Two Wrongs Make a Right (23 page)

The consultant stepped forward. “Yes, ma’am. I have just the thing. Follow me.” She walked behind a counter and took an item from a glass case. “Unless you want one that covers your face, this will be lovely with that style. The halo of flowers is pure silk and hand painted. Don’t you love the subtle palette? Ivory, white, blush, and peach will be gorgeous with your dress. And the veil is trimmed in French Chantilly. Sit here in front of the mirror and let me put it on you.”

“Ooh-la-la.” Raynie reached toward Quinn’s hair. “Let’s take down your ponytail.” She slipped off the band and ran her fingers through the strands to fluff it.

With the headpiece positioned, she stared into the mirror and lost her breath. Tears popped out to fill her eyes. She looked like a bride. And that broke her heart because it was another lie.

~~*~~

Dak was finishing his third whiskey when Sim rushed in, a shopping bag in each hand. “You get everything taken care of?”

“Well of course. Did you think I wouldn’t?” She set her purchases on the bar. “Dress. Veil. Cake. Even did a little shopping for myself. I deserve a new frock for my brother’s wedding. Got you something, too.” She reached into the bag and handed him a book.

He stared at it. “
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
. What the hell?”

“Read it, and you’ll know how the baby is developing at every stage, and some of the changes Quinn will go through.”

“Like I give a shit.”

“Oh, my dear half-drunk brother. You may fool her, but you cannot fool me. I’ve seen the way you look at her when you think nobody is looking at you.”

“That’s your imagination.”

“Afraid not. I know the real reason you insisted on marriage, and it hasn’t got a thing to do with your job.”

“You’re crazy. I’m doing this for the baby. He needs a father.”

“Oh, so now it’s a he?”

“You know what I mean. It’s natural to call it a boy. If it’s a girl, fine.”

She strolled to the sofa, and he followed. Kicking out of her shoes, she propped her feet on the coffee table. “After I parted company with your betrothed and that strange but sweet friend of hers, I stopped by the florist. They’ll be here Saturday morning to decorate. The refreshments will arrive at the same time. What size ring do you wear? Thirteen?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Brother, brother, brother. A wedding band. Anyway, that’s the size I told her.”

He frowned.

“What? You do plan to wear a ring, don’t you? The old guy you’re trying to impress will expect one.” She pulled a folded wad of papers from her pocket. “Here are the receipts for everything we bought. Don’t forget to transfer the money into my account.” She passed the vouchers to him.

He shuffled the tickets. “Holy shit! She bought a dress and veil that cost almost three thousand dollars?”

“That’s cheap. And no, she didn’t, but I did. She loved it, but wasn’t willing to spend that much of your money, but like I told her, you gave no restrictions, so little brother, if you want a wedding, I’m giving you a
wedding
.” She stood and walked to the back door. “Guests will sit on both sides of the deck. Quinn will enter from the steps at the end of the porch. That way, she’ll have a small aisle to walk down. Wait until you see her. She’s so stunning in the gown, I promise you’ll enjoy the view.”

He continued to stare. “You like her, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do, and not only because she’s having your baby. She’s very nice. Mom and Dad will love her. They’ll be so surprised.”

“What does that mean?”

“Only that they couldn’t have ever expected for you to end up with a woman like her.”

“You mean a self-centered bitch who thinks only of herself.”

“Hey! Show a little respect. She’s having your baby.”

Yeah, she carried his child alright—by default. She’d wanted a kid with Justin and that pissed him off. He needed another whiskey.

“When are you moving her furniture and stuff?”

Sim’s voice knocked him from his thoughts. “November’s rent’s paid, so we have all month. I’ll call the moving company next week. From the looks of what I saw, I can’t imagine her wanting to keep much of it.”

“Well, that brings me to my next question. You have one bed. Where is she going to sleep?”

Dak turned and faced her. “Where a wife should. With her husband.”

Sim grinned and crossed her arms. “I rest my case.”

Quinn spent most of the morning packing and marking furniture items. Instead of Dak saying her furnishings weren’t worth moving, he’d left the choices up to her. Clearly, he was a man who knew how to deal with people.

