Although distracted by her reaction to Gage, she summoned a bit of her own thespian talent and flashed a smile to her parents. And She paused for dramatic effect as if she were spilling the best part, instead of the catch. Were expecting. Im pregnant.
The shock returned. More gaping.
Zoeys cheeks felt leaden as she tried to hold her smile in place. Im due in April.
Ellen pressed her hand to her mouth. Oh, Zoey, Gage, congratulations! Im so happy for you. She stepped up to them and drew them both into a group hug. This is such a surprise except not really. I always had a feeling you two might end up together. Oh! Her mother laughed and kissed Gages cheek. Welcome to the family, honey.
Zoey peered around Gage as her mother hugged him again, and they exchanged more pleasantries. Her father hadnt said anything yet, and his gaze was directed toward the floor.
His expression boded ill. He didnt appear mad exactly. More confused, skeptical.
She swallowed hard. Oh, Lord. He was doing the math. When he met her gaze, Zoey knew she was busted.
The baby isnt Gages, is it?
Her mother and Gage fell silent, turning toward Neil when he spoke. Zoeys heart thumped. She said nothing.
Its Dereks baby. Am I right? Her fathers expression sagged with disenchantment.
Zoey raised her chin, working to keep her hurt and frustration from coloring her tone. But failing. Its my baby. Thats what matters.
And thats why Gage married you, he spoke softly, but his tone radioed his disillusionment. Because you were pregnant, and Derek had dumped you.
Maybe I dumped Derek. Semantics, she knew, but Zoey felt compelled to put a more positive spin on the matter. What matters is I saw his true stripes, and hes out of my life.
Or so she hoped. She could still hear the desperation in his voice as she and Gage drove away from the Vegas motel. You havent heard the last of me, Red! You owe me!
She suppressed a shudder. It would be just like Derek to haunt her life the way the acrid scent of his cigarettes clung to her clothes.
So Gage only married you to save your reputation and give your baby a n
Actually, sir, Gage interrupted, his voice firm. I married Zoey for the reasons I gave earlier. I care for Zoey and always have. I wanted to marry her.
Zoeys heart pattered with a bittersweet ache. Her hero. Rescuing her from her fathers condemnation. He really was putting on quite a good show for her parents sake. She studied the firm set of his mouth and marveled again at the changes in him, the rugged appeal of his square jaw and harsh cheekbones.
And you dont have a problem with raising another mans baby? Her father seemed shocked, suspicious. Do you have any idea how much a baby costs? You understand she has no savings anymore. The burden of paying for this baby will fall to you, son.
My friendship with Zoey has never had anything to do with money, how much she had or didnt have. And Im sure I will love her baby as if it were my own. Just like Zoey will care for my niece with genuine affection.
Appreciation for Gages defense of her warmed Zoeys heart, but guilt sliced through her in its wake. This was her mess. She couldnt let Gage fall on the sword for her. She had to stand up to her fathers chastisement, take the blame for her mistakes and take responsibility for turning her life around. Starting with facing the truth and not hiding behind a sham marriage.
Your niece? Her father cocked his eyebrow in his do-tell way again.
Enough. She stepped forward,
squaring her shoulders as she faced her father. Okay, yes. The baby is Dereks. I realize that Ive let you down. Her voice cracked, and she slapped a hand to her chest. Ive let me down. I have no reason to expect you to be happy about my circumstances, but Gage was willing to sacrifice everything to help me. She raised her chin and leveled a steady gaze on her father. So dont judge Gage or his choices. Hes doing this all for me, and I love him for it.
She felt Gage stiffen beside her, sensed more than saw the startled glance he shot toward her. And yes, our marriage is more of a business arrangement than a love match. She heard Gage sigh, saw her mother deflate, recognized the resignation in her fathers face. Pain plucked at her, knowing how shed failed her parents and what her mistakes had cost Gage. Clearing the clog of emotion from her throat, she explained the symbiotic arrangement she and Gage had agreed upon. When the time comes, weve agreed to a quiet divorce. A vise squeezed her chest so tightly that she could barely rasp the last word.
A heavy silence fell over the room, and tears stung her sinuses. Maybe coming back to Lagniappe had been a mistake. Maybe her parents would have been better off if shed stayed away, let them think she was still happily living the life of a gypsy with her poker-playing boyfriend. Maybe accepting Gages proposal had been another selfish mistake that would come back to haunt her and break his heart. Even the thought of hurting him made her lungs ache until she couldnt breathe.