Nate disconnected his phone and saw the number seven on his text icon. He pressed the button and scanned through the various messages from his father and Hailey’s brother wondering where he was. Quickly punching out on my way, he sent it to both before climbing out of his truck and starting the short hike up the street to the bar.
Chapter Three
Damn that woman!
Hailey internally cursed again and then flipped the switch on the coffee maker. True to her cousin’s word, there had been very little sleep at her slumber party.
Nate’s mother had only stayed long enough to see Hailey try on her wedding dress—designed and sewn by Rhonda—one last time.
Her cousin had pinned up some last-minute alterations while Anna made a big bowl of popcorn and her sister made frozen daquiris, including a nonalcoholic one for Lori.
Afterward, Anna dropped a sappy romantic comedy in the DVD player while Rhonda did the final modifications to the dress.
When the movie was over, Kelly went home and Anna and Rhonda went to bed, but Hailey stayed up and painted Lori’s finger- and toenails with a sparkly silver polish to match Hailey’s professional manicure and pedicure.
It had been the perfect wedding-eve. Still, Hailey couldn’t shake the dark cloud hanging over her.
When they had first contacted Victoria six months ago, Nate promised her it was a formality. He didn’t have a single doubt his ex was not a threat to their life. Hailey wanted to believe him, but with each passing day, she couldn’t help but question Victoria’s motives.
It would take all of ten seconds to sign the papers. She didn’t even have to put them in the mail herself. She could have her assistant—who had run interference between the two women on several occasions—send them.
In about fifteen minutes on Google, Hailey had learned Nate’s ex was head of the marketing department for the local division of a major auto manufacturer. She’d told Nate when she became pregnant that no man or child was going to stand in the way of her goals, and it appeared she’d kept that promise.
“Geez, Hailey, look at those dark circles. Nate’s going to kill me.”
Hailey smiled at her cousin. Reaching over her head, she pulled two coffee cups out of the cupboard. “Nothing you can’t fix.”
“With about six coats of concealer. We’ll do a cucumber eye mask. That should help.” Rhonda poured the coffee, adding cream and sugar to both. Hailey grabbed the stack of paper plates off the counter and went to the table opening the Tupperware container holding Nate’s mom’s famous coffee cake. She used to make it in the restaurant before the older couple had retired to Arizona. She’d brought the pan out last night saying the ladies shouldn’t have to worry about breakfast.
She cut a piece for herself and one for Rhonda as her cousin sat down and slid the coffee in front of her.
“Are you going to tell me what’s bothering you? It’s your wedding day. You should be grinning from ear-to-ear.”
“Victoria Gerald.” The words were sour on her tongue, and she knew the distaste of saying them showed on her face.
“Don’t tell me you’re worried Nate has any feelings but contempt for that woman.”
“That’s not it, but he doesn’t hate her. How can he? She gave him Lori.”
“You don’t think he still has feelings for her?”
“I know he loves me.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
“She’s holding the adoption papers over my head, dangling them like I’m some fish she’s trying to get on a hook.” Hailey dropped her voice. The last thing she needed was for Lori to hear what she said. “That beast of a woman doesn’t give a shit about Lori, but she doesn’t want me to have her either.”
Rhonda reached across the table, covering Hailey’s hand with her own. “That child couldn’t love you more.”
“I know. My heart knows we don’t need any damn paperwork to be a family. The signature doesn’t have a single thing to do with how we feel. But the lawyer in my brain keeps painting this scenario where something happens to Nate and Victoria sweeps in and takes my baby girl away.”
Rhonda squeezed her hand tight. “She’d have to get through everyone who loves you.”
Hailey gave her a weak smile. What would she do without her cousin? She’d long forgiven Rhonda for her original voice of dissent about Hailey leaving New York and coming home to be with Nate. The moment Rhonda saw Hailey’s conviction, she’d—as always—become her champion, her supporter, and her partner in crime. “I know, and I love you for that, but…”
“You’ve had to face a hell of a lot of loss in the last few years. First your mom and then your dad. But that doesn’t mean you’re alone. You’re not! And Nate loves you. He’s not going anywhere.”
