Everyone at the table chuckled.

  Clementine tried to keep a straight face but her lips stretched into an involuntary smile.

  Ward Jr. was the topic of discussion for the next hour. It was ironic that someone who couldn’t talk was the center of attention. I imagined how my own baby would look, and if it were a boy I would want him to look like his father. I could see us sitting at the table together, my child sleeping quietly in Cayson’s arms. The idea hit me with such longing that I wanted to cry. Cayson and I were starting a family together, and once he returned home that part of our lives would begin. It was exciting, but it was also depressing. That happy ending seemed so far away.

  “Anything new with you?” Cortland asked.

  I was lost in my daydream so it took me a moment to come back to reality. “Just work and stuff…” I needed to tell them the truth but I was nervous. There was no reason to be apprehensive. Of course they would be thrilled. I felt the same hesitance when I told my parents. It was just nerve-racking.

  “How’s Sean doing?” Cortland asked. “I was over there yesterday but that guy acts like he’s perfectly fine even though he has a gaping hole in his back.” He rolled his eyes.

  “He’s doing a lot better,” I said. “The new medication he’s on really helps. Mom says it helps him sleep and relax.”

  “Good,” Monnique said. “Sean needs to learn how to chill out.”

  Cortland chuckled. “That’ll never happen.”

  My hand automatically went to my stomach under the table. Life was growing inside me, life that I treasured. In a few months, another edition to the family would arrive. There was no reason to be nervous. I should shout out the news from the tallest skyscraper in the city. “There’s something I’d like to tell everyone…”

  They all stopped eating and turned my way.

  “What is it, honey?” Cortland asked as he held his wine glass.

  My heart was beating fast in my chest. It felt like a hammer was striking me with full force. “Ward Jr. is going to have a little cousin soon…”

  Cortland’s eyes widened, and the blue color of his irises became deeper. His entire body stiffened at the news.

  Monnique’s jaw dropped and then she quickly covered her mouth and gasped. “Oh my god!”

  “You’re pregnant?” Clementine blurted.

  Ward’s face stretched into a wide smile. “I thought you had a special glow…”

  Now that the words were out of my mouth, a smile formed on my lips. Excitement bubbled inside me, and I wish I didn’t have another seven and a half months to get through before the baby arrived. “Yep. I’m having a baby.”

  Cortland pounded his fist against the table in excitement. “Two grandbabies. That’s wonderful.”

  “Oh my god.” Monnique kept fanning her eyes. “Both of my babies have their own babies…” She turned to her husband and hugged him tightly. “We’re so lucky, honeybunny.”

  He kissed her temple. “I know we are.”

  Warmth filled my body at their excitement. It seemed like they were more enthusiastic about the baby than I was.

  Clementine left her chair then hugged me. “Congratulations! I’m going to be aunt.”

  “Congratulations to you too.”

  “I’m going to be the best damn aunt ever,” she said with determination in her eyes.

  “I have no doubt of that,” I said with a smile.

  “Our kids will be so close in age,” Clementine said as she clapped her hands in excitement. “I hope you have a boy. Then they can be best friends.”

  “I’m sure they’ll be close no matter what I have.”

  Ward came next, still holding Ward Jr. “Congrats. I’m very happy for you.”

  “Thanks, Ward.”

  “You two will make beautiful children.” Affection was in his eyes.

  “Thanks.” My cheeks blushed slightly.

  Cayson’s parents came next, smothering me with love and affection.

  Now I felt like Ward Jr., the center of attention.

  “Cayson must be so excited,” Clementine said. “He’ll be such a good father.”

  I flinched slightly. “Actually, he doesn’t know.”

  “What?” Cortland blurted. “You haven’t told him yet?”

  “Well…” I told them my explanation and why I made this decision. They all sat down and listened to me, and by the time I was finished they seemed to understand.

  “Cayson would definitely return,” Ward said. “There’s no doubt about that.”

