Chapter Thirty-One

Ava

Darcy and Ray sneak out of the bedroom at seven. “You’re up early,” I say. Both of them are in flannel pajamas, Darcy’s pink and Ray’s dark burgundy.

She winces. “Sorry, we were trying to be quiet so you could keep sleeping.”

“It’s okay.” I sit up on the couch. “Jet-lagged?”

“A little. We were up around five and read for a while. But I’m getting hungry now.”

Uh oh. Breakfast. “I only have some bread…and a few eggs.”

“Got any syrup?”

“Maybe a few packets from takeout places.”

Ray tut-tuts. “You ever cook?”

“I’ve been really busy at work.”

“That man isn’t bringing home-cooked meals to you?”

I chuckle at his disgruntled expression.

Darcy sits by me, her legs tucked under her. “How did the reconciliation come about? I was shocked, but we haven’t had a chance to really talk.”

“It’s…sort of a long story.” I tell them about how Lucas and I ran into each other in L.A. and the things I’ve learned about him—and myself—since, while Ray putters around my humble kitchen, putting together breakfast and coffee and listening with one ear.

“And you haven’t said anything about Mia yet?” Darcy says when I’m finished.

I shake my head.

“You should.”

Behind her, the corners of Ray’s mouth turn downward, but he manages a smile as he hands coffee to Darcy and me, gesturing toward the table, where he’s served up some simple French toast.

Pretending not to see his reaction, I take my mug and join them. Badly stocked kitchen or not, Ray has somehow whipped up excellent French toast and fried eggs.

“Are you sure about telling Lucas?” I ask Darcy after a few bites. “You aren’t worried that he might…want to take Mia back?”

“You know… I’m grateful for Mia. I always wanted a child, and frankly, I’d given up hope since we just didn’t have any luck no matter what we tried.” Darcy puts a hand on my arm. “But as much as I like telling myself that I’ll be around until I’m old enough to see her have children of her own, I’m fifty-five. And so is Ray. Life can be uncertain.” She squeezes me. “My mother passed away when she was only sixty-one. Aneurysm. Nothing to be done about it.”

“I’m so sorry, Darcy.”

“But there’s one consolation, which is that if something does happen to us, Mia won’t be alone. She’ll have you. And it eases my mind to know that she’ll have her father as well.”

My breath hitches as an unspeakable fear slithers through me. “Are you…?”

She smiles. “I’m fine. No cancer or anything. Same for Ray. But it’s something to think about. You just never know.” Her gaze turns to the bedroom where Mia is still sleeping. “And I don’t want her to be alone.”

“She won’t be. She’ll be loved and taken care of. I didn’t mention this to you, but Lucas gave me two million dollars back in Virginia.”

Ray and Darcy both stop eating. “Two—! What on earth for?” Ray asks.

“When we came back to the States, he made some promises, and the money happened to be one of them. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but he was serious.”

“My goodness.” Darcy blinks. “That’s a fortune.”

“I’m not touching a penny of it.”

“You going to give it back?” Ray grows thoughtful. “Guess that makes sense if you plan to be together.”

Darcy is shaking her head. “A woman needs to have her own money.”

I laugh. “I’ve set it aside for Mia. She deserves the money.”

Darcy grows quiet. “I see. But are you sure? We plan on leaving Mia plenty, so you shouldn’t…”

“She’s mine too, and I can always make my own money. Please don’t worry.”

Darcy and Ray nod. “So…when are you going to tell him?” Ray asks.

“Before tonight’s dinner. I’m going to call him and set a time so we can talk face to face.”

* * *

Ava

Finding a time to talk to with Lucas is easier said than done. Sadly, he’s unavailable all day long. “If it’s really important, I can swing by,” he offers.

“No, it’s okay,” I say, not wanting to disrupt his schedule. He’s been working with people in Asia, and like he told Ray yesterday, they don’t care that it’s Thanksgiving where we are. Koreans work straight through until a few days after Christmas.

“I’ll pick you and your family up around four,” he says. “We can talk in the car, or at Ryder’s. His place has lots of space.”

“Okay.”

