Page 478 of Conveniently Wed
“Funny how the promise of money can seal your lying lips, isn’t it? Now go pack.”
She turned without a glance backwards.
After Emmaline left the room, he looked at Katherine to find tears misting her eyes. He did what his heart wanted and opened his arms. She walked into his embrace and he clung to her.
34
Josiah couldn’t sleep with Katie’s words echoing in his head.
I’ve chosen to forgive you, Josiah, because I’m confident in the truth.
He picked up his pillow and flipped it over, punching it in frustration.
I’m confident in the truth.
He threw off his covers and stared at the ceiling.
We have only ourselves to blame.
He climbed out of bed. His body shook as if he were shedding a skin.
If we had been living…He took a few steps toward the adjoining door.…like a married couple…He took a few more. …then I would’ve been…He was at her door. …lying in your arms, not in another room.
He put his hand on her doorknob. Her invitation had been clear, had it not?
He pulled away and paced the room. His head and body ached. He wanted to scream.
Their planned affection this past week had been slow and exquisite torture. The subtle touch of her hand on his knee, theshared caresses, the needy kisses. And there he stood with an unlocked door between them.
No. He couldn’t do this again without an understanding between them. A curse slipped from his lips. Though she’d been ever so kind for months, not once had she said what he most needed to hear.
But she has told you she loves you, and you spurned her.
Where had that thought come from? She hadn’t meant it that time. She’d only said it because she was telling him about the baby.
Didn’t she? She’s shown you unconditional love every day.
She wanted to ensure she had a home for her baby.
Your baby.
What if the babywashis? What if she had meant those words?
His hands pressed to his temples. He couldn’t even win a conversation with himself. He walked to his hall door and slipped down the stairs and straight into the cold November air.
“Josiah, come here.”
Josiah looked up as Katherine placed her knitting aside and rubbed her growing mound. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
He walked over to the settee and sat beside her. She took his hand and placed it on her middle. “He’s been kicking. I think you’ll be able to feel him.”
“He?”
She shrugged. “I think our baby is a boy.”
She kept referring to the baby as theirs. And the idea was becoming harder to resist.
“Right here.” She moved his hand to a spot on the side. Her delicate hand over his made his heart kick wildly. A gentle flutter played beneath his fingers, and surge of wonder shot through him. Then a good kick hit his hand. “How incredible.”