  “But it’s his decision,” Clementine argued.

  “But those people need him,” Ward said. “It’s not like Skye is going into labor while he’s away. She’ll only be three months along by the time he gets back. He won’t miss anything.”

  “If Monnique was carrying my baby I’d want to know,” Cortland said. “But these are unusual circumstances…”

  “I agree with Skye,” Monnique said. “It’s hard to keep it yourself but it’s probably for the best. If you did tell Cayson and he miraculously decided to stay, he would be worried the entire time. He might be a little upset that you kept it from him, but in light of the fact you’re pregnant with his child that anger won’t last long.”

  I’m sure Cayson would be irritated that I didn’t tell him but that resentment would quickly disappear. He would be too excited about the baby to hold a grudge. And he would be too excited to see me.

  “This is so great,” Ward said. “Did you plan for this…?”

  “No,” I said honestly. “It was an accident.”

  “I know how that goes,” Clementine said quietly. “But you’ll quickly realize it was the best mistake of your life.”

  I smiled. “I know it will be. It must have happened on our honeymoon.”

  “Cayson didn’t waste any time, did he?” Ward said with a chuckle.

  Cayson’s parents shifted their weight awkwardly but didn’t say anything.

  “You guys wanted a family anyway, right?” Clementine asked.

  I laughed. “Cayson wanted a family before we even got married. After my accident…he was very anxious. And I know as soon as I have this one he’ll want another one.”

  “Same here.” Ward shot Clementine a look.

  “We’re so lucky,” Cortland said. “We’re going to have two babies running around. Two.”

  “I know. “Monnique wouldn’t stop smiling. “I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time.”

  “And then we’ll have more,” Cortland said with excitement. “That’s so many birthday parties and Christmases…”

  Monnique had a dreamy look in her eyes. “And so many presents and trips…”

  I tried not to smile. This was their moment of happiness and I didn’t want to ruin it by teasing them.

  “Do Sean and Scarlet know?” Clementine asked.

  “I told them,” I said with a nod.

  “Man, they must have been excited,” Cortland said. “They’re having their first grandchild.”

  “Dad actually got a little teary-eyed.” I smiled at the memory.

  “Awe…” Monnique’s eyes squinted in affection.

  “When are you going to tell him?” Cortland asked.

  I shrugged. “When I see him at the airport…he’ll probably look at my stomach and just know.”

  “That would be the best welcome home gift ever,” Clementine said.

  “Poor guy,” Ward said. “You’re going to make him cry in front of a bunch of strangers.”

  “I have a feeling he won’t be ashamed of his tears.” I wasn’t sure how Cayson would react, but he probably wouldn’t even notice anyone was there except for the two of us.

  “I’m so happy for my brother,” Clementine said. “He’s the greatest guy in the whole world. He’ll be such a good father.”

  “I know.” I felt my cheeks blush. “I’m very lucky to have him.”

  “And he’s very lucky to have you,” Cortland said. “It’s a perfect match.”

  His compliment made me feel special. Cortland and Monnique had always been family to me, but now they were even more so. I was carrying their grandchild within me, starting a new generation.

  And I couldn’t be happier.

  ***

  When I walked inside, Trinity was sitting on the couch making notes with a Sharpie on a magazine page. “Slade isn’t home?”

  “Band practice.” She continued writing.

  He played music with his band a few times a week, and sometimes I forgot when he would be home and when he wouldn’t.

  “How were the in-laws?”

  “Good.”

  She put down the magazine. “Did you tell them?”

  I nodded.

  Trinity smiled. “They were like lit fireworks, weren’t they?”

  “That’s an understatement.” I sat beside her on the couch. “They’re really excited.”

  “Of course they are. You told them Cayson doesn’t know?”

  “Yeah,” I answered. “They were confused at first but when I gave them my reasoning they understood.”

