Going to the Chapel Read online

  They were dancing a slow dance, out on the floor with many of the guests, when Kyle gave her the perfect opening. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ty so shocked.”

  “Shaken and stirred,” Lauren agreed and Kyle laughed.

  “He didn’t know what to do.”

  “There wasn’t much he could do. That was the problem.”

  Kyle nodded. “He likes to fix things.”

  “He likes to fix things for Amy,” Lauren corrected with a smile.

  “Well, he was part of creating the situation,” Kyle countered with a grin. “It’s good you offered to call your mom for him.”

  “I don’t think he even heard me, but that’s okay. At least, I convinced her to wait a little bit before she and Dad go to the hospital.”

  “Good. They need some time to catch their breath.”

  “Well, and there will be tests for the baby, too.” Lauren watched as Kyle nodded. “It was nice of you guys to give Amy some privacy.”

  “What else could we do? I had visions of someone taking pictures and posting them online, and Ty single-handedly destroying the internet to defend Amy’s privacy.” Kyle shook his head solemnly as Lauren laughed. “It would have been ugly, and bad PR for F5.” He frowned then. “Have you ever seen a baby being born before?”

  Lauren shook her head.

  “Me neither. It was kind of amazing.”

  “More than kind of,” Lauren said.

  Kyle nodded and grimaced. “Messy.”

  Lauren laughed again. “How could it be otherwise?”

  “True.” His expression turned thoughtful. “I feel like I’ve been a little teeny part of something incredible. Like I watched a miracle happen.”

  “Me, too,” Lauren agreed and took a breath. This was it. “I hope it’s that easy for me.”

  Kyle started to reply, but the words never left his lips. Instead, he met Lauren’s gaze, his expression incredulous. “You?”

  Lauren nodded, enjoying his astonishment. “Me. They know what causes it now, you know.”

  “You!” Kyle shouted. “Me!” He flung up his hands, his eyes alight. “Us!”

  Lauren laughed at him and nodded. “Us.”

  He exhaled and caught her close, swinging her around. “Can I tell anyone?” he asked in a whisper, his eyes dancing.

  “I think you just did,” she noted but he wasn’t listening.

  “When?”

  “It’s early days yet. The beginning of April, if everything’s on schedule.”

  “You shouldn’t be dancing,” Kyle said with sudden concern. “You should sit down and put your feet up. I’ll get you some...milk or herbal tea or something like that...”

  Lauren put her hand on his chest. “I’m not high risk. We’ll just do what we do, and whenever it’s too much, I’ll tell you.”

  “Promise?”

  “Promise.”

  They took another turn around the floor and Lauren could see that Kyle’s thoughts were spinning. “Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?” he asked.

  “No. I booked the ultrasound for the week after we get back to California. I wanted to tell you on this trip, and I thought you might want to be there.”

  “Damn straight I’ll be there,” he said with vigor, then looked into her eyes again. “You’re happy about it?”

  “Thrilled.” She swallowed. “Terrified, although Amy made it look easy. You?”

  “Pretty much the same,” he said then smiled at her. “We’ll do it together.”

  Lauren had time to smile before he claimed her lips in a triumphant kiss.

  Three

  Jonathan went to the bar for another drink. He hadn’t had any alcohol since he and Ally had started fertility counseling, and the way he saw it, he was getting an excellent value from what he’d imbibed so far on this night. If a guy couldn’t get drunk at his sister-in-law’s wedding, when he didn’t have to drive or do anything other than get back to the hotel, then when could he indulge?

  He was shaken by Ally’s response to the baby’s arrival. The hunger in her eyes had been a glimpse of her heart that he could have done without. They’d gotten back together and he’d moved back to Montrose River, but everything felt tentative to him. They hadn’t talked about babies at all, but he knew she hadn’t forgotten her desire to have a family.

  The topic was the proverbial elephant in the room.

  But as much as he’d suspected that nothing had changed, he hadn’t been prepared for the look in her eyes.

