Page 55 of Deceptive Vows
The memory faded as I focused again on the bakery, but the warmth of it lingered like a protective embrace. I cut off a piece of the lemon cake sample and took a bite.
“Oh.” I covered my mouth with my hand. “This is delicious.”
Anna shrugged. “If he looked at her the way Ari looks at me, then that was an electric relationship.” Her gaze caught mine. “I get a glimpse at the man he was every time I’m around Ari. He’s such a good man… and I think he’ll bea great father.”
There was a collective gasp.
She bumped Claire’s shoulder. “I owe you. If it weren’t for you, I’m not sure how things would have worked out.”
Claire’s eyes widened. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
Anna’s cheeks flushed pink as she nodded, her hand drifting to her stomach. “I found out last week. I wanted to wait until I was sure before I told anyone.”
Aunt Helen clapped her hands together, tears forming in her eyes. “Oh, my darling! A baby! Lisbet would be over the moon.”
“How did Ari react?” A smile spread across my face despite the weight that had been pressing on my chest all morning.
Anna smiled. “He cried. Actually cried. I’ve never seen him like that.”
“And Andros and Lisbet would have been the most doting grandparents.” Helen dabbed at her eyes with a napkin. “They would have spoiled that child rotten.”
For a moment, we all went quiet, the joy of Anna’s news mingling with the bittersweet absence of those who should have been here to share it. I thought of Ma’s kitchen and how shewould have been planning meals and knitting blankets already.
“So,” Claire broke the silence with a gentle smile, “I guess this means you win for most exciting news of the day.”
I laughed. “Without question. Congratulations, Anna. That’s wonderful news.”
Anna squeezed my hand. “Thank you. But this is your day, Thea. And speaking of which...” She gestured to the cake samples. “We should probably focus on finding you the perfect wedding cake—even if it will be served on black plates to match your morbid invitations.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “They’re elegant, not morbid.”
“They’re funeral announcements,” Aunt Helen grumbled, earning a chuckle from Claire.
The baker returned, apologizing for the interruption, and we resumed tasting cakes. The lemon was my favorite, but the chocolate was a close second. As the conversation drifted to flavors and fillings, my mind wandered back to Nazar. What would he prefer? I realized I didn’t know his favorite cake flavor or if he even liked cake at all.
After we finished at the bakery, we gathered our coats and stepped outside.The December air was biting, and I pulled my coat tighter as the four of us walked toward the dress shop.
“So, what was that call about?” Claire asked as we walked.
I sighed. “The fire investigation. They confirmed it was arson.”
Anna’s eyes widened. “Did they find out who did it?”
Aunt Helen looped her arm with mine, a silent show of support.
“No, just that they used gasoline and that they might have known my security code.” I shook my head. “I’m not surprised. We all know it was Marco. I just don’t know how they got my code.”
Claire frowned. “Have you told Nazar yet?”
“Haven’t had the chance. He’s barely been at the penthouse lately.” I tried to keep my tone neutral, but something must have slipped through.
“You miss him,” Anna said.
It wasn’t a question, and I didn’t bother denying it. “It’s complicated.”
“Complicated how?” Claire pressed, her eyes fixed on me with that knowing look I hated. “Because you’re starting to actually care about him, and that wasn’t part of the arrangement?”
Aunt Helen watched me carefully, her expressionsoftening. “There’s nothing wrong with caring for your husband, arranged or not.”
