The swimming hole was a favorite place for Stephanie. Water from a small tributary to the Windy River trickled down a waterfall and gathered in a deep pool, hollowed out over millennia. The semicircle cliffs were open to the east, so the morning sun soaked into the granite, heating the water, keeping it comfortable all summer long.
It was near noon, and the sun streamed down on Amber’s wet, blond hair, reflecting in her jewel-blue eyes.
“And actually
“You are having his baby.”
“And, we’re practically strangers.”
“Not completely.” Amber’s eyes took on a meaningful gleam.
Stephanie glared in return. “Nobody gets married because of a baby anymore.”
Amber didn’t answer, but an opposing opinion all but oozed from her pores.
“What?” Stephanie prompted.
“You’re pregnant, Steph.”
“I know that.” Stephanie had tried hard to push it from her mind. But the reality wasn’t going anywhere.
“A husband might not be such a bad thing.”
“I thought you’d be on my side.”
“I
Stephanie snorted her disbelief.
“We’re only suggesting you give it a try.”
“And if I fail?” Which was a foregone conclusion in Stephanie’s mind. And therefore the entire exercise was a waste of time.
“Then you fail. Nothing ventured-”
“We’re talking
“It doesn’t have to be a traditional marriage.”
“Maybe that’s what I want.”
Amber cocked her head, silent for a few moments. “Are you saying you have feelings for Alec?”
“No!” Stephanie’s denial was quick. Her emotions caught up a split second later. She didn’t have feelings for Alec. She wouldn’t allow herself to have feelings for Alec. “I just want…”
“What?”
“Normal. I want something about this entire mess to be normal.”
“Define normal.” Now Amber was being deliberately obtuse.
“A date? A candlelight dinner? Maybe a movie? Something, anything even a little bit romantic.”
Amber snorted out a laugh. “What’s romantic? Melissa went undercover and spied on Jared, and Royce picked me up in a bar.” She snapped off a twig and tossed it into the pond. “I was a one-night stand that never went home.”
Despite herself, Stephanie’s interest was piqued. “You and Royce had a one-night stand?”
“Not the first night.”
“Which night?”
“None of your business.”
“Did you know you loved him?”
“Not at the time.”
“Were you a virgin?”
“No.”
“But you loved him later. So, somewhere, deep down inside, you must have known.”
“Don’t do this, Stephanie.”
Stephanie clamped her jaw. Amber was right. Comparing herself to Melissa and Amber was futile. They were with men that they loved, men who would stick around, share their lives forever.
Leaves crackled on the trail behind them, and Stephanie turned to see Alec emerge from the trees.
His attention was fixed on Stephanie. “Royce told me I’d find you here.”
Amber made to stand up, but Stephanie grabbed at her arm. “Don’t go.”
“You two have a lot to talk about.”
“We’ve already talked.” Stephanie had no desire for a repeat argument. She didn’t have the energy.
Amber glanced up, obviously assessing Alec’s expression. “I don’t think you’re done yet.” She came to her feet, stepping her way out of the pool where she snagged a towel from a rock. Then she stuffed her feet into a pair of bright blue thongs.
Stephanie braced herself as Alec crouched down beside her. He was wearing a pair of lightweight khakis and plain, white dress shirt. His shoes were too formal, but at least he’d forgone the tie.
“Swimming?” he asked conversationally.
“No. Riding a bike.”
“You think sarcasm’s going to help?”
“I don’t think anything’s going to help.”
“Right.” He shifted. “So, your long-term plan is to wallow in self-pity?”
Stephanie refused to answer. Instead she swung her legs back and forth in the water.
She heard a rustle, then he stepped onto the ledge to sit. He’d stripped down to a pair of black boxers, and she quickly shifted her gaze to the other direction.
“You’ve seen me naked,” he rumbled, amusement clear in his tone.
She might have seen him that way once, but she didn’t intend to see him that way again. She scrambled to put her feet under her.
His hand came down on her shoulder. “Oh, no you’re not.”
“You’re going to hold me prisoner?”
“If I have to.” The hand remained firmly in place.
Stephanie gave an angry sigh.
“I was thinking a garden wedding would be nice.”
“What part of no didn’t you-”
“We could do it here, if you like. Or in Chicago.”
“Alec, we can’t-”
“There’s a ring in my pocket. Simple, but a couple of carats. It should impress your friends.” He glanced across the shiny surface of the pool. “Probably not a good idea to give it to you here.”
Despite herself, she turned to look at him. “You bought me a diamond?”
“Of course I bought you a diamond. We’re getting married.”
“You can’t bribe me with jewelry, Alec.”
“I’m bribing you with a name for our baby.”
“I’m hardly a fallen woman.”
“This isn’t about you, Stephanie.”
“Of course it’s about-” She almost said me, but she clamped down her jaw instead. Her jumping career was ruined, and that was that. The baby was her priority now.
He smiled. “Ah. A glimmer of responsibility.”
“Of course I’ll do what’s best for the baby.” Beneath the water, her hand moved subconsciously to her abdomen.
“Marrying me is best for the baby.”
She didn’t answer.
“I’m under no illusions that we can ‘make it work,’” Alec continued.
“Ah. A glimmer of reality,” she mocked.
He frowned at her. “We barely know each other.”
“You got that right.”
“This isn’t my first choice, either.”