Last night she’d offered to get a ride so he wouldn’t have to come into Austin, and then drive back to his parents’ home, but he didn’t agree. Said it would look odd to make his bride come with someone else.

His tone told her he had a scowl on his face. Not wanting to aggravate him, she consented. If she didn’t challenge him on anything, they might at least be amicable to one another.

When he arrived at her apartment, she followed as he walked through and looked at the marked items. “My dad will come and get the things I don’t want,” she said.

“Looks like that will be most of it.”

“Well, your house is so beautiful, my stuff won’t fit in.”

“I’ll call the moving company and tell them to bring a small truck. You ready to go?”

Her chest tightened. He’d made no idle conversation since arriving. She decided to fish. “Do I look all right?”

He eyed her from top to bottom and for a moment she’d seen a flicker of something in his eyes.
Approval? Affection?
She wasn’t sure. Whatever it was disappeared, and his expression went cold again.

“Fine.”

Once they got in the car and headed out of town, keeping his eyes on the road and his tone icy, he laid some ground rules. “Nobody knows the circumstances of our situation other than Sim, and I want to keep it that way. I’ve taken the blame. Said I’ve known about the baby for months, but took a while to decide on marriage. As far as my parents are concerned, we’re in love, so I expect you to act like it.”

That might not be difficult. When she was near him, things happened. Places jittered and jumped. Tightened and tingled. Flamed and fluttered. She gave him her attention again. He continued to spout instructions.

“Your wedding band is a family ring. My mother may mention that, so I want you to be prepared. You should gush over it. With your acting skills, it shouldn’t be hard.”

Quinn’s breath caught against the knot that’d formed in her throat. “I can’t do that.” The statement came out as a weak whisper.

He glared at her. “It’s a little late for you to develop a moral code about lying, don’t you think?”

She wagged her head. “It isn’t right. If it’s been passed down from generation to generation, you should give it to a woman you truly love.”

He chuckled without humor. “Given your casual relationship with the truth, one more lie shouldn’t matter.”

Tears threatened, but she held them back. Hope of civil companionship evaporated. She’d take the ring, but not wear it. Use the excuse of swollen fingers. A family treasure should go to the love of his life, not the liar of his life.

Dak pulled into the drive. “Stay in the car until I come around and open the door for you.”

When he helped her out, he slipped his arm around her, and pulled her close as if they were a real couple. Forget her. He should be nominated for an Academy Award.

Quinn’s knees weakened, and she stumbled. He tightened his grip. “Are you okay?” The question sounded sincere. He was taking the performance to the max. They stepped onto the porch, but before he reached for the knob, the door flew open, and a bright-eyed older version of Simona grabbed them in a hug.

“Come in! Come in!” She loosened her hold and backed away for a better look. “Quinn! I’m thrilled to meet you.” Then her eyes drifted. “May I touch my grandbaby?”

“Sure.”

Mr. Savage joined his wife. With the same green eyes, he wasn’t as tall as Dak, but just as handsome. Her future mother-in-law laid her hand on the baby bump, and rubbed as if a genie might appear, then looked up with tears brimming. “You have no idea how happy you’ve made us. We’ve waited a long time for Dak to fall in love and settle down.” Then she leaned into Dak and he embraced her.

“Okay, Mom. Don’t cry. Quinn’s doing enough of that for both of you.”

Quinn pinched the bridge of her nose to stop the tears. He sounded so natural. Not a single syllable of disgust. The key to her happiness was to keep his mom or dad with her at all times.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Savage, Mr. Savage.”

The older man shook his head. “Call me Bucky.”

“And I’m Bitsy. You might as well get used to it because that’s what your baby will call us.” She patted Quinn’s belly again.

The door opened, and Simona and her crew came in. Her two girls circled Quinn. “Can we call you Aunt Quinn?”

“I’d like that. What’s your name?”

“I’m Rachel, and this is my baby sister, Hannah.”

“I’m not a baby! I’m eight years old. You’re only nine, so don’t call me that!”

“Hey, you two, cool it,” their dad said, then turned to Quinn. “We haven’t been introduced, but I feel like I already know you. I’m Ben.”

Ah, Ben the photographer. The one responsible for my demise.
“Nice to meet you.”

