and expensive. Sans Coeur.
I should know…
It was Elaine's favorite.
22
Libby
It was Saturday. My wedding day…
I rubbed my eyes and turned over onto my stomach. I hadn't expected to sleep as well as I had. Down pillows and eighteen-hundred thread count sheets. Who knew?
A second after the knock, India opened the door and poked her head in. "Rise and shine, mother-to be." She had a breakfast tray in her hands.
"Shut up, and get that food over here. No spilling the beans prematurely."
She sat the tray down in front of me and for just a split second, I felt my stomach roll over. I took a sip of herbal tea and swallowed nervously.
"What…?" India leaned in for a closer look. "Is that a hint of green I'm seeing… like all around the gills?" She smiled a satisfied smile. "Screw the too early routine… You are, aren't you?"
I took a bite of toast, mostly to buy time.
"It worked, didn't it? And you and Jack are making me an aunty…" She took my hand with the toast in it. "I won't tell, I promise."
I swallowed hard. "It is still a few days too soon… But, I think so… yes…"
She whooped out loud and I clamped a hand over her mouth. "You can't say anything, India. You fucking promised me… And nothing's certain until I've taken the test." She watched me closely as I picked at my eggs and finally gave up.
"Test, my ass," she said, shrewdly. "That glow comes from only one of two things. Love, or a baby belly… And there's no hard rule it can't be both…"
I got out of bed, shoving the sheets back and leaving her to rescue the silver tray. "A minute ago, you said I looked green," I said irritably, "Make up your mind."
"Okay, okay… if you're going to be touchy…" She bit into a strip of my bacon. "But aren't you excited about it? You could have a perfect little baby growing inside you right now. And in a few more months, you'll even be showing." She drank my juice and wiped her lips. "And I want the blow-by-blow, Libby. The whole nine months. I want to know what it's like…"
She had a dreamy kind of expression. India was the kind of girl who always knew she'd have a big family of her own one day.
I smiled, gathering my robe before I headed into the bathroom. "If there's anything to tell, I will," I said indulgently. "And thanks. It's hard enough that Jack and I have to keep everything a secret from the rest of the family. I don't know what I'd do without you…"
She got up and came over to give my hand a squeeze. "You've got me, sweetie," she said. "And don't forget it." She gave me an odd look. "No doubts?"
"No… no doubts," I said with more confidence than I felt. "Jack Is a good man. He deserves to be happy…"
India opened her mouth, then closed it again.
"You're right," she said finally. "Everyone does…"
The next ten minutes I had in the shower were the last ones I had to myself. My stomach continued to churn, but it could
so easily just be nerves. I was about to be married to a man I would be divorcing before the year was out. Not that it's all that unusual these days… It's just strange to be planning it before the actual I do's.
I soaped and rinsed quickly, but my hands lingered over my belly. It was funny, really… but with every day that passed I felt more and more attached to the tiny little life inside me. I could imagine her, with Jack's warm brown eyes and my dark curls… And I'd been having dreams at night. Of putting her into his arms for the first time… the look on his face. And Jack… putting her to my breast to suckle…
And then I'll walk away, I reminded myself sternly. It was so easy to let my imaginings run away with me. More and more often, I found I had to remind myself that our agreement would only be completely fulfilled when I packed my bags and returned to my own life… Images of Jack flashed through my mind…
Jack in the water, holding me in his arms…
Jack's face as he read to me by the fire…
Jack hands exploring my sculpture… then exploring me…
I shut off the water and toweled off harder than I needed to. It was that damn kiss on the stairs that had fanned the flames again. I wiped the steam off the mirror and saw my flushed cheeks and wild curls reflected back. I looked exactly the way I felt. Aroused and needy. Excited, and yet terrified. Confused, but rushing forward anyway…
But there was no more time to think. And no point in looking back.
There was a hairdresser waiting for me downstairs. And a wedding dress to squeeze into. The wedding wasn't going to wait any more than the baby I was carrying would. There was no time for the riot of emotions inside me to fall into place.
The Baby Contract Page 8