I hang up. Normally I’d be jumping up and down at the idea of meeting a big movie star like Ryder Reed, but I’m too nervous. Lucas will be in for a shock, but I’m sure he’ll also understand why I couldn’t tell him about Mia before. I want him to be happy and proud of our daughter, even if she’s being raised by foster parents. He’s met Ray and Darcy and knows them a little now. Hopefully he realizes they’re good people who want the best for Mia.

Come on. Lucas is a reasonable man. Besides, he may not even really want to be a father yet. Remember how he called children “interesting”?

I know all that, but I also know that what people assume their reaction will be in a given situation and how they actually react are two different things. I never knew if I wanted a child of my own. I never longed for a family, since my childhood and early teens were such painful chapters of my life. But when I saw the sonogram of Mia…heard her heart beat for the first time and felt her kick against my belly… I knew that not only did I want her, I was prepared to do anything to give her the best chance in life, which is why I gave her up for adoption to Darcy and Ray.

I get ready and go into the living room around three thirty. My foster parents are already dressed in stylish outfits—a simple light gray sweater and dark slacks for Ray and a long spring-green dress for Darcy. Mia is in a pink dress with a fluttery, tutu-like skirt and a small tiara, looking like the pampered princess she is.

Ray raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure you want to go like that?”

“What?” I glance down at myself, wondering if I overlooked a stain or something. No. It’s far worse. I’m in a fuzzy black and orange dress with small stars. I might as well scrawl “Halloween Reject” on my face.

Darcy rises. “Let me help.” She puts a hand between my shoulders and marches me back to my closet. “I’m sure you have something more suitable.”

“I do, but…” I groan. “Sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“Don’t stress about the dinner. Or telling Lucas about Mia.”

I sigh. “That obvious, huh?”

“Of course it’s obvious. It’s big news, and I’d be just as jumpy. But Ava, I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and his feelings won’t change over this. He knows what your circumstances were like.” She picks out a blue cocktail dress and holds it out for me. “What about this? Stylishly cut…and it’ll bring out your eyes.”

Instead of taking the garment, I lower my voice and whisper, “What if he wants Mia?” When Ray mentioned the possibility yesterday it seemed really far-fetched, but now it feels not so improbable after all. Even if Lucas doesn’t mind letting Darcy and Ray raise her, his family may object, especially that bastard Blake. He seems like the type who’d stomp on a bunny just because he can.

Her chin quivers slightly, but she smiles. “Well. That’s his right as her father.”

“Darcy…”

“I’ll be devastated, but it’s not like we can’t ever see her. We can still be in her life, perhaps as honorary grandparents or godparents. I’ll always think of her as my own, but I want you to be happy.” She exhales softly. “It’d be easier for me to ask to keep Mia a secret. But secrets never remain hidden. They always come out, and when they do, they destroy everything. If he hears it from you, now, he’ll have a chance to digest the news and he’ll appreciate your honesty. If he hears it from someone else, the only thing he’ll think is that you lied to him.” Darcy holds my eyes, making sure I get the point. “Ava, you’ve fought so hard for this relationship. I’ve seen how miserable you were without Lucas, and how you glow when you’re with him. I don’t want to take that away.”

The skin around my eyes grows hot with unshed tears. She’s so perfect and so loving, and I can’t help but wonder for the hundredth time why someone like her couldn’t be a mother when my own mom could.

I put on the dress. As soon as she pulls the zipper up, the intercom buzzes. “That’ll be Lucas,” I say.

“Perfect timing.” She squeezes my hand. “You look fabulous, dear. Let’s have a great time! I’ve never been invited to a movie star’s mansion before. If I were still young and single, I’d throw myself at that man, propriety be damned.”

We both laugh as we leave. Ray smiles at our good humor, and Mia chortles as though she’s in on the joke.

Lucas arrives with a warm grin, kisses me and then greets everyone. He is gorgeous, this man of mine. The brown V-neck shirt deepens his eye color to dark chocolate and stretches over his big, muscular chest, revealing the outline of the nipple ring. His slacks are two shades lighter, and fit his narrow pelvis and tight butt perfectly. If we were alone, I might run my hands all over his body just because.