  “Rum and cola, please,” he said. “A double.”

  “Make that two,” his father-in-law said from beside him and sighed. “Is there anything worse than knowing that the woman you love wants only one thing in the world, but you can’t give it to her?”

  Jonathan was startled to hear his own thoughts spoken aloud, and then surprised that William would be so tactless.

  “It would be nice if having each other was enough, along with financial security, but it never seems to work that way, does it?” William didn’t seem to expect an answer. He shrugged and took his drink, raising his glass to Jonathan, then looked back at his wife as he sipped. His eyes narrowed slightly and Jonathan realized that William had been talking about Marianne.

  “I don’t understand. What does Marianne want?”

  William made a face. “Grandchildren,” he admitted, exhaling the word. “She thinks just one will do it, but I know her better than that. One of each would be the minimum.”

  Jonathan looked down into his drink, feeling as if he was letting down everyone he knew. He sighed without meaning to do so.

  “I think we might have something in common,” William said softly.

  Jonathan raised his gaze to that of the older man. He was surprised to find compassion in William’s eyes and understanding.

  “Do we?”

  “Maybe we could help each other out of our respective predicaments, and make the world a happier place along the way,” William said smoothly. “I understand there’s an obstacle,” he continued with care, keeping his gaze averted. “And I really don’t want to know the specifics.”

  “That’s good,” Jonathan said, also fascinated by something on the far side of the room. “Because I don’t want to talk about them.”

  “Fair enough. You know, Marianne and I always wanted a son. The girls came quickly, but then, apparently, the shop was closed for business. We tried.” He flicked a look at Jonathan. “But no luck. At the time, there were few resources for improving the odds, shall we say, especially in Montrose River. We would have gone to Chicago but we found out the price and that just wasn’t an option.” He sipped his drink. “I always wonder if things would have been different, if I’d had a better job, or had inherited money, or even had someone willing to lend me that sum.”

  Jonathan didn’t say anything. He held his drink, not really wanting it anymore, and stood beside William, waiting for the punch line.

  William’s gaze slid to meet his. “You’ve probably got a number.”

  Jonathan nodded and named it. It made him wince even to say it out loud and he took a gulp of his drink right afterward.

  William gave a low whistle. “Now, that’s not a sum you find down the crack of the couch.”

  Jonathan smiled despite himself. “Not mine anyway.”

  William laughed. “But it’s not that much.”

  “It’s more than enough to be too much.”

  “No, that’s a car.”

  “A really, really nice car,” Jonathan corrected.

  “So, let’s call it a car,” William said. He turned his glass in his hands, his gaze straying to his wife. “Here’s the thing. I’ve got a good pension and have been lucky with some investments. I have it in me to afford a nice car.” He met Jonathan’s gaze. “No one else needs to know, but if there are two women happier as a result, it will be well worth the spending.”

  “But what about Cassie?”

  William held up two fingers. “I have enough for two ca
rs, but not for three. If I invest in this kind of endeavor a third time, I might end up living in your spare room for the duration.”

  “You know the house anyway,” Jonathan said, feeling a little lighter even though he knew he couldn’t take the money. It felt good to have someone understand. They chuckled together. “But I can’t accept that,” he said. “Although it’s really nice for you to offer.”

  “There’s nothing nice about it,” William protested. “If you were married to a woman with strong opinions, you’d know it was about survival.”

  “It can’t be that bad.”

  “No, but I made you smile, which is an improvement.” William finished his drink and put his glass back down on the bar. “Another, please, and a glass of white wine,” he said to the bartender, then offered his hand to Jonathan. “Deal? We’ll just do a quiet transfer of funds and you won’t tell me any of the details. In a year or so, everyone will be happy.”

  Jonathan hesitated.

  “Would you take it from your own dad?” William murmured.

  Jonathan nodded. “But that’s not a possibility.”

  “So, take it from me. If it makes you feel better, think of it as advance on Ally’s inheritance. What do you say?”

