by Kay Stockham
Gram dabbed at her eyes with a napkin.
“I’m sorry. All I’ve done is upset you. I should’ve known you’d—”
“No, Garret. No, that’s not it. Some people go their entire lives never finding someone to love. You’ve been blessed with two wonderful women.”
“Joss is great and we’re good together, but how do I know good couldn’t be better?”
“Darcy?”
He managed a nod. “I don’t want to hurt either one of them.”
“Then I suggest you figure out where you stand and quickly,” she told him, “because the longer you drag this out, the worse someone is going to be hurt.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
THE WEEK of Rosetta’s birthday party passed with surprising swiftness, but with it came more anxiety and stress. Darcy sighed. Trying to protect herself was impossible. It was too late for that. So she simply tried to take the days one at a time and distract herself from the fact that Garret had distanced himself from her.
Twice during the week she’d overdone things at the gym and needed to take the medicine to end the cramping. A little rest and she was back on her feet again, even though she could barely see them. Garret called three times to check on her, claiming work kept him away. She wasn’t convinced, and came to the conclusion that he regretted what they’d shared on the couch, just like he’d regretted the kiss in her bedroom, which made her all the more embarrassed by her behavior. And angry. At him, at herself.
Garret didn’t come to see her and Rosetta as he had before. Was he spending the time with Jocelyn? What were they doing? Did he touch Jocelyn the way he’d touched her?
Jealousy sucked. How did women do this? Here she was going to have a baby, for pity’s sake. The timing couldn’t have been worse for her to meet Garret, but she had and it was too late. She cared for him. Wanted him—and he wasn’t hers to want.
“Something wrong, dear?”
Darcy started and realized she’d been staring into space. She finished drying the plate she held. “Just thinking about how giving my clients have been. The gifts and all. It won’t be easy to pack up. I’ll have to rent a U-Haul to move everything.”
“You’re thinking of moving? Not staying?”
“Why would I stay?”
“Well, there’s plenty of time to decide. And plenty of places around town to live if you change your mind about making Beauty your home. Not that I’m in a hurry for you to leave. I like having you here.”
“Yeah, well, if Nick continues at the current pace on my car, I’ll never be able to move.” Rosetta looked away and busied herself scrubbing an already-clean counter. “Did you tell him to do it at snail speed?”
She knew she was right in her thinking when Rosetta had the grace to blush. The two-week time frame had come and gone—three weeks ago.
“I’ll only admit to suggesting to him that I was afraid if he got the work done right away, you might decide to ignore doctor’s orders and drive on alone.”
Darcy inhaled and sighed once more. She’d decided to do just that a million times over, but common sense prevailed when she remembered what it was like to be stuck at the side of the road in labor.
“We both agreed it was a good idea to…delay things a bit. Are you upset with me, dear?”
She put the plate away and grabbed another, careful not to drip on her dress. “No. It’s sweet that you care so much. Rosetta, I’ll never be able to repay you for all you’ve done for me.”
“You’ve done as much or more for me, Darcy. You’ve been a wonderful friend and I don’t like the idea of you out there alone. I like watching over you. I’ve come to think of you as family.”
That was the problem. It was becoming all too easy to pretend the Tulane family was hers. Rosetta’s grandmotherly love and support was so precious, so reminiscent of Nana. Darcy liked the feeling of being watched over, too. Nick and Ethan, they were the brothers she’d never had. And Garret—Her feelings for him could only deepen at this point. A useless act since they could only develop so far. A week of his keeping his distance was proof of that.
“Darcy?” Rosetta’s face softened. “Oh, honey. You’re falling in love with him, aren’t you?”
“No.” Denial was automatic, a built-in life preserver. “No, I’m not.” It was time to grow up. For her baby’s sake, if not her own. Which meant not becoming any more involved with a man destined to marry another woman.
A sharp knock sounded on the condo door before it opened and closed, ending their conversation.
She turned away from Rosetta, putting the last plate away and trying to brace herself for the barrage of feelings overwhelming her. She wasn’t falling. She’d fallen. Hard, fast. How could she have allowed it to happen? Staying in Beauty was temporary. Garret was temporary. How awkward was it going to be to meet the infamous Jocelyn Pierson, caretaker of the hospital’s poor and underprivileged? How difficult would it be to look the other woman in the eye knowing Garret had kissed her?
He might’ve kissed you, but where has he been?
She heard heavy footfalls enter the kitchen and her heart picked up speed. If Garret gave her that look, she’d know everything would be all right but—She turned to see Ethan smiling at them both. “Wow. You two look hot.”
Ethan had come to pick them up. Not Garret.
Because he would escort his girlfriend to the party, not you.
Darcy clutched the countertop, closed her eyes briefly. What was she thinking? Doing? She had a baby to care for, a life to build, and here she was thinking about a man? What about her baby? Garret had turned her into—
“Are you all right, Darcy?”
“I’m fine.”
“You look a little pale.” Ethan frowned at her, wearing his doctor face. “Are you sure you’re up for this?”