Mia watches him with fascination, then points at her tiara. “Pwincess.”

“And very pretty, too.” He bows to Mia, his motion as fluid and elegant as any medieval knight’s. Then he lowers himself on one knee, bringing the two of them to somewhat the same height. “Princess Mia.”

She laughs, clapping. Her eyes are fantastically bright and curious as she studies him, then pushes the hair out of the way and touches his scar. He stills, and my heart stops. He’s so sensitive about the crash…

“Wha dat?” she asks.

“It’s called a ‘scar,’” he answers solemnly. “This is what happens when someone gets hurt.”

“Did you figh’?”

“No.”

She shakes her head. “No figh’. Be fwiens.”

He nods. “That’s the best way.”

The smile he gives her is so pure and loving, my heart aches until tears cloud my vision. I’m tempted to just blurt out, “That’s our daughter,” but my tongue feels huge and clumsy in my mouth. Still, wouldn’t this be the perfect moment for him to learn who Mia is, when he’s feeling this connection and affection for the child…?

Ray picks her up, laughing, and the tableau is broken. I bite my lower lip, then look away. Suddenly there’s a hand on my arm. “You all right?” Lucas asks.

“I’m fine.”

“If you’re nervous about Blake, don’t be. Everyone’s on your side.”

“Really?” I blink up at him.

He nods, sidling closer. “It’s just dinner. I promise they won’t try to have you as an appetizer.”

I laugh despite myself, and we go out together. The Bentley SUV is waiting for us outside, sans driver. I give Lucas a look, and he shrugs. “It’s Thanksgiving. I gave the man the day off.”

“I need to grab Mia’s child seat from Ava’s car,” Ray says.

“It’s okay. I already had one installed for her.”

“Thank you. That’s very thoughtful of you,” Darcy says.

“My pleasure, ma’am.”

Lucas waits until everyone’s settled before starting the car. Of course I’m seated next to him, since there’s no place I’d rather be.

I don’t say much during the drive, thinking of a good time and place to tell Lucas everything. Darcy and Ray chat about what they’d like to do while in L.A. and Lucas throws out a few suggestions. He even offers to set them up with a concierge, but they decline.

“You’re awfully quiet,” Lucas says, giving me a quick glance.

“Just imaging if Ryder’s mansion is as grand as people say.”

He snorts. “It’s more like a fortress. The only things missing are a moat and some catapults.”

I bite back a laugh. “Seriously?”

“That’s the word. Ryder takes security very seriously.”

“Is it because of his wife?” Ray asks. “I saw some articles about her. Nasty stuff.”

“That probably cemented his hatred of the media, but it was already pretty full-blown. Some crazy fans were stalking him for a while…one actually tried to run him over, screaming that if she couldn’t have him, nobody could.”

Three gasps rise. Mia merely laughs as though she finds our shock hilarious.

“Wow,” I say.

Lucas gives me a look. “Yeah. Since then he’s been stricter with security, although I think it makes him unhappy that he’s lost his privacy.”

“The price of fame,” Ray says.

“Unfortunately, yes. Although Ryder would prefer that people didn’t bother him so much. He enjoys acting more than all the trappings that come with being a star. Since his wife has been targeted a few times, he’s doubly upset about that.”

“It’s a shame.”

“Par for the course in Hollywood. But Paige is very understanding. She knew what was going to happen, since she worked with him before as his assistant.”

Soon we reach Ryder’s place. Lucas hasn’t exaggerated at all. The wall surrounding the estate looks forbidding, and the security cameras mounted everywhere don’t appear to be just for show. Lucas pushes a button at the gates and says, “It’s me.”

“Welcome, Mr. Reed,” comes a growly male voice, and the gates open automatically.

I gape as our SUV follows a winding road through an immaculate garden and past a huge pool. The place is practically a resort. The mansion is exceptionally large, with three stories, and Lucas kills the engine in front of the entrance. I spot a few other fancy cars.

“Paige’s family’s here too, I think,” Lucas says. “Her sister and husband are in L.A. and her parents are from Ohio, if I remember correctly.”