She picked at the slice of coffee cake with her fork. “I know I’m being silly.”
“I understand why you feel the way you do. I get it. I just don’t want you to let these feelings cast a shadow on what should be the happiest day of your life.”
“You’re right. I know you are.” But no matter how hard she tried, Hailey couldn’t set aside the fears tearing her apart.
“You said Vicki lives in Saginaw. Give me her address. When I go home, I’ll rough her up for you.”
Hailey couldn’t stop the giggle, even though she knew it was wrong. “It’s Vic-tooor-ia. Nate and I will handle this. I’m frustrated with her at the moment, but if not for her, I wouldn’t have Lori.”
“It will work out.”
“I know it will.”
“So, really. Whose idea was it to have your wedding on New Year’s Eve? You know it’s the biggest party night of the year. Stephan wanted to take me to Times Square.”
Memories of what a mess New York City was on New Year’s Eve flitted through Hailey’s mind, and she couldn’t stop the scowl. “All you’re missing is being packed in like sardines for twenty-four hours. For what? To watch a big ball of lights descend from the top of a skyscraper.”
“But it is New York. I know I could get him to extend the trip so I could hit the fashion district.”
Hailey smiled. When it came to her goals, Rhonda was like a dog with a bone. By anyone’s account, Rhonda was successful. She owned two boutiques featuring her own designs, but she wouldn’t be happy until her name and clothing line were known by the fashion world. “Today is a very special day for Nate and me.”
Lori came into the room wearing red-and-white-striped footie pajamas, gripping a brown stuffed horse and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She rounded the table and climbed into Hailey’s lap, resting her head on Hailey’s shoulder. “It’s the an-an-anniversary of Dad and me going on an airplane to bring you home. Right?”
Hailey squeezed her tighter. “That’s right. You want some orange juice?”
Lori nodded.
Rhonda stood. “I’ll get it. Anything else, munchkin?”
“It’s S-s-saturday. Dad always p-p-pancakes on S-s-saturday.”
Rhonda turned on her heel. “No boys until we get to the church.”
Lori giggled. “Then you make p-p-pancakes.”
Hailey laughed. “You don’t want that, sweetheart.”
Rhonda displayed her fingernails. “Cooking might mess up the manicure.”
As if Rhonda’s words reminded Lori, she stuck her hands out on display. “Look! Hailey p-p-painted mine just like hers.”
Rhonda set the glass of juice in front of the girl and took the child’s hand. “Oh! They’re so pretty! So grownup. Do you want a piece of your grandma’s coffee cake?”
Lori scowled and shook her head. “I don’t like r-r-raisins.”
“Cereal, sausage biscuit out of the freezer, or strawberry Pop Tarts?” Hailey rattled off the child’s breakfast options.
“Saturday is pancake day,” Anna said as she came into the room. She gave her focus to Lori. “Where’s your dad when we need him?”
The child giggled. “No b-b-boys. R-R-Rhonda said.”
“I’ll make break
fast.” Anna crossed to the stove. “It’s too big a day to not have a good meal.”
“Let me help you.” Hailey started to lift Lori off her lap, but Anna turned, shaking her head. “The bride gets to enjoy her leisure.”
Lori picked up the picture that was on the table and showed it to Hailey. “She’s p-p-pretty.”
“That’s how I’m going to do Hailey’s hair,” Rhonda explained. “Do you like it?”
Lori nodded. “I’m s-s-supposed to look just l-l-like Hailey today. Do you have enough wh-white flowers for my hair too?”
“And ribbon. And beads. I got you covered.”
Chapter Four
Nate stood on Jake’s doorstep. His tuxedo in one hand, he knocked with the other and hoped his fiancée’s brother would understand why he had to do this.
Jake opened the door, standing in red boxers and a matching T-shirt. “Dude, do you know what time it is? I thought we weren’t meeting at the church until one to get ready for pictures.”