After a few minutes, the girls ran outside, the men went to watch TV, and left Quinn alone with Simona and Bitsy in the kitchen.

“Sim tells me your dress is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see it. Dak is so nervous.” She looked at her daughter. “Can you tell he’s nervous?”

“Yeah. A little.” She cut her eyes over to Quinn and smiled.

“If y’all will help me get this food on the table, we’ll be ready to eat. Have you considered names for the baby?” Bitsy handed both women a bowl, took a platter for herself, and headed to the dining room. They followed.

“I guess we need to get serious about that.” Quinn set mashed potatoes on the table. She already felt at home in the cozy kitchen. Early afternoon light filtered in through a large bay window. Pots of African violets lined the sill, their delicate flowers poking above dark green leaves like tiny umbrellas.

“Well, I’ve made a list.” Bitsy reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a pink paper. “I’m not making a play for any of them, but Dak said you liked antiques and old fashioned things, so I thought you might want to consider family names.”

Quinn blinked surprise. He’d discussed her with his mother? Maybe there was a chance for the marriage to be more than a necessity. Then reality set in. It was part of the act. He’d want his parents to believe he was taking an active role.
Silly me.
“That would be nice.”

“Oh, and one more thing. Has he mentioned his grandmother’s ring?”

“Yes, and I’m excited. Knowing it’s been in the family makes it even more special.”

“Do you want to see it?”

“Oh…uh…does Dak want me to?”

“He won’t care. Let me get it.” She walked down the hallway and in a minute returned and handed a small box to Quinn.

Her hands trembled as she popped the lid back. Inside, resting in the velvet slot, was a band with three diamonds surrounded by filigree. “This is beautiful.”

“It’s platinum, and each diamond is a half-carat. The filigree work is so delicate.”

“Why don’t you wear it?”

“I did until Buck gave me this one for our silver wedding anniversary.” She wiggled her hand in the air, the big diamond sparkling in the light. “Then I put his grandmother’s back in the box until Dak found his true love. The youngest son gets it. If y’all have any boys, you’ll keep the tradition going.”

Boys? As in plural? His true love?
If she knew Dak didn’t believe truth was in Quinn’s vocabulary, and after this baby, they’d part ways, it would take the J out of joy for Bitsy.

Quinn wasn’t sure how she’d made it through the evening. Other than smiling and nodding, most of the conversation was jumbled words. They were such a close-knit family, and soon, she’d be blamed for messing up everything.

“We’ve got to go, Mom,” Dak said from the doorway. “I need to stop by the grocery store before we head home.”

Quinn closed the album and scooted her chair away from the table. Along with her future mother and sister-in-law, she’d spent the last thirty minutes flipping through family photos with plenty of Dak’s baby pictures.

Once on the road, she looked over at her soon-to-be husband. “You were a beautiful baby. I hope this one has your eyes.” She waited for him to say something, but he didn’t. “Your mom and dad are nice, and I love their choice of grandparent names.” When he still didn’t respond, she gave up and rode the rest of the way in silence.

Dak got a spot near the HEB grocery store entrance. “Are you coming in or staying in the car?”

“I need a few things, so I’ll go.”

This time he didn’t open the door for her. He took off, leaving her in his wake. She pulled her jacket tight and followed.

Inside the store, she got a cart and headed for the cereal aisle. When she rounded the corner to the canned goods, a familiar voice called her name. She twisted around, hoping against all hope, she was mistaken. Then she faced him and three years of wasted time crashed down on her. “What are you doing here?”

Brad stepped forward to hug her, and she backed away.

“It’s good to see you. I’m in town to close on the condo and get the last few things moved.”

Heat rose in her cheeks. She’d not considered what she’d say if she saw him again, but now blurted the question. “How long were you screwing Blair?”

His head jerked. “What?”

“Blair. Your secretary. Blonde. Blue-eyes. Legs spread. Ring a bell? How long, Brad? Weeks? Months? Not that it matters now, but I’d like to know.”

“Quinn…”

“Oh. My. God. It’d been the whole time, right?”

He shook his head. “No. Just the last year. I didn’t mean for it to happen, and at first it was a fling, to spice things up, but then…”

She thrust her open palm out. “Stop! I don’t want the details.”