“Super,” Darcy says. An extrovert to the core, she loves to meet new people.

Lucas leads the way into the mansion. The foyer is stunning, with beautifully framed paintings that look gracing the walls. I stare at them like a wide-eyed fool—all of them look like originals—but Lucas barely seems to notice. I hear the clacking of heels on the marble floor.

“Oh my gosh, you made it!”

It’s Elizabeth, a mimosa in her hand. She’s as well put together as usual in a pink dress and nude pumps. Her makeup is flawless, maybe done professionally, and her golden hair is pulled back, revealing dangly pearl and diamond earrings.

Lucas makes quick introductions, and Elizabeth greets everyone warmly. Then her gaze falls on Mia. “Hello, little princess. Aren’t you gorgeous?” She gives her drink to Lucas, opens her arms, then looks at Darcy. “Do you mind if I hold her?”

“Not at all.” Darcy hands her off.

Elizabeth takes Mia with care. “She’s so precious!” she coos. “Oh my gosh. I think I just ovulated.”

“I…did not need to know that,” Lucas remarks.

“Oh hush. Let’s go to the living room.” She walks with us. “Everyone’s here except Blake. I don’t know when he’s coming, or even if he’s coming. He isn’t answering his phone, and Paige says he didn’t bother to RSVP.” She rolls her eyes. “I swear we were taught better than that.”

“That’s a shame,” I say, although secretly I’m hoping he doesn’t show at all. I know I have to make peace with the man eventually. He’s the sibling who showed up in Charlottesville when Lucas and I broke up and gave him support. But I can’t forget what Blake said to me, and I’m not going to pretend that it was okay, even though I’m willing to be friendly with him for Lucas’s sake. However, with the confession I need to make, I’d rather not deal with him today if possible.

“Look who’s here!” Elizabeth announces as we spill into the sizable living room. I notice it has a view of the garden and the pool.

Ryder Reed, in the flesh, gets up from the loveseat he’s sharing with a pregnant blond woman and welcomes us. He’s famous for his chiseled, impossibly handsome movie-star looks, and if anything he’s even better in person. Darcy is quite taken with him, naturally, and even Ray looks a bit shocked. It’s a little surreal having a face you’ve seen hundreds of times in movies smile at you in real life.

Lucas clears his throat and squints at me in mock displeasure. I look up at him, then grin. “Jealous?”

“Depends on what you’re thinking about.”

“I was wondering what genius surgeon gave him that face.”

“Sadly, it’s all natural.”

“Really?” I gape at Ryder, who I think knows what we’re talking about and has the chutzpah to wink at me. I turn back to Lucas. “You’re the most perfect man for me though.”

“Even with the scar?” he asks, but there’s no pain or darkness in his gaze.

“I’m rather fond of it. Plus, now all you need is an eye patch and you can be a pirate.” I kiss him, then notice Elizabeth and Ryder over Lucas’s shoulder, watching us with huge grins.

Soon the two of them introduce us to Paige and her family, including her mother, stepfather, stepsister and her husband. All the women fawn over Mia, who preens shamelessly with a wide smile and bright eyes. Paige rests a hand over her belly and says, “I hope I have a baby just as precious as Mia. She’s adorable.”

“So do I,” Belle says. “Which is bad because I really want to finish college first.”

“We can do both,” Elliot calls out, while serving scotch to Ryder, Lucas and Ray.

“Easy for you to say,” Belle shoots back. “You won’t be the one with morning sickness and cankles.”

Elizabeth rolls her eyes. “Ignore him. What do men know about pregnancy anyway?” She caresses Mia’s cheeks.

“Exactly. Men…know nothin’ ’bout women. Thass the problem.”

My jaw drops at the sight of Blake, who sways as he walks in. His shirt and pants are wrinkled like he’s slept in them, and he reeks of stale alcohol. Red rims his eyes, and he hasn’t shaved recently. I can’t believe it’s the same self-possessed, supercilious bastard I met before.

I glance at Lucas, unsure what to do. But I suppose my plan to make friends with Blake is going to have to wait, just like my confession.