She saw the gentle warning in his eyes, as if he was well aware of what was going through her mind. Rosetta, now Ethan. They’d known all along what she hadn’t been able to see. The gossip was true. She’d become the other woman.
Somehow she managed to pin a weak smile to her lips, her stomach in knots. “Let’s get this party started.”
Because the sooner it was over, the sooner it was all over, the sooner she could leave.
JOSS SMOOTHED a hand over her dress and frowned at the Jeep they neared. “Isn’t that Tobias’s?”
Garret shot her a glance, then shrugged. “Yeah. Why do you ask?”
“No reason. You’d said the party was mostly going to be family and friends, that’s all.”
“Toby’s a friend. You don’t think so?”
“Of course. I spoke without thinking.” Or had she? Was this the beginning of her filling her father’s shoes?
They continued on, entered the large double doors leading into the Tulane family home.
“There he is. Let’s go.”
Her head snapped up, her gaze immediately locking on Tobias. He’d been watching them.
“I see a friend I need to speak to.” Jocelyn dug her four-inch heels into the opulent carpet. “I’ll join you in a minute.”
Garret’s gaze sharpened. “Something wrong?”
“No. Why would you think that?”
Before he could answer she saw Garret’s attention leave her. She followed his gaze and found Ethan escorting Rosetta and her pregnant guest into the room. So this was Darcy Rhodes.
She wished the woman was prettier. Not that Darcy was ugly by any means. But she was attractive, not beautiful, which made Garret’s talk-of-the-town friendship with her all the more disturbing. Was something going on between them? “We need to say hello to your grandmother and wish her a happy birthday.” She didn’t know why she said it. She didn’t want to meet Darcy face-to-face and knew that to walk over there she forced them both into a slew of speculation. But she didn’t care. No, there was a recklessness taking hold inside her, one that had grown every day since she’d broken all the rules and kissed Garret’s best friend.
“If you like.”
Joss fell into step beside Garret and forced her chin high, aware that Tobias’s mocking gaze followed.
THREE HOURS after the string band played “Happy Birthday” for Rosetta’s arrival, Darcy accepted the cake handed to her by one of the catering staff and looked around for a quiet spot. Not finding any nearby, she escaped the crowded main rooms and made her way down a hallway. Spying an open, darkened room, she slipped inside and collapsed into the closest chair, her nerves raw, her emotions under a thin thread of control.
Garret’s parents were warm and welcoming and had made her feel very much a part of things despite the questions she saw in their expressions. Garret’s family was…awesome. They hugged and congratulated each other over the slightest accomplishments, complimented each other, missed each other. Only Nick stood off to the side, listening, watching it all, the quietest of the bunch, speaking when spoken to and obviously on edge.
Worse, her feet hurt, her back hurt and she felt totally inferior and out of place in her bargain-basement maternity dress compared to Garret’s gorgeous girlfriend. She wore Vera Wang on her size-four body and wore it well.
Meeting Jocelyn had been just as painful and awkward as she’d feared. Another eye-opening smack to the face because she and Garret looked so perfect together. If not for Rosetta’s presence at her side, she would’ve left then and there. Maybe it was a good thing Nick hadn’t returned her car because had she had it, she would’ve jumped inside and driven to the next town at least. Anything to establish some distance.
Sighing, she propped the cake on her built-in belly tray and closed her eyes, concentrating on relaxing her tense muscles in the hopes that the cramping she’d felt off and on all night would fade. The last thing she wanted to do was ruin someone’s enjoyment of Rosetta’s party by having to ask for a ride back to the condo. Or the hospital.
Multiple footsteps approached the room where she sat. Keep walking. Don’t come in, keep walking. Please. She needed a moment alone to regain her composure.
“For the last time, go away and leave me alone.”
“You can’t talk to me?”
Darcy recognized the voice of Garret’s girlfriend and Toby Richardson. She shrank down in the high-backed chair, wanting to disappear.
“What are you doing, Tobias? Do you want people talking about us? I’ve had enough gossip these past few weeks.”
Darcy winced, her guilt growing.
“Then what’s a little more? Stop treating me like the plague.”
“I’m marrying Garret.”
“If he asks.”
“He’s going to. He told Daddy that he planned to ask the night of the gallery opening.”
Her throat closed. So that was it. That explained Garret’s absence. He’d felt guilty about their make-out session, he’d made his decision and that was that, wasn’t it?
Darcy lifted a hand to her mouth. Jocelyn’s announcement was proof positive that she had to get out of there. Out of Rosetta’s condo. Out of Beauty. Far, far away.
“When are you going to see what a mistake this is?”
A mistake? Darcy waited for Jocelyn’s answer, holding her breath when a cramp sharpened and became uncomfortable. She squirmed in the seat.
“It’s not a mistake.”
“He’s interested in someone else. You’re just going to overlook that? Do you really think that little stunt you pulled, having Garret introduce you to her, fooled anyone?”
“It’s your motives that are suspect, Tobias. What if he’d seen you that night in the parking lot? Walked out and heard the things you were saying to me? He was right inside the gym.”
What night?
“We were talking. What was he doing that night?”
“What do you mean?”