  She patted my hand. “I think you’re doing the right thing. It must be hard talking to your husband and not telling him what’s really going on. But it’s a difficult situation.”

  “Thanks.” I appreciated that. “When I imagined being pregnant it was never like this. I always thought I would tell my husband the moment it happened. It’s difficult to bottle it inside.”

  “I can only imagine.” Sympathy was in her eyes. “But when he comes home and you tell him the truth…it’ll be so wonderful. From there on out, everything will be perfect. You can begin your wonderful lives together in this ridiculous mansion on the sand.”

  I smiled. “True. I just have to be patient.”

  “And you will be rewarded.” She picked up her magazine again.

  There was something on my mind but I wasn’t sure if I should bring it up. Trinity and I had discussed it a long time ago but I wasn’t sure if that still applied now. I was having a baby, but it was totally an accident. “So…do you and Slade talk about having kids?”

  She turned to me with an unreadable look. “Slade and I are definitely having kids. When we talked about it, we assumed it would be later in the future. But we agreed to have them when you and Cayson did so they would be the same age. But since that came earlier than expected…we’re going to have to rearrange a few things.”

  “As in…you still want to have them at the same time?”

  “Of course I do,” she blurted. “I just need to talk to him about it. Every time I bring it up, something else comes up.”

  I wanted to have kids at the same time but I wasn’t sure if that was an option at this point. I had more faith that Slade would be a good father but I wasn’t sure if it was too soon for him. “You haven’t even been married for a year yet…I know we planned on doing this at the same time but I understand if you guys want to wait.”

  “No, this is what I want,” she said firmly. “I know we haven’t been married for very long but it doesn’t matter. I know we’ll be together forever.”

  I wondered if Slade felt that way. “Then you guys need to get cracking.”

  She chuckled. “Yeah, we do. I know Slade won’t mind that part.”

  “Of course he won’t,” I said with a laugh.

  “He and I need to get on it soon so we can make sure our kids are in the same year. I’ll talk to him when he gets home tonight.”

  “Let me know how it goes.”

  She gave me a smartass look. “Like I don’t always tell you how it goes.”

  Chapter Three

  Cayson

  Could I endure another month and a half of this?

  The trees here were different. They grew tall, almost as tall as an average building in Manhattan. The air was so different. It was less polluted, but the humidity was worse than New York City in the heat of summer. The stalks of grass grew tall and without a trim. Nothing reminded me of my home.

  I started to feel disconnected from everything else. I was immersed in my new environment, and now I’d gotten so used to it that I wasn’t even sure what a hamburger tasted like. When I tried to picture Slade’s face, nothing came up. The image of Skye would never leave my mind because her face was permanently engraved on the back of my eyes.

  When I agreed to do this for three months, I didn’t realize what I was signing up for. The physical exertion was much worse than anything I put myself through at the gym. My body had been pushed in ways I never knew was possible. I was in the best shape of my life, but I was also the most exhausted I’d ever been.

  I avoided Laura like she had a disease. Thankfully, she didn’t try to talk to me again after she apologized. Her empty words meant nothing to me. I could forgive anyone for anything…but that. She violated my physical space and my will. She did something that I didn’t want.

  It was enough to make my blood boil.

  I assumed my hatred toward her would decrease as the weeks passed, but it only grew stronger. It wouldn’t be resolved until I spoke to Skye and learned my fate. When I went through the conversation in my mind, the ending was always different. Sometimes Skye was sympathetic and understanding. She knew it wasn’t my fault and I didn’t do anything wrong. She forgave me. But then there was the other scenario where she didn’t forgive me. Pain was in her eyes, and the trust she had for me disappeared. It was my fault for letting Laura sleep in the tent. If I hadn’t done that then it never would have happened.

  Which one would it be?

  Would she leave me? Would my marriage end so quickly? Or would Skye remember how much I loved her? Would she understand I would never intentionally hurt her?

  I was so terrified.

