They attended the ward together and ate meals just as they previously had, but the tension in the air was thick. Based on the kiss they had shared the night before, Zack’s attraction was as real as hers.
But the vital need to keep the twins safe held Sondra back. How would she spend any time convincing Zack that she wanted this to be much more than temporary without putting the babies at risk? She couldn’t do it.
The following week was much the same. They ate their meals together, Zack drove her to work, and they both retired early. Sondra fell asleep. She had no idea what Zack did with his time, and she was too exhausted to investigate.
There were a couple of times during the week when Zack’s dark eyes were lit with a quiet flame, but both of those times ended with him withdrawing, turning away, and disappearing.
If Sondra had been in a different frame of mind, things would have ended differently. She knew it. As it was, she was chafing at the need to put the babies’ safety first. Sacrifice meant something different when she was thinking about it. To have the man of her dreams living in the same house and sharing the same marriage certificate and to have it all temporary because of her sister’s needs was a nightmare.
* * *
“Please switch my calendar for next week.”
Cari pulled up Sondra’s calendar on her PC. “I don’t show many meetings planned.”
“I thought it was light. I’m going to be taking tomorrow and the next week off.”
“Finally going on that honeymoon?”
“We spent a weekend together after the wedding.” Sondra said.
Cari produced an unladylike snort. “That wasn’t a honeymoon. That was a business trip.”
Sondra caught her breath. Cari was too close to the truth. She kept her voice under control as she said, “Zack’s father passed away. We’re attending his funeral in Maryland and then driving down to Philadelphia.”
“This is a bad time of year for car travel.”
“You’re right, but it’s not particularly good for plane travel either.” She stared at the screen while Cari made the necessary adjustments. “And you’re right. We need some more time alone.” Sondra’s smile was wry. “Although it’s not like we’re living in a packed house.”
“Speaking of packed houses….” Cari’s eyes narrowed. “Has that Scott guy been giving you any trouble?”
Sondra shook her head and furrowed her brows. “Why? Should he?”
“I just didn’t get the feeling he’s a good loser.”
“There was nothing to lose.” Sondra protested.
“Yeah. Right.” Cari rolled her eyes. She switched topics. “I need to get these briefs typed before I leave tonight. Did you have anything else?”
Sondra wearily rubbed her brow. “No. I don’t have any pending cases until mid-January, so this is a good time to go.”
Cari nodded. “And I’m taking next week off as well.”
“An even better reason to be gone, then.” Sondra put her phone to her ear as she walked into her office. “Nikki. I have a favor to ask.”
“Anything.”
“Can you take Dewk for the week?”
The silence on the phone was palpable. Finally, in a strained voice Nikki said, “Of course we’ll take Dewk.”
Sondra amended, “Well, you don’t have to take him as in have him in your house. I was wondering if you’d feed him and make sure he’s doing alright. I’m going to Maryland with Zack and I need someone to keep an eye on him.”
“This is a first. Who did you have watch him before?” Nikki asked.
“Scott was a willing volunteer, but we aren’t really on speaking terms these days.”
“I can’t imagine why not.” Nikki snickered.
“Yeah. Well. I’m out a sitter. Can you handle it?”
“I had visions of Dewk chewing through my furniture, but I can handle feeding and checking in on him. No problem. When will you be back?” Nikki asked.
“Sunday after next.”
“Wow. A honeymoon after all.” Approval sounded in Nikki’s voice.
“If you weren’t a phone call away, I’d smack you for that.”
“Not?” Nikki sounded genuinely surprised.
“Not. And don’t ask any questions. I really don’t want to talk about it.” Sondra grated.
“That bad?”
“As I said….”
“Okay. Okay. I won’t pry, but don’t think I’m not absolutely dying for some answers.” Nikki admitted.
“Me too. Me too.” Sondra shut the phone and stared at the wall. Here they were planning another trip that had honeymoon written all over it, and she knew it would be nothing of the kind.
* * *
As usual, Sondra could barely get through her dry toast while Zack ate a hearty breakfast. The herbal tea he made just managed to keep everything down.
“There’s a storm coming while we’re gone. Would you like me to take the Hummer?”
Sondra shook her head. “My car is front wheel drive. I really don’t want to switch back to having you boost me in and out. I’d much rather you drive my car, if it’s okay with you.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Positive.”
Zack paused a moment and then grinned. “You know, I’m surprised you don’t own a Hummer of your own.”
“Me?” Sondra’s eyes reflected her surprise. “Why do you say that?”
“Well, I think of you as indestructible. Don’t you have a sense of adventure to match?”
