Last Name - Dr. Rebecca Sharp Page 0,51

right—there were things they didn’t know about. Like how he’d card-counted his way out of their father’s debts.

“He also is the kind of guy who is always looking out for others—especially his family.”

Again, I couldn’t argue.

“So, when I think about those two things together, I see a man who is too smart and too considerate to rush into something that is too risky or might not work out. I also see a man who, when he figures out what is right or what he wants, will stop at nothing to lock it down.”

I snort laughed, never hearing someone use ‘lock it down’ so seriously like that before.

“You know I’m right.”

“You are.” I wiped my eyes dry. “I just… well, you know how clumsy I am, and I’m definitely falling here. The only difference is, I don’t really want to try and stop myself.”

Suz turned off the car and focused on me with a huge smile. “Good. I don’t care what anyone says or how you started out. The way James looks at you—even from the first night I met you—you are what he wants. And sometimes the very best things in life are the unplanned ones…”

She trailed off and I was about to respond when I caught the way she looked down and placed a hand on her stomach.

“Suz…”

She put a finger in front of her mouth, a signal to keep her and Lars’ secret under wraps.

“No one knows,” she whispered even though there was no one around. “We just found out a few weeks ago. Totally unplanned.”

“Congratulations,” I returned with an excited whisper.

She danced a little in the seat before taking a deep breath and composing herself. “Alright, let’s get inside and get changed before your man shows up.”

I flushed but only felt excitement. Her happiness suffocated my unease, and all I could think about was when James would get there.

And how to tell him that maybe the annulment wasn’t such an urgency after all…

There were so many more people at the house tonight compared to that first, it was staggering.

Literally.

I was staggering between bodies, wondering if I’d had two or three glasses of wine because I couldn’t seem to remember.

Thankfully, between the smile on my face and the way the cornflower blue dress Suz bought me hugged my curves in all the right places, everyone seemed to be generally kind and welcoming. Well, except for Lynn.

I’d had to suffer her condescending stare since the moment James arrived. Actually, since the moment she realized I was invited tonight, she’d turned even more sour toward me. But when James got here and pulled me into his arms, dropping a kiss on the top of my head, I swore I could see the small horns of rage poking through her hair.

The crowd gathered between the vaulted living room and the kitchen where the catering was being served. Meanwhile, I was trying to make it to the deck door, craving some fresh air.

“Oopmh!” I grunted, bumped into from behind, and stumbled forward.

And, because it was me, tripped and sent what remained in my wine glass onto the shirt-sleeve of the man who was reaching out to steady me.

“Oh, no!” I exclaimed, looking up in horror to the older gentleman the Cab-Sav soaked hand belonged to. “I am so, so sorry.”

God, I’d made it this long.

I was doing so well.

“Well, that’s quite alrig—”

“No.” I shook my head, suddenly feeling overwhelmed as I searched frantically for a napkin or paper towel. “It’s not okay. I’m so sorry.”

His shirt was expensive. It was the only thing I could think as I pressed the napkin I grabbed up against it. It felt soft like the ones James’ wore and tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.

The man’s larger hand, fingers adorned with a bright red signet and a gold wedding ring, covered mine, stilling my rushed rubbing.

“That’s alright, darlin’.” His Southern drawl comforted me, and I offered him an apologetic and embarrassed smile.

“I feel terrible,” I said. “I’m so sorry.”

“And I’m Jack Bernhart.” He turned his hand in mine and shook it firmly.

“Oh, I’m Carrie. Carrie Bishop.” I reached and offered him another napkin. “Also known as Carrie the Klutz.”

He chuckled. “Don’t you even worry about it. I’m always spillin’ things on myself at these kinds of parties. It’s always a surprise when I’m not the first. Provided my late wife endless sources of amusement.” His laugh took on that sad lilt that twisted in my tummy.

“I’m sorry,” I repeated, only this time, it wasn’t