“That is the plan.” He offered up the black wardrobe bag. “Do me a favor and bring this with you to the church. I might not have time to run home, and I don’t want to keep it in the car all day. If it gets wrinkled, Rhonda will skin me.”
Jake took the offering, but his suspicious glare cut through Nate. “Where are you going?”
“It’s something I need to do for Hailey.” He started to turn, but Jake grabbed his shoulder.
“Tell me.”
“We’ve been talking to Victoria for months about paperwork Hailey needs to adopt Lori. She’d promised we’d have it by today, but they hadn’t come. So I called her last night.”
Jake’s chin dropped. “That’s why you were cranky at the bar.”
“She said if I meet her at a Starbucks at eleven, she’d give them to me.”
“The closest Starbucks is—”
“Saginaw. I meet her at eleven. She hands me the papers. I get back in the car. I’m home by twelve-thirty. It’s no big deal. Hailey will be so happy to have this taken care of. Lori too.”
“Dude, it’s your wedding day. You shouldn’t be running off to your ex.”
Nate didn’t like the saddened look on Jake’s face or the disappointed tone of his voice. “This has zero to do with Victoria. This is about giving your sister something she desperately wants—security in the family we’re creating.”
“I know how she can be about having all her legal ducks in a row. She can’t help that. But in her heart, she knows the paperwork is just that.”
“She’s lost both your parents in two years.”
“We all did. I know she’d hoped Dad would be here today—”
“She’s afraid of losing more. She doesn’t doubt my feelings, but she fears…tragedy. I know it might seem trivial, but I need to make this right. I want today to be her happiest day ever. The beginning of our family. If that means driving to Victoria to get the papers, that’s what I’m going to do.” He glanced down at his watch. “I have to go. Bring the tux to the church, please.”
“Of course.”
Nate climbed into his truck and turned the key. Before backing out of the driveway, he fished his phone out of his coat pocket and pulled up a text to Hailey. See you at the altar. Love you, he typed and then hit send.
****
Nate walked into the coffee shop and scanned for Victoria. Not finding her, he checked his watch.
He was fifteen minutes early.
She would walk through the door at the specified time. Not a moment before.
That was Victoria: precise and planned. Nothing happened unless it was noted in her organizer. Their encounter that lead to Lori’s conception was the rare exception to that rule…and he daily thanked the gods and fates for the stars aligning, gifting him with his baby.
He didn’t for a moment doubt Victoria would show up, papers in hand. He also didn’t question it would be a smooth transition.
She hadn’t sent the papers before now, because Lori ranked low—if at all—on her priority list. As far as Victoria was concerned, she’d settled this matter when they agreed Nate would raise the child alone.
Hailey wanted more than that. She deserved it after the way she’d stepped up over the last year. She understood that being in his life meant being in Lori’s. She helped with homework and school prep, took her to doctor and speech therapy appointments when Nate needed her to help, and made herself available to read bedtime stories. She was there for riding lessons and when she got sick.
Getting these papers signed was the least he could do.
He approached the counter and ordered a cup of dark roast coffee, a simple order by Starbucks standards, but he was uncomplicated and proud of it.
Taking his drink, he settled in at a table near the corner and checked his watch, wondering what Hailey was doing now. He imagined her cousin buzzing around her, fixing her hair or doing her makeup. He could see Hailey going out of her way to make sure Lori felt included and received the same special treatment. He knew Hailey made Lori a priority today in the same way he did.
He sipped his coffee as he pulled his phone out of his pocket and pushed the button to light up the screen. With a few taps, he was looking at pictures from the night before—their rehearsal and the dinner following.
Today, they would be a family—papers or not.
A piece of him felt like he shouldn’t be spending a single moment or thought on Victoria today. Another side of him knew it wasn’t about her at all. He did this to give Hailey a sense of security to fill the void created by the loss of her parents.
Besides, if he weren’t here, he’d be at home twiddling his thumbs until it was time to go to the church.
