Stay(37)

“She just said yes.”

He takes a few steps away then back to us. “I never liked you, Hastings, and I’ll be damned if you come in and try to touch what’s mine.”

A defiant grin curls my lips. “Worried, Dick? Afraid your ex-wife might find a man who treats her with respect?”

His face turns red, and he steps closer to Emmy. “What kind of stunt are you pulling now?”

Before she has a chance to answer, I move between them. “Back off, Dickerson. You’re not going to intimidate Emmy, and you’re not doing anything to endanger Eli again. I’m making sure of it.”

He glares at me. “If you think you’re telling me what to do with my son, you’re crazy.”

“I’ve been called worse.” My jaw is set.

For a moment, we’re at a stand-off. Then he takes a step back and starts to go. Before he’s too far away, he claps back. “This isn’t over, Hastings.”

Emmy’s shoulders droop, and chin falls. “I’ll never understand him.”

“Why in the world did you marry that asshole?” I put one hand on her shoulder, lifting her chin with my other. “He’s the world’s biggest douche.”

Our eyes meet, and she exhales a weak laugh. “I told you, I got pregnant.”

“Have you ever heard the expression ‘Two wrongs don’t make a right’?” My voice is gentle.

“Don’t be an ass.” She turns toward the window facing Eli’s room. I take a chance and put my arm around her waist. She doesn’t pull away.

“Did you ever love him?” I’m not sure why I want to know the answer to this question so badly. Maybe I need to know what she’s capable of.

She hesitates before answering. “I don’t know. Maybe… If love feels the way I think it does, I’ve only ever loved one man.”

“If it doesn’t?”

“If it doesn’t, I’ve only ever loved my father. And Eli.”

“Your father was a good man. I admired him. Eli reminds me of him. He’s thoughtful and smart.”

She turns to face me. “Thank you. For what you’re doing for him. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”

“Don’t thank me for this.” I touch her cheek. “I’m heading to my place to finish up. Call me if you need anything.”

She nods, and I lean forward to kiss her forehead. Her skin is warm, and I hold her a beat longer.

Everything is about to change.





15





Emmy


I’m standing in the middle of City Hall in a crowd of people waiting for their number to be called.

Lou insisted I wear something wedding-ish, so I ditched the denim skirt, pink sweater, and sandals in favor of a beige shift dress and nude heels. She styled my hair in a French braid around my head with white daisies pinned along it in a headband style. I added a little makeup, and the result is I look very elegant.

As my matron of honor and our one required witness, Lou is wearing a peach suit, her hair styled in a Liz Taylor bob. Eli is smiling beside her in a navy blazer and khaki pants, Kona tucked under his arm.

Every day he gets a little stronger. Other than fatigue, he didn’t have any side effects following his seizure. The doctors released him with a slightly stronger prescription.

In the meantime, Stephen’s been working his contact list, finding out all he can about the surgery and how soon Eli can be evaluated for it. We discovered one of the best neurosurgery hospitals is in the Upper East Side, a few short blocks from Stephen’s home. He’s already tracked down a doctor he knows to meet Eli.

Eli is thrilled to be moving in with Stephen. He thinks we’ve been dating this whole time, and he never knew. My stomach cramps, and all my self-doubts come rushing back.

This is a huge mistake. I never should have said yes to this.

What happens when it’s over?

I want to run, but God, it’s too late now. What can I possibly do?

I have to focus on the positive—my son is going to get his surgery. He’s going to have a shot at a normal life. Burt has backed down… Or at least he’s neutralized for now.

“There he is!” Lou’s voice sounds relieved.

She has no clue what’s driving our sudden nuptials, and she’s been beside herself as well, wanting to do all the traditional things. She probably thinks I’m pregnant. Stephen and I agreed to keep the real details of why we’re getting married between us. As a result, it’s been hard to put her off, but I have to. This is all pretend. Or at least, it’s only temporary.

Turning, I see my fiancé striding confidently up the marble lined corridor in our direction. My stomach tingles. He’s so damn sexy in a dark gray Armani suit, white shirt, and light blue tie. The color makes his blue eyes glow, and several heads turn to watch him pass. In his hand is a small bouquet of white roses.

“You’re beautiful.” Stephen’s words are like warm liquid in my veins. He steps forward to kiss my cheek before he hands me the flowers. I hold them to my nose. They smell beautiful. Do not get attached, Emmy. “Ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” My voice is soft.

I look up, and he’s watching me. Our eyes meet and something shifts in his expression, but he doesn’t address it. Instead, he pulls my hand into the crook of his arm and leads me to the window where we’ll hand over our paperwork and meet the Justice of the Peace.