  Jonathan looked toward Ally who was talking to Tori again. Tori passed Emily to her and Ally’s eyes lit with a joy that he wanted desperately to give her. “Deal,” he said, and shook William’s hand. “And thank you.”

  “You know the only thanks I want,” William said with a wink, then he sobered. “Good luck, Jonathan. I only want the best for both of you.”

  “I know. Thank you, William.”

  “There are people who don’t care about babies, and people who can be happy either way, but my Ally has wanted a baby all her life. Here’s hoping this makes the difference. Fathers are supposed to help dreams come true, aren’t we?”

  Jonathan nodded, then William was gone, winding his way back to the table where he was seated with Marianne.

  Jonathan took a deep breath. He left his drink on the bar and headed back toward Ally.

  He felt less burdened, like there was hope for her dream and for their marriage, too. He loved Ally with all his heart and he loved that she wanted to share her love with a child. He wanted to give her that, just as her dad did. Tonight, in a hotel room that overlooked the glitter of Manhattan, he’d show her just how much he loved her. They were in Manhattan for two more nights, with a nice hotel room and no obligations.

  It was time to romance his wife all over again.

  Maybe they wouldn’t even need to take William up on his offer.

  Maybe knowing the offer was there was enough to make a difference.

  Ty felt as if he’d run a marathon, even though he hadn’t done any of the work. He was both exhausted and ecstatic, which was a strange and wonderful combination.

  He sat in Amy’s darkened room at the hospital, holding his son, and felt awe.

  There had been a lot of activity after their arrival. Dr. Bainbridge had met the ambulance and whisked Amy and the baby away for an exam. Ty had appreciated the OB/GYN’s cheerful efficiency one more time. Amy’s doula, Fiona, had been there, too, and had helped Amy to clean up while Michael was being tested, weighed, and measured. She’d brought some herbal tea in a thermos for Amy and had given her a massage before helping her to breast feed for the first time. Fiona had then presented Michael with his first gift, a buttery soft blue baby sweater that she’d knit, and promised to come to the house the next day to help Amy get settled. Dr. Bainbridge had just come to the room to congratulate them both and report that everything was just fine.

  Ty was so relieved. He’d loosened his tie and rolled up his shirt sleeves, and his stained suit jacket was cast across another chair. Amy had fallen asleep after Fiona’s massage and he was content to sit beside her and be grateful. The ward was quiet at this hour, and the sky beyond the windows was dark. The nurses checked on them periodically, but were leaving them all to get acquainted.

  They’d take Michael home the next day. Ty had called his mom and hadn’t really been surprised that the jungle drums were already sending out the news. He did vaguely recall Lauren saying that she’d call their mom and clearly she’d done so. Everyone else, he figured, already knew.

  “You look wrung out,” Amy murmured and he realized that she hadn’t been dozing after all. She smiled at him, her eyes shining, and he felt a tidal wave of love for her.

  As well as the little one sleeping against his chest.

  It amazed him that they had created this child out of their love. Though the delivery had been terrifying in its unfamiliarity, it had also been so natural and right.

  “It’s just incredible.” He shook his head, then eased his chair closer to the bed. Amy reached out and touched Michael’s cheek with a fingertip. “And wonderful.”

  “And people do it all the time,” she mused. “And have been doing it since forever. I feel like I was just let in to the big secret.” Her finger moved against the baby’s cheek and he turned his face toward her hand. “I already love him so much, and we’ve just met.”

  “Yes,” Ty agreed. “Exactly.” They gazed at their son together for a long moment. The baby stirred, scrunching up his face, and wriggled harder. They both already knew what that meant. Amy sat up a little more, then unfastened her gown as Michael let out a little cry of hunger. Ty eased the baby into her arms, then fixed the pillows behind her, watching as Michael began to feed.

  “You look like a pro,” he said.

  Amy shook her head. “It’s like magic. Or instinct. Fiona said I would know what to do and I thought that was crazy, but it’s true. I’m glad she was here to help the first time, though.”