“Nathaniel.”
Victoria.
He didn’t have to look up to know the woman had arrived. She was the only one in the world who used his given name. He pressed the button on the side of his phone to turn off the screen and stood.
She looked just as he remembered. Maybe a little older in some fine lines around her eyes, but otherwise every bit the vibrant, professional woman she’d always wanted to be.
“I won’t keep you. I know you have a plane to catch.”
She waved a hand and took a seat at the table. “I have a few minutes.” She looked over her shoulder toward the counter and waved at one of the baristas, who nodded and went to work making a drink.
Of course. Victoria would be a regular.
Her desire to stay and talk was unexpected. Especially given her curt insistence she had no time for reminiscing the night before. Nate felt his stomach clench, as he lowered himself back to his chair.
“You look good.” Her eyes were focused on him. Her smile was bright and wide.
“Thanks. You too. You said you’re headed to London for a month?”
She nodded. “Work, work, work.” She paused, her lips flattened to thin, pink lines. She opened her purse and pulled out her wallet. “You’re getting married today.”
“Yes.” He paused, twisted his hands under the table. This was supposed to be easy. A quick hand off. What did she want? “Hailey is—”
“A lawyer. She must work even more hours than I do.”
Nate shrugged. “I wouldn’t know what you work. She’s a busy woman, but she’s committed to Lori and me.”
“You went with Laura huh?”
“No. I went with Lorianne, but the nickname has stuck.” It seemed so odd to be having this discussion with Victoria. Shouldn’t Lori’s mother know what her name was. Then again, he’d always been so grateful she’d never asked. “What is this about? Why are you asking me all these questions?”
The tall, thin teenaged boy from behind the counter brought over a large plastic cup full of a tan drink, with whipped cream, caramel, and chocolate sauce. He set it on the table, and Victoria slipped a ten-dollar bill in his hand. “Thank you,” she said with a sweet smile, before turning her eyes back to Nate.
He noticed her smile dissipate and her eyes darken. “Maybe
I don’t have any right to ask anything about your fiancée. However, it is my daughter she wants to adopt.”
“Wrong! Don’t even! She’s my daughter.”
“I carried her. I gave birth to her.”
“Only because I begged you.”
Her lips twisted. She didn’t even attempt to hide the pained look. She reached for her fancy coffee and took a sip before speaking again. “I always knew you’d be a wonderful father. I never doubted you’d take good care of our baby. I knew she was happy and healthy.”
Victoria’s admissions stunned Nate. He’d never believed her to be anything but uncaring when it came to him and Lori. “You’ve thought of us?”
She fidgeted with her purse for a moment, before opening it and pulling out an envelope. “Of course, I did. I’m human, Nathaniel. She was a part of me for nine months.” She set the envelope on the table. “I’m not a motherly type. I know this is for the best. But, yes, I do wonder what my baby looks like and what she’s doing. I do think of her on her birthdays and the holidays.”
“Last night you thought she was four. Doesn’t seem to me you’ve kept good count.”
She looked away and closed her eyes. “There’s no reason to be cruel.”
The pain in her voice stunned Nate, and he scrambled for what to say. “I’m sorry. I’m just— Why the sudden concern? After so many years of silence?”
“I want to believe this Hailey you’re marrying—the one who leaves cold, insensitive messages on my voice mail—treats our baby better than she does me.”
Nate fixed his gaze on the papers. He never imagined this would be anything but simple. He’d assured Hailey over and again Victoria had no interest in his daughter—and sincerely believed those words.
Not that he thought Victoria acted insincere now. Her emotions did seem genuine. He saw glimpses of the girl he’d once been attracted to—the one he’d dated oh-so-briefly.
He picked up his phone and woke it. Hitting a few icons, he brought up the folder of pictures he’d just been looking at and slid to one of Lori on Hailey’s lap at dinner. Hailey’s head rested on Lori’s, and both of them had large smiles.
Nate and Hailey: The Sunnydale Weddings Page 2
