“Bon maten, Guy Luc. Rachel did you wash your hands?”
“Wi, Grann.”
“Bon. Set the table.” She handed over the girls’ child-sized utensils. The bright pink and purple forks were easy to use and they loved having their own sets of dishes. Guy was glad he didn’t have to worry about them breaking any dishes. It gave them an added sense of responsibility.
He walked over to Michelle. “Morning, Chelle Belle.”
She smiled but it seemed dimmer. Sad even. “Good morning, Guy.”
He rubbed a finger down her cheek. “You okay?”
“Yes.”
Her body language said otherwise. He sighed. He didn’t want to question her in the middle of breakfast where his mother and girls could hear. He’d just have to wait until they had a moment to themselves.
Breakfast passed with giggles, laughter, and great conversation. It had been so long since he had any semblance of normal, that he couldn’t help soaking it in. His mother and Michelle seemed to hit it off, talking of food and eager to swap recipes. He hadn’t realized Michelle cooked that often. When he said so, she rolled her eyes.
“Men. Who do you think was keeping me fed?”
His gaze roamed over her body and she blushed. He felt a surge of pleasure as the color bloomed high in her cheeks. “I just figured you were a conscientious eater.”
“Oh I am, but I cook it myself. Except for the occasional splurge at LeeAnn’s.”
He could understand that. LeeAnn outdid herself each and every time he ordered food from her. It always tasted so good. He’d asked her once how she managed to make each meal better than the last. She’d chuckled and replied, “I make it with love, Sheriff.”
He smiled at the memory. “Miss LeeAnn can cook.”
“Sure can.”
He clapped his hands. “Who’s ready to paint?”
“Me!” The twins’ hands shot up in the air. The adults laughed, which only encouraged their silliness. Soon they were out of their seats, jumping up and down with excitement.
“Okay, girls. Let’s get this show on the road.”
MICHELLE ARCHED HER back, trying to stretch out the kinks. Who knew painting a room could be so strenuous? Guy’s mother had taken the girls outside to paint their beds. It had been a genius idea and the girls loved it. Plus, it kept them from making a mess. Their beds had been placed on a tarp, so the grass wouldn’t have to suffer.
Unfortunately, she hadn’t been able to relax. Guy had tried making her laugh with his corny jokes, but she just couldn’t. Her secret lay heavy upon her. She needed to tell him before she lost the nerve. She remembered the words of encouragement Chloe had offered.
“Don’t stress yourself out trying to think of his reaction. Just know this has to be said, the sooner, the better.”
Michelle straightened up and turned toward the corner of the girls’ room where Guy stood. “I need to tell you something.”
He looked at her and set the paint brush down and walked closer to her. “Are you going to tell me what’s been bothering you?”
She nodded.
He moved a strand of hair behind her ear. She shivered, trying not to focus on the way her body reacted to his touch.
“What do you want to say?” The low tone of his voice was like a caress.
She took a step back, trying to focus. She needed to get it out before she lost her nerve. “It’s about when we dated in high school.”
His brow wrinkled in confusion. “Okay,” he dragged out. “What about it?”
“That night, or rather the next day, I went to see you. But you were gone. I was upset and of course your mother was too.”
He nodded, his ebony eyes fixed to hers.
“She demanded to know what I did. What happened. I told her my parents had died the night before and you consoled me.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “She was upset and accused me of being a...a...jezebel.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Is that why you were so tense at dinner?”
Dinner seemed ages ago. “A little bit, but I’m over it.”
He frowned. “Well, I’m not. Maybe I should talk to her.”
She grabbed his hand. “No, it doesn’t even matter. We’ve come to an understanding and...” she sighed. “This isn’t what I wanted to tell you.”
He brought her hands up to his chest. They felt cocooned and secure. She hated to think what her words would do to him once she managed to get it out.
“I went to your house a month later. I needed to know where you were. To talk to you.” She swallowed. Please, let me get it out. Please, help me.
Guy cocked his head, thinking. “I honestly don’t remember if she had my contact information at the time. But seeing how the first visit went, I’m not so sure she would have given it to you.”
“She said she didn’t have it. I tried Evan and Darryl, but they didn’t know where you were either.”
“I’m so sorry about that. In fact—”
She shook her head. “No, you don’t have anything to be sorry about. It’s me. It’s all my f-f-ault.”
He went to wrap her into a hug.
She held up a hand. “Please, I need to get this out.”
“Okay, I’m listening.”
The concern and consideration on his face threatened to be her undoing. Just say it! “I was pregnant,” she rushed out. “I needed to tell you. I didn’t know who to talk to. Who to turn to.” A tear slipped out. “I...”
Guy dropped her hands. Her heartbeat picked up speed as the look of shock plastered itself across his face. He rocked back on his heels. He lifted a hand and then let it drop. The sound of it hitting his thigh rang loudly. He looked at her stomach and back to her eyes.
She felt like she had been raked over the coals and he had yet to utter a single word. Michelle licked her lips to speak, but his stark whisper echoed in the room.
“You’re not...you don’t look like you were ever pregnant.”
“I didn’t carry it