  He sat on the edge of his chair again, unable to tear his gaze away from mother and son. “You were amazing today,” he said and Amy’s smile flashed.

  “I didn’t have a lot of choice. Thanks for being organized.” She reached out and took his hand. “I felt like no matter what happened, you would be my rock and you were.”

  Ty sighed, though he was glad of her comment. “I’ve never felt so useless in my life.”

  “Maybe you should learn to be a doula for next time.”

  He blinked in surprise. “You’re already talking about next time?”

  Amy laughed lightly. “Well, why not? It was a lot easier than I expected and I like the idea of a big family.” She raised her gaze to his, as if she wasn’t sure whether he’d disagree.

  Ty was reminded of how long she’d been alone, and nodded. “I’d love to have three or four kids,” he admitted. “If you want. You’re the one who has to do the hard part.”

  “Three or four? That’s all?” she teased.

  “Well, that’s a lot of college educations,” he began and Amy laughed at him again.

  “What are you going to do if Michael wants to be a carpenter?”

  “Encourage him,” Ty said, but he understood her point. He did have firm ideas of how things should be and he was going to have to be a bit more flexible. Michael had already shown that when he had a plan, he followed through on it.

  “I think he’s going to challenge your assumptions, Ty. A lot.”

  “I hope so.” Ty reached and claimed one of her hands. He kissed her palm and met her gaze steadily. “The last time that happened, it worked out really, really well.”

  Amy blushed a little and smiled at him, that impish smile that did crazy things to his equilibrium. “I wish I had a camera,” she said, her tone mischievous. “I’ve never seen you so disheveled. I might need photographic evidence that it happened at all.”

  “I do need a clean shirt and a shower,” Ty admitted.

  “I’m not sure that suit jacket can be saved.”

  He waved off her concern. “It served its role.” He didn’t let go of her hand. “But I don’t want to go home and leave you alone here.”

  “I don’t want you to leave either.” Amy’s smile broadened. “That’s why I packed
you a change of clothes in the hospital bag.”

  “You didn’t? I thought that was all your stuff.”

  “Rolled up tight, but they’re in there.” She tightened her grip on his hand. “I had a feeling you might lose your cool, Tyler McKay.” The heat in her gaze told him that she was fine with that.

  “Don’t tell anyone,” he whispered and she smiled.

  “I think they know. You were as white as a ghost.”

  Ty grimaced at the truth of it. “Next time, I’ll own it.”

  Michael sputtered a little and Amy moved him to her other breast. “Go change,” she advised. “But maybe you should do some skin-on-skin, too.”

  Ty used the facilities and cleaned up, thinking he looked a bit less of a wreck when he returned to Amy’s side. His dress shoes were wrong with his jeans, but it wasn’t that big of a deal. He put his laundry in the overnight bag, resigned to chucking the suit. He tossed his T-shirt over the chair and lifted Michael, setting him on his shoulder to burp. Amy watched with undisguised appreciation.

  “My men,” she breathed with satisfaction and Ty grinned at her as Michael belched. “You’re good at that,” she added.

  “I have to contribute something here,” Ty said.

  “I liked the first bit you contributed,” Amy teased.

  Ty grinned. “Let’s see how I do with the diaper bit.” He didn’t do too badly for a newbie, it turned out, even managing to evade Michael’s squirt of pee. Amy laughed at the two of them, then someone cleared their throat at the door.

  “Ready for visitors?” Ty’s mom, Colleen, asked, her eyes alight with excitement.

  Ty was amazed it had taken her so long to arrive. He glanced at Amy, who nodded, then beckoned to his parents.

  Colleen charged over the threshold and came straight to Michael, making no secret of her priorities. “Oh!” she gasped, lifting her hands. “He’s so handsome! And tall! Ty was tall like this when he was born,” she told Amy.

  Jeffrey was carrying a large vase of flowers and a gift wrapped in blue. He put them both down, gave Amy a kiss on the cheek when she thanked him, then came to Ty’s side.