“It is a farce,” they all said in unison.
And that was what hurt, but she couldn’t possibly make them understand that.
“I know you’re all hung up on things happening just so,” Jocelyn said, moving from the sofa to get closer to Tessa. “And since you think you can’t get pregnant the standard way—”
“I can’t.”
“—you have to do it this scientific, surrogate way or not at all.”
True enough.
“And now,” Zoe said, coming around to get down next to Jocelyn so they could all three be in her face. “You meet this guy and he’s ‘perfect’ and that upsets your apple cart.”
She looked from one to another, a little jolt of love swelling in spite of how much they could frustrate her. “I like apples,” she said with a laugh. “And I like my cart to be organized.”
“Yes, you do.” Lacey squeezed Tessa’s knee. “But sometimes that cart has to be turned over, spilled out, and stripped bare.”
“Oooh.” Zoe moaned. “And he’s just the man for that job.”
“Listen,” Lacey said. “All kidding aside, we really do have to have a wedding on this property that weekend or we won’t be considered. If it really makes you uncomfortable, Tess, or you feel we’ve snowed you, I’ll call more potential couples—from a list of people who’ve made inquiries, or maybe in town—and see if I could offer someone a free wedding if they’d hold it that weekend.” She didn’t sound too promising, but Tessa appreciated the offer.
“Then what?”
“Well, if that works, you’re off the hook. If it doesn’t, you gotta take one for the team.”
Tessa’s heart slowed as she realized how much of this important weekend fell on her shoulders. And what it would feel like to walk across the beach at Barefoot Bay and stand in front of an official next to John Brown and—
And
“You know, I already got married once, and you were all there. You”—she pointed to Jocelyn—“made a toast that brought me to tears. And you”—her finger moved to Lacey—“caught my bouquet. And you—”
“Made out with that really cute guy from Boston.” Zoe grinned. “
They all laughed, except Tessa, who could barely swallow the lump in her throat.
“Tessa.” Lacey, of course, noticed. “What’s wrong?”
“I wanted the next time to be forever.” Hot, hated tears stung her lids. “Not an…act.”
For a long moment, no one said a word. Then Lacey leaned closer, squeezing Tessa’s arm. “You still have two weeks. By then maybe it won’t feel like pretend. Maybe it’ll feel like practice.”
“Stranger things have happened,” Jocelyn said.
“Right here in Barefoot Bay, as a matter of fact.” Lacey laughed. “I didn’t even know I was at my own wedding, remember?”
“I’m not going to be thinking about marriage in two weeks.” Tessa closed her eyes, her head and heart going back to John. “I still think he’s hiding something.”
“Oh my God.” Zoe shot up, disgusted.
“You might be looking for trouble where there isn’t any,” Lacey agreed.
“Maybe he really does know something you don’t,” Jocelyn said. “Like the fact that you two are meant to be together.”
Tessa didn’t answer any of them, pressing her hands to her temples as confusion ricocheted around and gave her a headache. “I’m going to find out what it is.”
“In other words, you’re going to doom this relationship.” Zoe folded her arms and gave Tessa her darkest look.
“No, I’m not. I’m going to dig a little deeper and not let him derail me with…kisses and promises and all that certainty.”
Before she got “married”—even if it was a charade—she intended to know the answers.
Chapter Nineteen
We done here?” Marcus already had the first two buttons of his chef’s jacket open, one eye on the clock. “Everything’s cleaned, dining room is ready for tomorrow, and the cooler’s organized.”
Ian glanced around the kitchen, satisfied that they were finished, even though it was only ten-thirty. “I suppose,” he said. “But don’t get used to being through with dinner service this early. Once we get this place up to speed…”
What was he thinking? He wasn’t going to be around that long, was he?
The sickening feeling that had been eating away at him all evening settled low in his belly. He shook it off and settled his attention on the young man in front of him, who’d done a great job that night. He still reminded Ian a little of Kate’s brother, but he couldn’t hold that against the kid.
“You got a date, Marcus?”
He gave a hesitant smile and nod.
“The boss’s daughter, by any chance?” Ian pressed.
Another nod. “That’s cool, isn’t it?”
“Depends.” Ian unbuttoned his own coat, eyeing Marcus as he shook out of it. “Ever hear the expression ‘You don’t get your meat where you get your bread’?”
He laughed softly. “No, and neither have you, based on the news that you’re going to marry Ms. Galloway.”
“Not exactly,” he corrected, pushing away the bad feeling that gnawed.
“Yeah, but everyone’s starting to say it could be real. Waitstaff placed bets already.”
He smiled. Which side would he bet, if he were a gambling man?
“They’re telling the customers, too.”
Oh, man. Tessa would hate that. “Probably best if we keep the whole thing quiet.” That way, when it was all over, he could slip away with his kids and this would be a memory. And Tessa would still have her pride.
“Sorry, but Marcia had to do something, otherwise you’d have had unwanted company back here.”
Ian frowned, not following. Marcia was the head server, but who was this company? A quick stab of a worry pinched. “Someone was asking for me?”
“Grace Hartgrave.”
It took a second, but then he placed the name. “From the Fourway Motel?”
“Dude, you could totally do her.”
“No, thanks.”
“Well, yeah, that’s what Marcia figured, so she told Grace and her buddy that you’d gotten engaged this afternoon.”
He had no idea how to respond to that.
“Not that Mrs. G. ever let a man’s wife stop her. Or her own husband.” Marcus grinned. “Man, you got it goin’ on in the sack, don’t you?”
A little irritation flared at the disrespectful comment. “Not your business, Marc.”
He held up his hand. “Just talkin’ man to man, Chef. It’s cool. When you’re getting a piece, it’s nice to talk about it.”
The irritation did more than flare now; it sparked, and Ian took a step forward, eyes narrowing. “First of all, it’s not nice to talk about it. Second of all, you better not be getting a piece of Ashley Armstrong.”
“Dude.” Marcus laughed. “She’s hot.”
Ian raised an eyebrow. “You think that’s enough?”
“I dig her.” He put a hand on Ian’s shoulder and squeezed. “It’s all good, man. We’ll take care of business, if you know what I mean. Everything’s cool and there’s no reason not to take what the chick is offering.”