Sondra shook her head. “The only kind of adventure I crave outside of a good courtroom battle is finding the next big sale. I’m not one to adventure out in the wild blue. Do I have to be outdoorsy to be indestructible?”
He pursed his lips. “I don’t suppose you do, but I’ll bet you’d enjoy four wheeling if you ever tried. Have you ever driven a Hummer?”
“No. And I doubt I’ll start.” She wrinkled her nose at him.
“I wouldn’t make you. Not everyone can do it.”
“Is that a challenge?” A dangerous glint entered her eye.
“I wouldn’t dare.” His answering look was amused.
“When the twins are born, I just might take you up on it.”
“Only if I get to choose the road.”
For a moment, she wondered if it was safe to accept his dare. “You’re on.”
They shook hands. Zack didn’t let go and Sondra didn’t pull away. Their eyes locked. For a whisper of a moment, Sondra was positive Zack was bending down for a kiss.
Zack’s eyes steeled and he released her hand. “Where is your luggage?”
“I left it on my bed.” Sondra pressed her lips together to hide their quiver. His resolve to keep things temporary was crushing.
He loaded the car and then helped Sondra over the slippery walk. Their breath created small white clouds.
Zack had left the car running. As she settled into the warm car, she smiled up at him. “This is delicious. Thanks.”
“What?”
“The temperature.”
“Ah. That. I didn’t want to have to scrape ice off the windows.”
“Whatever the reason,” she continued as he got behind the wheel. “I’m enjoying the warmth.”
“I’m glad you’re comfortable.” He checked traffic and pulled into the street. Sondra stared at his profile a moment. He didn’t look like he wanted to talk, so she turned her attention to the passing scenery―not that there was anything to see.
When Zack arrived at the curb, he pulled out the luggage and had it checked. “I’ll meet you at the gate, if it’s alright with you. I thought you’d be more comfortable waiting inside than riding the shuttle from parking.”
“That’s fine.” As she watched Zack pull away, she was absolutely positive that Scott would have never even thought to drop her off at the door. Temporary or not, living with Zack was a great way to learn what she found valuable in a man and what she didn’t.
As Sondra walked to the gate, she passed the same store she’d stopped at before her last trip. Her stomach churned, and she wished she could take some Dramamine. She wasn’t sure of its effect on the twins, so she walked on without stopping. Constantly keeping the needs of two other humans at the front of her mind wasn’t easy.
Zack settled in next to her in the waiting area. He leaned close and asked, “How are you feeling?”
“A little queasy. I think I’ll be okay.”
“Here. I bought some ginger ale.” He handed her a green bottle.
“How’d you get that through security?”
“It’s at one of the specialty shops. It has real ginger in it, so it should be better than the stuff they offer on the beverage cart. We’re seated close to the bathroom.”
Sondra groaned. “That could be a good thing or a bad thing.”
“I’m hoping you won’t need it, but I thought you’d better be close just in case.”
“Probably not a bad idea.” Sondra’s heart swelled. “Thanks.”
Zack was quiet during the part of the flight Sondra didn’t sleep through. He seemed distant, and Sondra thought, He’s missing his dad.
Sondra was pleasantly surprised when Zack pulled up under the awning of a familiar hotel. When they walked up to the same rooms they’d shared during the previous trip, Sondra stopped and stared. “How did you manage this?”
Zack chuckled. “It wasn’t as hard as you’re making it seem. Winter in DC isn’t tourist season.”
“I have to admit that with all the stressors going on in our lives, it’s nice to have something familiar.”
Zack nodded. “I feel the same.” He walked through the room and then handed her the card. This time, Sondra understood. His time in Afghanistan had left its mark.
The next morning was cold and gray. It matched her mood. Attending a funeral of someone she didn’t know with people she didn’t know was going to be difficult.
Zack knocked on the connecting door. When she opened it, he was dressed in slacks and a sports jacket.
“No suit?”
“My dad wasn’t the suit type.”
“What type was he?”
“He was an outdoorsman. He loved sports.” Zack inspected Sondra while he was talking. “He owned several sports shops, and he wouldn’t be caught dead in a suit.”
“Is that why the casket is closed?”
Zack shrugged. “I have no idea what Jade decided to dress Dad in. I would hope a suit isn’t what she picked, but that’s Jade’s call. In the meantime, I’m going to honor him by dressing how he would.”
“Makes sense.” She raised her brows. “Do I pass?”
“Was I that obvious?”
She pursed her lips. “Yeah. You were.”
