Page 31 of Somebody's Watching Me
Several conversations halted as Ty and Laura Jean approached the floor. Mostly men, gawking as she passed in her jean cutoff shorts and cowboy boots.
“You’re staring at my wife, Fairweather.”
“I’m watching to make sure those assholes don’t mess with her.”
“My girl can handle herself.” Albie made his shot, completely missing the target. “But do you want to tell me why you were making her cry while I was trapped?”
There was no other way to do it, so he ripped the band-aid off. “Miranda is pregnant.”
Albie wouldn’t look at him for a second. “How far along?”
“We think two months.”
Technically, it was his turn, but Ben said nothing as Albie lined up another shot. “Good thing you’re getting married next week. Your mother and hers would have an absolute fit if anyone found out you knocked her up before the wedding,” he said, sinking two balls. “I’m guessing you want me to check her out?”
Guilt gnawed at Ben. It was easy to joke with Laura Jean, but with Albie it hit harder. Those monthly negative pregnancy tests were just as tough on him as they were on her. Being a gynecologist, Albie felt that he should hold the solution to all their baby problems.
“I’m sorry.”
There was nothing else to say. The two of them were beyond theone day it’ll happenbullshit, and Ben refused to pretend to understand their pain.
“You shouldn’t be.” Albie straightened, giving him the go ahead to take a turn. “You’re about to marry a wonderful woman who is going to be a great stepmom to Selah, an amazing mom to this next one, and a perfect person to have whenever the shit hits the fan.”
It was true. If everything went according to plan, and he ended up as the head of Fairweather when his father finally died, Miranda would remain strong at his side whenever he revealed his son to the public. No doubt there would be a scandal, but he was marrying the type of woman who could handle idle gossip and respond to it properly.
Miranda also adored Selah and would become a dedicated mother. Simone liked her, as did Laura Jean, and Albie. His parents tolerated her, agreeing to the marriage for the sake of the business thanks to a patent Miranda’s father held.
Sexually, they were compatible, both ticking off each other’s boxes in that department.
But he didn’t love her.
He couldn’t.
He’d tried.
Hell, he’d tried with nearly all the countless women he’d slept with, Simone included. Although that was a secret he would take to the grave.
The emotion served no purpose, and if there was no purpose, why did it matter?
Selah was the only exception.
Ben loved his son.
Helplessly.
Hopelessly.
From Selah’s first breath, the sweet swell of devotion struck every time Ben thought of his boy, and while it was a dangerous game he and Simone were playing, he sure as hell was going to make it worth it. Their son would hold the keys to the kingdom, and never want for anything.
“Miranda is an ideal partner to have in life.”
“A partner in life?” Albie tossed the stick on the table, their game obviously over. “Do you even hear what you sound like?”
Settling at one of the high-top chairs next to their pool table, Ben didn’t need to explain, but tried because it was Albie. “I can’t look at this marriage any other way.”
“Afraid you’ll fall in love with your wife?”
Ben took a long sip of his beer. “Love is a liability.”
