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Chapter 29
Grace
Therearemomentsinyour life that you will never forget. Walking into the home that Cash was born in, the place where he finally said I love you, while pregnant with his child, is definitely one of them for me.
It’s not the place that makes it memorable though, although it certainly is jaw-droppingly beautiful enough, with more flowers than I remember and a thin silk tent which blows in the breeze covered in greenery and cascading wisteria which makes it look like a fairytale.
The reason this moment will be seared in my brain for the rest of eternity is the way Cash looks at me the first time we meet eyes again after weeks apart, and how he slowly lowers them down my body, taking in every inch.
How his pupils dilate, his gaze strengthens, and his jaw tightens. How his lips part, his hands drop, and his head tilts in wonder. How I render him completely speechless.
There is a wall of people around and between us and yet they part like the Red Sea when I walk in with Marion by my side.
The invitation said it was a white party, likely Cat’s idea seeing as how she’s in the fashion industry, so the only pops of color are the flowers, the fire-like sunset, and the orange and red sea in front of us.
My dress is white silk, dips in the front with a cowl-neck, and clings to me, accentuating my new figure, stopping right below the knee. It’s a cool December night, so I wrapped a faux fur stole around my shoulders, but my nipples still pebble from the breeze, and the silk does nothing to hide them.
I’m on display to the man who set fire to all my insecurities and walked out while I burned. In that moment, every single word he uttered, while I fell to my knees begging him to just listen to me, replays in my head, and my hand goes to my stomach as if I can somehow protect my child from his thoughts, from what I know will be his reaction when he realizes that the woman he hates is also going to be the mother of his child.
“I can’t do this,” I mutter, clinging to Marion.
She moves her fingers between mine, interlocking them and forming an emotional barrier of strength for me. “Yes, you can. But you don’thaveto do it right now.” She guides me out of Cash’s view and into Hayden’s waiting embrace.
“Grace Kensington, you are a dream,” he says with a big smile and open arms. I move into them, taking solace in his friendship. For a moment, I focus on nothing more than breathing.
Icando this. But more importantly, I don’t have a choice. “Thanks for being here,” I mutter against him.
His chest rumbles in laughter. “Kinda didn’t have a choice,” he says as his brother walks up.
“You have quite a party here, Jay,” I say, stepping out of Hayden’s arms. Jay looks around the room, surveying everyone who came to meet the woman who finally stole Jonathan Hanson’s heart.
He beams when she comes into view in a white, floor-length mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline covered in jewels. She looks like an ad for Tiffany with her teal shoes which offer just a pop of color as she moves. As she gets closer, I see that it has an illusion on top with a cream underlay, making it look like she’s naked beneath the sheer fabric.
“Beautiful,” he whispers, as his arms move around her waist, pulling her close. He places a kiss on her cheek, and she remains mostly stiff in his arms.
“Grace, thank you so much for coming.” She pulls away from him and moves her arms around me. After months of our dueling, we’ve finally come to a place of peace. I hope it lasts.
Remembering that Marion is behind me, and that Cat is her best friend’s daughter, I turn to include Marion in the conversation.
“Marion, you remember Cat,” I say, motioning behind me. I don’t know how I expect them to react, but Marion reaching out and pulling Cat into her arms isn’t it. Yet that is precisely what happens. The warmth Marion exudes toward Cat is so motherly, it’s hard to imagine that she never had children.
I find myself clutching my stomach remembering that I was also raised by this woman, not just my mother, and I can emulate her. I can be like her and not be selfish like my mother. Even if that is how others see me. Icanbe better.
Marion holds Cat at arm’s length and stares at her. “You look just like your mother. My God, it’s like stepping back in time. You’re absolutely gorgeous.”
All three of us start dabbing at our eyes, and Jonathan smiles as if this is the most enjoyable moment he’s had in months. He’s always been warm with me, but it’s strange to see him that way with others. He really must care for Cat.
“Go grab a drink, ladies. Cat and I have to mingle, but I know she wants to look at those photos you mentioned, Grace,” Jonathan says, and I nod, pointing at Marion’s oversized bag.
“Is there somewhere I can put this for the time being?” Marion asks.
Cat replies, “Sure, I can bring it inside.”
I shake my head. “It’s fine; I can do that. You go enjoy your guests.”
Hayden wraps his arm around me, always appearing at the right moment. “I can go with you.”
Everyone’s watching me as if I’m made of glass. It does nothing for my confidence. “I’m pregnant not an invalid. Calm down.”