“He went to her. I drove around for a while to cool off, and since I was curious to see if he was with you, I drove by Rosetta’s. Garret was there. The thing is, I kept driving and ran into Rosetta. She was out with friends. They’d been to a movie, had dinner. Which means Darcy and Garret were in the condo alone. If you love him so much, are you going to stand there and tell me that doesn’t bother you?”
Darcy fisted her hands, trapped, angry and hurting. Garret had come to see her that night because—
It doesn’t matter. You’re leaving anyway. Soon as the baby is born, you’re outta here. Why does it matter?
Because it hurt so much. She’d sensed Garret’s upset that night. His distraction and unwillingness to talk about whatever had put him in his brooding mood. Now she knew why. Her face burned with anger and embarrassment. Garret had given her pleasure and not taken any for himself, but she still felt used. As if she were the toy he’d played with because the one he wanted wasn’t available.
“No. No, it doesn’t bother me. He’s her friend, just her friend.”
Just her friend. Of all the people to forget that fact, why did it have to be her?
“You’re really going to do this? You’re going to marry him because Daddy says so?”
“I’m going to marry Garret because I love him. Nothing you say can change that.”
Darcy closed her eyes.
“Now be a true friend to Garret and me both, Tobias. Leave us alone.”
The sound of Jocelyn’s heels faded as she continued on her way down the tiled hall. Darcy stayed where she was, unmoving. Another pain slid around her stomach, harder than the one before.
The gallery opening was two weeks from today. Which meant she had to leave town before then.
Toby cursed, then shoved open the door, startling her. The light above her head flicked on, and she winced at the blinding brightness, grimacing as she waited to see if she would be discovered.
He stalked over to the wet bar at the far side of the study, poured himself a drink and turned, spotting her immediately. He froze, the glass halfway to his lips. “Aw, hell.”
Darcy set the forgotten cake aside, managing to get to her feet without too much trouble.
“Darcy, wait.”
“Why? Does anything really need to be said?” She rubbed her back in slow, hard circles, thankful for once her body was cooperating. Two weeks was plenty of time to recover. At least enough to get out of town.
“I’m sorry.”
Another contraction began, slow and insidious, spreading around her, through her, becoming sharp and piercing. She bit her lip, closed her eyes.
“Please don’t tell me—No way. I just went through this with my sister,” he complained.
The comment made her laugh despite the tears setting her throat on fire. “Traumatized you, did it?”
“You could say that.” Toby set the drink on the bar and hurried toward her. “Need a ride? I know a back way out of here. If you’re interested?”
“Definitely.”
“Think you can make it around the porch to the front? If so, I’ll meet you there with your coat.”
She didn’t move until the contraction passed. “Yes. I…I can do that. But don’t tell anyone. I don’t want to ruin the party.”
“No problem. Let’s go.”
Toby showed her the French doors that opened out onto a wraparound porch. She headed toward the front of the house slowly, careful to watch her step on the moisture-slicked planks, thankful for the moon lighting the way around expensive outdoor furniture and planters. Darcy rounded the corner of the house only to pause. Garret sat sprawled on a bench staring up at the night sky.
He heard her and turned, immediately shoved himself to his feet. “What are you doing?”
“Leaving.”
“Where’s your coat? Are you feeling all right? What happened?”
“I’m fine. I just want to go ho—To the condo. Please give Rosetta my best and tell her I’m tired. I’ll see her in the morning.”
“Don’t leave.” He shrugged his suit jacket off and wrapped it around her. “I’ll take you upstairs. You can lie down in one of the bedrooms. If you’re not feeling well, you shouldn’t be alone.”
> She shrugged the coat off and handed it back to him. “Thanks, but no. And I won’t be alone. Your friend Toby is driving me.”
“Toby?” He tossed the jacket aside. “Why are you going with Toby?”
“He’s leaving. He’s going to drop me off on his way home.”
He took another step closer. “Are you sure that’s it? Where were you? I’ve been looking for you. I wanted to tell you something.”
“I—In the bathroom. Pregnant women, you know?”
“Darcy, what’s going on? Did someone say something to you?”
“No. No one said a thing to me. In fact, everyone has been amazingly nice, considering.”
“Considering what?”
“Considering who I am. I see where you get your kindness and manners. Your parents are great. And Jocelyn is—She’s beautiful. I heard about what she’s doing for the children’s ward at the hospital, using the gallery opening to get donations. That’s sweet. You’re going to be happy with her.”
Garret stiffened. “What did you say?” He grasped her elbow and gently tugged her deeper into the shadows along the side of the porch.
Embarrassed to be seen with her?
“You’re upset.” He swore softly. “Darcy, I’m sorry about this week. Work has been a nightmare with Harry arguing every change, and I thought, given timing, it might be good for both of us to take a breather and make sure we’re doing the right thing.”
“It was perfect timing,” she agreed. His expression softened into one that tugged at her heartstrings—until they broke.
“If this is about me not picking you up tonight—”
“Of course not. I mean, why would you bring me? I’m not your girlfriend. Or should I say fiancée?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
SEEING GARRET GRIMACE at her wording didn’t make Darcy feel any better.
