The Father of Her Son - By Kathleen Pickering Page 0,82

vulnerability and security. Evan asked Matt, who sat on her other side, what he thought of his mom running Neverland. When her son answered that she was the best, he and Evan reached across her to slap a high five that had the table smiling, and had him leaning into her enough that she briefly rested her head on his shoulder as she laughed.

What really shook Kelly was that the pride she saw in Evan’s eyes when she told her story about Neverland was the same pride she’d noted in Julie’s eyes for her husband when he’d been recanting his teenage escapades. Kelly wasn’t sure what to do with the warmth Evan’s look stirred in her. Julie’s pride reflected the deep affection that had grown for her husband through the years. Her charm and sense of humor simply seemed like another link binding these two charismatic people together. Hearing stories from their life together, including the tragedy of losing her brother, showed that the strength of character, trust and devotion they found in each other had carried them to this wonderful life they shared today. Watching Julie so comfortable in her own skin and willing to share her joy with everyone around her reflected her contentment with the choices she made in her life, including her husband.

To find a love like that would take Kelly’s breath away. Evan’s glance made her see how far away that chance was for her. He might be showing her affection, but she’d taken vows under a lie. It didn’t matter that she had the chance to meet and like her new in-laws—oh, it felt so strange to say those words—which could make this union so much easier. Her marriage to Evan was doomed. It was founded on an unworthy foundation that she had created. She was the cornerstone to the impending calamity. She had to set the record straight.

Evan tipped the doorman and closed the door. Sheer horror must have crossed her face because he laughed.

“You look like a deer in headlights, woman. Relax. It’s me. Evan.”

“I know who you are.” She looked down at the ring on her finger. Her hands were shaking.

“Hey...”

Evan came over and slowly wrapped her into his arms. She let him hold her because right now, the enormity of the situation threatened to knock her off her feet.

“No pressure, Kelly. Let’s just take it easy. Before being husband and wife, we are friends. And as your friend, I really want you to calm down.”

“Hey, Dad! Let’s play pinball!”

The fact that this momentous occasion had very little effect on her son’s world helped put her shock into perspective. The only difference was that her son was now calling her husband, Dad, and liking it. Her husband!

Evan called over Kelly’s head. “You start, Matt-man. I’ll be right there.”

Kelly stepped from his arms. “I’m sorry, Evan. I feel like I’ve done us both the biggest disservice.”

He frowned. “Getting married? Really?”

Her gaze settled on Matt as he fed a quarter into the pinball machine. She lowered her voice. This was not easy to say. “You know I’m using you to save Matt.”

He lifted her chin to draw her attention to him. “I know, Red. I asked you to accept this exact plan a while ago. Remember?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“So now, we enjoy the rest of our lovely wedding day as a family. Tomorrow, we begin our work as a team to remove Buzz Campbell from your life. Forever, if possible.”

“That is why you married me?”

He shook his head slowly. “Why I married you can keep for another time. Suffice it to say that I have no illusions as to why you married me. When this mess is cleaned up, if you want out, I will give you a divorce without question. Is that fair?”

Her throat tightened. “You would do that?”

He chuckled. “Willingly, but not happily.”

The smile creasing her lips made her heart feel lighter. “I just didn’t want a lie between us about why I took those vows.”

He reached down and kissed her lightly on the lips. “No lies here, Red. I understand.”

“Thank you.” She couldn’t understand why suddenly she felt so shy.

Evan held up a finger. “However, I have a caveat.”

“What is that?”

“You must go on the occasional date with me. I almost had you on a theater evening before this whirlwind struck.”

Inwardly she sighed in relief. That was easy. She thought it would involve sleeping in the same bed or something. She hadn’t quite come to terms with how they’d tackle that