Page 41 of Dark Memories
“No, there are things I should have done differently, things I should have said to you. When Cinda made her pregnancy announcement, I was gobsmacked. A literal deer in the headlights. When you left so I could have a private conversation with her, I couldn’t conceive it would be the last time I’d see you.”
“It’s in the past, Zach.”
“Yes and no. It is a part of our past, but you’re here now, and I want another chance with you. I think before that can happen, you really need to hear what I should have told you back then. When I returned to talk to Cinda, I told her that I would support her and the baby and that I wanted to be a part of my child’s life.”
He squeezed her hand. “My hope was that you would be okay with that. You have a big heart, and I thought you would. Maybe not at first, but I hoped that you loved me enough to make things work.” He closed his eyes, remembering Cinda’s reaction when he told her he was in love with Delaney.
“This is a surprise to say the least, Cinda, but you don’t have to worry. I want to be a part of my child’s life, both financially and personally.”
“If you want to be a part of our life, then you’ll marry me.”
Was she serious? They were oil and water, two people with nothing in common who fought over the least little thing. He couldn’t imagine being married to her.
“You don’t even particularly like me, so why would you want to marry me? And that’s not even mentioning that I’m in love with someone else.”
She made a pfffing sound. “The woman who just left? She can’t keep you interested, not like I can.”
“I’m not going to marry you, but I am going to be a part of my child’s life.” Was it even his? He didn’t dare pose that question here and now. He knew her, and she would fly into a rage and God only knew what she’d get it in her mind to do. Disappear probably.
“It’s simple, Zach. Either you marry me or I get rid of it.”
“Neither one of those things are going to happen, and I don’t understand why you’d want to marry a man who bored you. Those were your parting words in case you’ve forgotten.”
“I’ve changed my mind. Women are allowed to do that, you know.”
“Why, Cinda? Why want something that’s going to make us both miserable?”
“Because it suits me at the moment.”
“I don’t believe that’s all there is to it.”
“It kind of is, but sure, there is more. My father says I’m an embarrassment to him, and that he’ll disown me if I have a baby out of wedlock. Silly but true. I can’t have that.”
Her father was the general counsel to a nonprofit organization and was a stickler for propriety. His reaction wasn’t surprising. He would consider an unwed, pregnant daughter shameful.
“It’s marriage or an abortion. If I walk out that door tonight, by the end of the day tomorrow there will be no baby.”
“Don’t do this, Cinda. Your father doesn’t really mean that.”
“Yes, he does. Besides, you’re going places, and I plan to be along for the ride. What’s your answer, Zach?”
“How do I even know the baby’s mine?” he said, finally desperate enough to ask. “Or even if you’re really pregnant.”
She shrugged. “Because I’m telling you that I am and it’s yours. I guess you’ll have to trust me.”
Trust her? That was laughable.
“Another thing,” she said. “We leave today for Vegas where you will marry me, or this is the last you’ll ever see of me.” She put her hand on her stomach. “And your baby.”
“I knew she meant it.” For the first time since he’d started his story, Zach met Delaney’s gaze. “As much as I loved you, I couldn’t let her destroy an innocent life. Not one I’d created.” He squeezed her hand. “I should have figured out a way to get around her demands, and I would have if I’d been given some time to think. She knew that, which is why she didn’t give me that time.”
“You did the right thing.” She lifted her gaze to his. “I’m truly glad I can say that now and mean it.”
Delaney hesitated, but she needed to know. “I wondered back then if you’d still had lingering feelings for Cinda, if that was why—”
“No. There were no lingering feelings. Not even a sliver.” He took the wineglass out of her hand. “Come here.” When she didn’t move, he stood, picked her up, and settled back onto his seat with her on his lap. “Much better.”
She glared at him, making him smile. “You need to stop messing with me.”
