“He doesn’t want to fall in love.”
Missy surveyed the three Case men as the minister guided them into position near the front of the church. “So make him.”
Rather than lecture Missy about how hopeless it was to try changing Jason’s mind about love and marriage, Ming clamped her lips together and forced a smile. What good would it do to argue with a newly married woman who was a poster child for happily ever after?
As she practiced her walk up the aisle on Nathan’s arm, she had a hard time focusing on the minister’s instructions. Casting surreptitious glances at Jason, standing handsome and confident beside Max, she fought against despair as she realized there would never be a day when the man she loved waited for her at the front of the church. She would never wear an elegant gown of white satin and shimmering pearls and speak the words that would bind them together forever.
“And then you separate, each going to your place.” The minister signaled to the organist. “Here the music changes to signal that the bride is on her way.”
While everyone watched Rachel float up the aisle, her happiness making it appear as if her feet didn’t touch the ground, Ming stared down at the floor and fought against the tightness in her throat. She was going to drive herself mad pining for an ending that could never be.
Twenty minutes later, the wedding party was dismissed. They trooped back down the aisle, two-by-two, with Nathan and Ming bringing up the rear.
“How’s Emma doing?” she asked. Nathan’s wife was five days past her due date.
“She’s miserable.” Nathan obviously shared his wife’s discomfort. “Can’t wait for the baby to come.”
“I didn’t see her. Is she here tonight?”
“No.” A muscle jumped in his jaw. “I told her to stay home and rest up. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.” Nathan scowled. “But if I know her, she’s working on the last of her orders to get them done before the baby arrives.”
Nathan’s wife made some of the most unique and beautiful jewelry Ming had ever seen. Missy’s wedding set was one of her designs. From what Jason had told her, Max and Rachel’s wedding rings had been created by Emma as well.
“I’m worried she’s not going to slow down even after the baby arrives,” Nathan continued, looking both exasperated and concerned. “She needs to take better care of herself.”
“Why, when she has you to take care of her?”
Nathan gave her a wry grin. “I suppose you’re right. See you tomorrow.”
Smiling thoughtfully at Nathan’s eagerness to get home to his wife, Ming went to fetch her purse. When she straightened, she discovered Jason standing beside her. He slipped his fingers through hers and squeezed gently.
“I missed you this week.”
Shivers danced along her spine at his earnest tone. “I missed you, too.”
More than she cared to admit. Although they’d talked every day on the phone, their conversations had revolved around the dental practice financials and other safe topics. They hadn’t discussed that Evan was in love with Lily, and Ming wasn’t sure Jason even knew.
“I don’t suppose I could talk you into coming home with me tonight,” he murmured, drawing her after the departing couples.
Although tempted by his offer, she shook her head. “I promised Lily we’d hang out, and I have an early appointment to get my hair and makeup done tomorrow.” She didn’t like making up excuses, but after what she’d started to suspect earlier, the only thing she wanted to do was take the pregnancy test she’d bought on the way to the church and see if it was positive. “Tomorrow after the reception.”
Jason walked her to her car and held her door while she got behind the wheel. He lingered with his hand on the door. The silence between them grew heavy with expectation. Ming’s heart slowed. The crease between his brows told her that something troubled him.
She was the first to break the silence. “Evan’s in love with Lily and she’s decided to stay in Houston.”
“How do you feel about that?”
“I’m thrilled.”
“I mean about how Evan feels about her.”
With a determined smile she shook her head. “I’m happy for him and Lily.”
“You’re really okay with it?”
“I’m going to be a mom. That’s what I’m truly excited about. That’s where I need to put all my energy.”
“Because you know I’m here if you want to talk.”
“Really, I’m fine,” she said, keeping her voice bright and untroubled. She knew he was just being a good friend, but she couldn’t stop herself from wishing his concern originated in the same sort of love she felt for him. “See you at the restaurant.”
He stared at her for a long moment more before stepping back. “Save me a seat.”
And with that, he closed her car door.
Eleven
Jason had never been so glad to be done with an evening. Sitting beside Ming while toast after toast had been made to the bride and groom, he’d never felt more alone. But it’s what he wanted. A lifetime with no attachments. No worries that he’d ever become so despondent over losing a woman that he’d want to kill himself.
Logic and years of distance told him that his father had been in an extremely dark place after the death of his wife and daughter. But there was no reason to believe that Jason would ever suffer such a devastating loss. And if he did, wasn’t he strong enough to keep from sinking into a hole and never coming out?
And yet, his reaction to that photo of her dancing hadn’t exactly been rational. Neither had the way he’d demanded that she declare herself to be his. Oh, he’d claimed that he didn’t want to lead her on. The truth was he was deathly afraid of losing her.
“I’m heading home.” Ming leaned her shoulder against his. Her breath brushed his neck with intoxicating results. “Can you walk me to my car?”
“I think I’ll leave, too.” The evening was winding down. Sebastian and Missy had already departed.
As soon as they cleared the front door, he took her hand. Funny how such a simple act brought him so much contentment. “Did I mention you look beautiful tonight?”
“Thank you.” Only her eyes smiled at him. The rest of her features were frozen into somber lines.
They reached her car and before he could open her door, she put a hand on his arm. “This is probably not the best place for this…” She glanced around, gathered a breath and met his gaze. Despite her tension, joy glittered in her dark eyes. “I’m pregnant.”
Her declaration crushed the air from his lungs. He’d been expecting it, but somehow now, knowing his child grew inside her, he was beyond thrilled.
“You’re sure?”
“As sure as an early pregnancy test can be.” Her fingers bit into his arm. “I took one at the restaurant.” She laughed unsteadily. “How crazy is that? I couldn’t even wait until I got home.”
Jason wrapped his arms around her and held her against him. A baby. Their baby. He wanted to rush back into the restaurant and tell everyone. They were going to be parents. Reality penetrated his giddy mood. Except she didn’t want to share the truth with anyone. She intended to raise the child on her own.
“I’m glad you couldn’t wait,” he told her, his words muffled against her hair. “It’s wonderful news.”
From chest to thigh, her long, lean body was aligned with his. How many months until holding her like this he’d feel only her rounded stomach? Or would he even get to snuggle with her, her head resting on his shoulder, her arms locked around his waist?
“Of course, this means…”
Knowing what was coming next, Jason growled. “You aren’t seriously going to break up with me on the eve of Max’s wedding.”
“Break up with you?” She tipped her head back so he could see her smile, but she wouldn’t meet his eyes. “That would require us to be dating.”
But they’d sworn never to explore that path. Would they miss a chance to discover that the real reason they were such good friends was because they were meant to be together?
Are you listening to yourself? What happened to swearing you’d never fall in love?
Frustrated by conflicting desires, Jason’s hold on her tightened. Her breath hitched as he lowered his head and claimed her mouth. Heat flared between them. Their tongues tangled while delicious sensations licked at his nerves. She was an endless feast for his senses. A balm for his soul. She challenged him and made him a better person. And now she was pregnant with his child. They could be happy together.
All he needed to do was let her in.
He broke off the kiss and dragged his lips across her cheek. What existed in his heart was hers alone. He could tell her and change everything.
The silence between them lengthened. Finally, Ming slid her palm down his heaving chest and stepped back.
“We’re just good friends who happen to be sleeping together until one of us got pregnant,” she said, her wry tone at odds with her somber eyes.
“And we promised nothing would get in the way of our friendship.”
She sagged against him. “And it won’t.”