Lindsey was leaving the drugstore when she ran into Alicia, a former university classmate and Alton’s ex-girlfriend. The stunning blonde gave her a nasty look.
“Well, if it isn’t the expectant mother.” she said. Her eyes dropped to Lindsey’s midriff.
Lindsey didn’t answer. Of all the people she could have run into, why did it have to be her?
Alicia’s gaze returned to Lindsey’s face. Jealousy and resentment flashed in her green eyes. “You know why he married you, don’t you?” she asked. “It isn’t because he loves you. You got pregnant and he wanted to do the honorable thing.”
“I really don’t have to stand here and listen to this,” Lindsey said and brushed past her, seething. On the drive home, she fumed. She turned on the radio and to a Christian station. Gospel music filled the car. It helped to calm her down.
When she got in, she went straight to the kitchen to fix herself something to eat. She was hungry. She carried the large plate of wild rice, stew Chicken, veggies and potatoes, with salad on the side into the living-room. She settled comfortably in the sofa and ate as she watched reruns of Downton Abbey. When she was finished eating, she got up and put the dirty dishes into the Dish washer, had a tall glass of milk and then went back to the living-room. She relaxed on the sofa with her feet on the coffee table.
A couple of hours later, she read her Bible, made dinner and then took a nap. When she woke up, it was six o’clock. Alton would be home at any minute. She got up, took a shower, fixed her hair and went downstairs. She heated dinner and then laid it out on the table in the dining-room. Just as she put the glasses of Cranberry Juice on the table, she heard the key turn in the lock. She left the dining-room and went into the foyer. The door opened and Alton went in. He smiled when he saw her. After he closed and locked the door, he greeted her, “Hello, Sweetheart.” He hugged and kissed her, thankful to be home. “How was your day?”
“The usual,” she replied, helping him to remove his jacket. “I went to the drugstore to pick up the Materna.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I feel fine. The morning sickness isn’t as so bad anymore. How was your day?”
“Busy as usual. It’s great to be home. Something smells really good.”
She took his hand and led him to the dining-room. “I thought we’d eat in here for a change,” she said. Usually, they ate in the kitchen. “I’ll be right back.” She went and got a pair of candles and placed them on the table. After she lit them, they sat down. He said Grace and then they tucked into the Beef and Parmesan Pasta.
Over dinner, they talked about his day, the plans his company had that would bring in even more revenue which meant that they would be able to buy a house outside of the city. As she listened to him talk, her mind alighted on her run in with Alicia. She wondered if she should mention it. No, she decided that then wasn’t the right time. She didn’t want to spoil their evening. She would tell him later. The nagging doubts rose to the surface but she pushed them away.
After he helped her to clear the table, he went to take a shower while she loaded the dishwasher. She was in the living-room when he joined her. He was wearing just a pajama pants. It was during the summer. He sat next to her and rested his arm along the back of the sofa. They watched a couple of movies and then called it a night.
He was in and out of the bathroom quickly while she stayed a while longer. After she wiped the top of the sink she switched off the light and went into the bedroom. He was lying under the covers. He rolled over unto his side when he heard her but when she stood there watching him, he asked, “Aren’t you coming to bed.”
“In a minute,” she answered.
He sat up, frowning. “What’s the matter, Lin?”
“I ran into Alicia this morning.”
He grimaced. “What happened?”
Lindsey told him. “Is this why you married me?” she asked, placing her hand on her swollen abdomen.
Alton threw back the covers and climbed out of the bed. He went over to her, towering over her as she stood there, in the black vest and silk pajama shorts. He hooked his finger under her chin and raised her face until she was looking up at him, her eyes wide as they met his. “You should know by now why I married you,” he said quietly.
She swallowed. “Maybe I need for you to tell me,” she replied.
“I love you, Lin,” he confessed. “I would have married you even if you hadn’t gotten pregnant. Alicia’s bitter because I broke up with her long before I met you. She wants to ruin our relationship. Don’t let her. She knows I married you because I love you.”
“I’m sorry,” Lindsey mumbled. “I had my doubts and she just played on them. I guess I never could get over the fact that a guy like you would be interested in me.”
His eyes darkened on her face. “You’re the most beautiful and desirable woman I know. The first time I saw you, I knew that I was in trouble. As you recall, I didn’t waste anytime introducing myself to you and asking you out. I fell hard for you and was planning to ask you to marry me when you told me that you were pregnant. I was on top of the world, Lin. Didn’t you ever wonder how was able to put a ring on your finger the same night as your announcement?”
She nodded. And at that moment, she felt like a complete fool. “I’m sorry,” she apologized again, lowering her eyes.
“Oh, Lindsey,” Alton muttered thickly before he lowered his head and kissed her.
She put her arms around his waist and pressed against him as she kissed him back. As they exchanged passionate kisses, he picked her up and carried her over to the bed.
He laid her gently down and stretched out beside her. Lying on his side, he gazed down into her face, his face flushed. “You wanted me to say that I love you,” he murmured huskily. “Now, I’m going to show you how much.” He lowered his head and she reached up and clutched his head.
“I love you,” she whispered just before their lips touched.
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