Her fathers tone of voice, his derogatory emphasis, left no question of whom he meant. Zoey bristled at her fathers shift into a combative demeanor, and Gage, clearly reading her body language, placed a hand on her knee, silently advising patience. The warmth of his hand seeped through her jeans and stirred a giddy flutter in her belly. The memory of their wedding kiss teased the edges of her thoughts, rattling her further. Why did Gage have this unnerving effect on her now? Was it just because they were married? Biting her lip, she fumbled for composure before answering her father. No. He we broke up.
She divided a glance between her parents, gauging their reaction to this news. Her father arched a graying eyebrow, indicating he expected an explanation, while her mothers expression lit with hope and relief. Beside the couch where Zoey perched, a large grandfather clock stood sentinel over the room, while its ticktocking reverberated in the ensuing quiet like a game-show timer, urging her to continue.
Her father crossed his arms and cocked his head. How much did he take you for?
His confidence in his question chafed. Zoey raised her chin, vacillating between, Who says he took me for anything? and the truth. But what good would denials do, other than salve her pride for a few seconds before she came clean?
She rubbed her palms on her jeans and huffed a sigh. Everything.
Her mother gasped. Her father groaned. Gage wrapped his hand around hers and squeezed. The gesture, in the face of her parents obvious dismay and disappointment in her, was like landing in an unexpected safety net after a ten-story fall.
Im here. I stand with you. I care. His unspoken support brought tears to her eyes.
Neil Bancroft narrowed his eyes and frowned. Your savings?
She nodded.
Your inheritance?
More tears prickled her eyes. Shame was a bitter pill. Everything.
Criminy, Zoey! Neil shoved a hand through his silver hair. I knew this would happen. I told you he was
A jerk and a loser and a freeloader, and I didnt listen because I was in love. Zoey shoved to her feet, raising her voice to be heard over her fathers. I know. You were right, and I screwed up. Again. Im a disappointment to the family, and the worst daughter ever. Does that about cover it?
No, honey! Dont say that. Her mother rushed over to her, placing herself between her husband and daughter. Youre a wonderful daughter, and we love you.
What about your stock in the company? Your shares of Bancroft Industries?
Neil! Ellen sent her husband a quelling look.
But Zoeys spirits lifted. Shed forgotten her stake in the family business, small though it was. Derek hadnt gotten everything. No. Relief filled her tone. Her smile welled from inside her, and she turned to Gage before answering her father. I still have my stock.
Her father dragged a hand over his face as he stalked to a wingback chair and sat down. Well, thats something anyway.
Her mother gave her father another scolding look, then turned to Zoey with a stiff smile. You said you had news. Good news?
The hopeful tone of her mothers question, as if she didnt really expect good news and was bracing for the worst, raked through Zoey. Not that she could blame her mom. Zoey had more often than not been the bearer of bad news. Shed gotten detention for cutting class. Shed maxed out her credit card. She wasnt going to college. Shed gotten arrested at an environmental groups protest rally and needed to be bailed out of jail.
Yeah, shed dropped a few bombs in her day. And todays missile had an atomic warhead.
Um, well When she hedged, Gage shoved to his feet and slid an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. The press of his hard body against hers brought a flush to her skin from her scalp to her toes.
Yes. Good news. Very good news. His voice was strong, confident and happy. He gave her a side glance that said Trust me.
Her father raised his eyebrow. Go on.
Her mother leaned forward, her expression eager.
Zoey opened her mouth, then closed it, the words stuck in her throat. Im pregnant.
When she faltered, Gage jumped in again. Were married. She could hear a smile in his voice as he made the announcement, and Zoeys heart tripped.
Her parents stared, mouths gaping.
It was an impromptu thing, but heartfelt,
he continued. Ive been waiting ten years for her to say yes, so when she did, I didnt waste time and give her the chance to back out.
Shock gave way to joy on her mothers face, and her father sat back in his chair nodding his approval. And why not? Gage had always been like a son to them, thanks to his many hours with the family, his place at the table for holiday meals, his help with yard work, repairs and washing dishes. When each of his parents died, her parents had anonymously paid for the funerals, though Gage had figured out easily enough whod made the generous gesture.
Gage stroked his hand from her shoulder to her arm and hugged her to his side, beaming, playing his part as a newlywed to a T. Apparently, he should have been on the stage instead of working on the sets during high school. The guy had a hidden acting talent, currently out in force. Zoey almost believed that he was really as blissful as he pretended about their Im-saving-your-ass, not-really-real marriage of convenience. And like a lust-crazed honeymooners, her nerve endings crackled in response to his tender touch, and a hum of desire coiled in her belly.