  After a long journey throughout the day, we made camp and circled the fire pit. On the nights when I didn’t have reception I leaned against a heavy log and stared into the dancing flames. If I looked hard enough, I saw the desire in Skye’s eyes when I made love to her.

  It comforted me when I was alone.

  Across the fire, Polo was talking to Laura in a quiet voice. Laura didn’t look at him. Her eyes were directed to the flames. She didn’t say anything in return, but Polo continued to speak.

  I ignored her because she wasn’t my problem.

  A few moments later, Laura abruptly left the campfire then moved into the darkness of the tents. All the men discreetly glanced her way and watched her leave. Polo’s eyes drilled into her back. He watched her until she was out of sight. Then he left the campfire and followed her.

  I remained in my spot, but my heart rate had picked up slightly. I was highly observant and intuitive, and something didn’t feel right about Polo. He stared at Laura a lot, just like the other men, but there was a distinct look in his eyes. I wasn’t sure what it meant.

  But it didn’t seem good.

  I continued to lean against the log because I reminded myself what Laura did. She disrespected me and jeopardized my marriage. If Skye left me over this, I would never forgive her. As cold as it made me sound, I would hate her for the rest of my life. Whatever issues she was having with Polo weren’t my concern. If she wanted my protection then she shouldn’t have crossed a line.

  After I made my decision I stayed put. Whatever happened to her wasn’t my responsibility. She deserved whatever was coming to her. I didn’t give a damn what happened to that woman, not after what she did to me.

  But in a few minutes, all of that changed. What if something did happen to her? The guilt was getting to me. What if Polo hurt her? What if Polo did something worse?

  It went against my nature to sit there and do nothing. As much as I hated Laura for what she did to me, it was physically painful to sit there and not check on her. I didn’t know why I cared so much but I did.

  Unable to sit still for a moment longer, I cursed under my breath then headed to her tent in the darkness. I weaved through the different camps as I approached the small blue one in the corner.

  “Leave me alone, Polo.” Laura’s voice came to me in the darkness. It was strong, but there was a hint of fear in it.

  “I think you’re beautiful,” he said with broken English. “And I want you.”

  “Well, I don’t want you. Now leave.”

  Polo didn’t say anything for a long time. “I bring you flowers. I give you food.”

  “That was very nice of you,” she said. “But I didn’t ask for it.”

  Polo grew more aggressive. “You will do as I say. I’ve done everything for you.”

  Laura’s voice came out angry. “I may be a second class citizen in your culture but I’m not from your land. I’m an American, and no, I will not do as you say. Now go.”

  “No.”

  I knew this conversation had taken a turn for the worse. I had to intervene. Laura was strong, but she couldn’t overpower a man like Polo. Unless she had a weapon, she was helpless.

  I approached them from behind then grabbed Polo by the neck. I kicked his knees from under him and forced him to the ground. My grip on his skin didn’t let up. I kept him there, pinned at my feet. “Laura is mine. Do not touch her. Do not speak to her. And do not look at her.” The men in my team weren’t American. They didn’t understand respect. But they did understand property. If I claimed Laura was mine, they would leave her alone. “Do you understand me?”

  Polo tried to get out of my hold but it was pointless. He released a loud growl. “Yes.”

  I loosened my hold. “Now leave.”

  Polo rubbed the back of his neck once he was free then shot me a glare. “Americans always think they’re above everyone else.”

  I stared at him but held my tongue. Now that Laura was safe there was no point in escalating the argument. I needed Polo as a translator and I didn’t want to damage our relationship further.

  Polo finally walked away and joined everyone by the fire.

  I stared at Laura and saw the look of relief on her face. She tried to act brave but I could tell she was scared. I didn’t blame her. I would be scared too. “Are you alright?”

  “I’m fine.” Her words came out as a whisper.

  I hated myself for what I was about to do but I didn’t have another choice. “Grab your things and come back to my tent.”

 

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