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Kelsey sighed, "He loves the thought of having a baby. He's an incurable romantic. Yet, he hasn't said one word about love. What should I do Jackson? I don't want to hurt him. But I've got to get him to listen to reason. Oh Jackson, what am I going to do?"
"You've got the contract, it'll hold up in court, if that's necessary. But Kelsey, maybe you should marry him."
"Jackson! How can you say that?"
"Because he's good for you. He brings out the best in you. I like him. And so does your mother. And look at yourself. You aren't the same insecure little girl you were when you were married to Ralph. Besides, he and your mother have started all the plans. I spoke with her on the phone before you arrived. She has everything arranged. I've never heard her talk like that before. She's doing this up big. Probably because it's the first time she's had the chance to. But for some reason, I think she likes Nick. We all like him. Which is something I hadn't expected? You know me Kelsey; I'm not an easy sell. But I have to admit that night we all shared a pizza in your apartment, watching that game show and just being ourselves. That's really living, Kelsey. That's what life is all about. And your mother…well….she's acting like a—"
"Like a what?"
"Like a grandmother, like a proud mother."
How many times had she wished for her mother to act that way? And she had Nick to thank for it.
"I've got to stop this. He's coming over this Saturday; I'll talk with him then."
"Are you sure you want to?" Jackson's brow shot up. "I hate to keep harping on it, but I think you should give this a long hard look before you stop anything. It could work out, if you work on it."
"That's the same thing I thought about Ralph. Work on it." She hung her head.
"Nick isn't Ralph. How can you begin to compare the two of them? Even I can see the difference. Ralph was a cold, unfeeling fish, and a weasel. The fact that he once hit you for making a mistake at a dinner party is enough for me to say that. Don't compare them Kelsey, it's not the same. Is it the money differences?"
Kelsey stared at Jackson for a moment,then shook her head, "Strangely, no. Money seems to be the least of our worries. I'm afraid to trust my feelings. I don't want another mistake. And I'd be involving another life in this one—the baby."
"My loyalty remains with you, you know that. However, I must tell you, Kelsey, I think not marrying Nick would be the mistake. Does he know you love him?"
Kelsey sat down quietly in her big leather chair, glanced up at Jackson and sighed, "No. I'm afraid to say anything like that to him."
"It may be all he's waiting to hear."
Kelsey's shoulders slumped, one tear escaped. "Isn't the man supposed to say it, first?"
"There are no hard and fast rules. Most of the time yes. There are no set rules on the subject though. But you are a rich woman, have you considered that aspect? I mean perhaps Nick feels as though he has nothing to offer you."
"Oh but that's not true. He has everything to offer. He's honest, kind, hard working. And he's a happy man, at least until I came along. I've never considered him anything but an equal."
"And I agree. He's the kind of man that finds a way to do things and get things done. He'd be an asset to this company, actually. But look at it from his point of view. You are a woman of power. Nick is an ordinary construction worker. What can he offer you but his love?"
"That would be enough, if he offered it."
"Perhaps he needs to know that."
"I can't see Nick letting social position stand in the way. He doesn't think in terms of social positions, he thinks in terms of people. And honestly, I believe Nick Leonetti is one of the richest men alive. And if you're right. If the time ever comes, I'll tell him. If it doesn't, I'll live with it."
Jackson frowned, took up the papers from her desk and walked towards the door. Adjusting the lapel of his jacket, he shook his head emphatically and added, "You're thinking of yourself, Kelsey. Not what's best for the baby? That man knows how to be a family."
Was he right? Was she giving in to her own selfish pride by wanting an admission of love from Nick? She had never realized when she fell in love with him, what it might entail. It just happened.
Yet two weeks passed in a haze and Kelsey still hadn't said anything to Nick. Kelsey tried working up the courage but she couldn't go through with it. He seemed to change the subject when she broached it.
Nick and her mother didn't have ears anymore. They went around agreeing or disagreeing and doing whatever they p
leased. They weren't listening to her. They were too busy making plans. Her father was completely unavailable to talk to. It seemed as though the whole world was ignoring her lately.
The priest came to visit. She was informed she had to take several classes in the church, and Nick had to attend.
Reluctantly, she had accompanied her mother to the bridal shops. She had tried on dress after dress until she found one that she fell in love with. The dress was layered in pearls and lace, with big puffy sleeves at the shoulders, and a full skirt with a long train, it was beautiful, and Kelsey fell in love with it. Four and a half months pregnant and she was barely showing, thank God.
She still waited to tell Nick.
