Page 41 of Passion

“It’s true?” The question made her stiffen, but she nodded.

“I’m so sorry, Luke. I swear I didn’t get pregnant on purpose. It had to have been that first night on the island. I was so drunk. We didn’t use protection, did we?”

“No, baby, we didn’t.” I smoothed her hair back out of her eyes. “And I’m not angry, okay? I think I knew.”

She sat up and peered down at me. “You did?”

“Yeah, I did. You have been so sick and tired. You hardly eat anything. Those peppermints seem to be the god you worship now.” I splayed my hand on her stomach. “How many weeks?”

“Like almost thirteen.” She frowned. “I was so afraid to tell you. I didn’t want you to think I did this on purpose. I never wanted to get pregnant. It’s going to ruin my career. It’s just that when I found out, I was angry with you for calling the landlord. Then Midge said you were my sugar daddy, and I had to prove to her that it wasn’t true. I never thought of you that way.” Tears streamed down her face freely now, and I pulled her back to my chest.

“I know you didn’t. Okay? I know I was the one pursuing you the entire time. And when I even suspected that maybe you were pregnant, I couldn’t wait for you to tell me. I kept thinking how amazing it would be to be a dad and for you to have my baby. Wow… Vera, I am in love with you. Nothing can ever change that.”

“I’m not out for your money,” she sobbed.

“I know, baby. It’s okay. Your mom is wrong.” I sighed. “She is really hurt by her past. She’s afraid. We can’t even be mad at her. She just wants what’s best for you.”

“I can be mad.” Vera’s hands turned to fists and she curled up into a ball. “I can be furious. Iamfurious!”

“No, baby.” I kissed her forehead again. “She loves you. And you can’t be mad about that. Besides, you have to have a great relationship with her. I don’t know the first thing about parenting, and we’re going to need support. My parents are gone.”

Vera sighed. “You’re not disowning me?”

I forced her to sit up and look at me, and I cupped both of her cheeks. “Disown you?” I was hurt that she would ever think that. “Vera, I want you to marry me. Why would I disown you?”

The tears came faster, and she leaned down and kissed me hard. If Lorna wouldn’t have been in my house, I’d have laid Vera out on my couch and made love to her right then to let her know how much she meant to me.

“I love you too, Luke. I fought it so hard because I thought it was just a rebound thing, but it’s not. You’re not. You’re everything I ever wanted, even if you are older than me.” She smiled through the tears, and I caught her joke.

“Alright, well don’t sign me up for the retirement community yet. I have a child to raise, or maybe more than one someday.” I pulled her back and kissed her again as we chuckled. “Are you okay now?”

She nodded. “Still pissed at my mom, though.”

“We’ll get through to her. You’re going to need her. And I don’t want to walk down the aisle with a sad bride who wishes her mother was there. Got it?”

“So, is that a proposal?” she asked, smiling.

“I don’t do anything in moderation, Ms. Davids. When I propose, you’ll know it.” I winked at her and kissed her again. The night had started out quite awful, but that smile was priceless, and I was glad Vera had gotten that off her chest. Now, perhaps we could move forward.

33

VERA

Iwas surprised to find Mom setting sandwiches on the bar, little paninis the way she made back home with ham and tomato, and a thick slice of pineapple, all slathered in a layer of mayo, grilled to perfection. It made my mouth water just to smell the different aromas, and for the first time in days, I felt like I could actually eat. I sat at the bar and watched her finish putting the sandwiches together as she hummed. She acted like nothing had even transpired the night before.

I was still furious with her, but I knew her making these sandwiches was a token of remorse. Maybe she finally understood that I loved him, or maybe she was just going to try another manipulation tactic. Either way, the sandwiches were my favorite, and my mouth watered just thinking about taking a bite. When she set the plate in front of me, I dug in without even thanking her. That was my downfall. She saw how eager I was and assumed I was not upset with her.

“Oh, dear. It’s so good to see you feeling better. I went ahead and bought the plane ticket, so you’re all set there. We just need to organize to have your things shipped and?—”

“Mom?” I said with food in my mouth. I chewed as quickly as I could and swallowed before dragging the back of my wrist over my mouth and continuing. “I’m not going to Hawaii with you.”

“But Vera, you know nothing about being a mother. You’ll need me. I can’t live that far away from you. That’s my grandchild.” She looked hurt, and I could see in her eyes that she genuinely thought she was doing the right thing, but I was still angry.

I hadn’t let my emotion from last night go. It burned inside my chest like a forest fire out of control. I tried to contain it, but without Lucas to tell me to keep my mouth shut, I flew off the handle—and my seat. I stood and started pacing angrily. She watched me, mumbling things I couldn’t hear. But when she said something I did understand, I almost bit her head off.

“Vera, I just don’t want you marrying a man like I did out of obligation because?—”

“Just stop!” I turned on her with everything I had. “I am not you. Lucas is not Dad. We are happy.” My voice was so loud I knew everyone in the house could hear me.

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