“You look great.” The approval in his eyes spoke volumes. Then his look changed to concern. “How do you feel?”
“Feeling the same as usual, thanks for asking.”
For the first time in days, Zack reached for her hand. Startled, she looked up at him, but his expression hadn’t altered. She had to assume the connection was for appearances, but it was hard not to hope that the connection was for comfort. If he could find comfort in her touch at this time, maybe he could find comfort in more than a temporary arrangement. She bit her lip. Grasping at straws wasn’t going to fix things.
* * *
It was about half an hour to the chapel. When they stepped to the sidewalk, Zack reached for Sondra’s hand again. They were connected while they searched through the building.
“Ah. There you are.” Zack released Sondra’s hand and approached a blond woman who was nearly six feet. He hugged her and then turned to Sondra. “Jade, this is Sondra.”
Sondra reached out to shake her hand. Jade ignored the hand and enveloped her in a hug. Sondra was surrounded by the scent of lime and coconut. “Welcome to the family.” Jade said, “I’m sorry I haven’t been myself. Dad’s death has been hard.”
Sondra hugged her back and then moved a step away. “I’m sure. And I’m glad to be part of your family.” Her eyes met Zack’s, and he seemed to approve of her unplanned speech.
A young teen, who looked much like Jade, stepped forward. Her eyes were lighter than Jade’s. They were almost a golden brown, and they met Sondra’s boldly. “My name is Joselyn.” Her gaze turned to Zack. “I hope you’re good to my Uncle.”
Sondra caught his amused look and then she hugged Joselyn. “You’ll have to ask him, but I plan on it.” She stepped back. “How old are you?”
“I’m thirteen.”
“That’s how old I was when I met your Uncle Zack.”
Joselyn’s brows furrowed, and shock ran across Jade’s face. “I didn’t know Uncle Zack knew you when you were young.”
“We haven’t had much of a chance to get to know each other, have we? We’ll have to fix that.”
A younger version of Joselyn stepped forward. She shyly held out her hand. Sondra shook it politely. “My name is Julie. I’m ten.”
“I’m so glad we met.” Sondra smiled down at her.
“Me, too.”
While Sondra was interacting with Julie, she was trying to overhear the conversation between Jade and Zack. Jade’s whisper carried. “I haven’t heard you even mention her name. How could you have met when she was just thirteen?”
Zack sighed. “We haven’t had a lot of time to talk. How about we go over all this after the funeral?”
Sondra caught the tail end of Jade’s glare as Zack stepped out of the room. Jade switched tones when she turned her attention back to her daughters and Sondra. “Jeremy will be playing the piano.” Sondra noticed another blond head poking above the upright piano.
He grinned at her. “I’m Joselyn’s twin.”
Sondra was taken aback. No wonder Zack was so happy about the twins. They ran in his family.
She just managed to smile a greeting before Jade had them lined up to practice “How Great Thou Art.” To Sondra’s surprise, her voice harmonized with the group. She wouldn’t have to feign laryngitis, after all.
Before they entered the chapel, Jade introduced Sondra to a man about her height. His dark blond hair was matched by the two boys clinging to his legs. “This is Stan, my husband. Joseph is five and Jake is three.” They peered up at her, their brown eyes full of curiosity. Sondra shook Stan’s hand and smiled at the boys before moving to join Zack at the front bench. The familiarity of the building was a comfort.
Just before the service started, there was a disturbance at the front of the chapel. A couple of men were trying to prevent an older woman dressed in black, complete with a veiled black pill box hat, from opening the casket. “This is a closed funeral, Ma’am.”
“I want to see my son.” Her voice was loud enough to wake Mitchell.
“We can’t do that. This isn’t the place for it.”
Zack stepped over and settled her in next to Jade. Whatever he said seemed to comfort her, and she relaxed into her seat without any further trouble.
Based on her claim, Sondra guessed the person under the veil was Zack’s grandmother. Her vital voice didn’t sound like an eighty-three year old. She hoped she’d get to meet her after the services.
Even though Mitchell hadn’t joined the church, his funeral had a distinctly LDS feel to it. His children were both members and the funeral was geared to the living. The comfort of the gospel was abundant in the service, as was the promise that they would reunite as a family.
Sondra stayed close to Zack during the internment. She glanced around the crowd and couldn’t see the veiled woman who had disturbed the services earlier. “Where is your grandmother?”
“She refuses to attend internments. She thinks they’re bad luck.”
“I’ve never heard of that.”
“Granny has her own views on life, that’s for sure. You should be able to meet her during the family dinner.”
“What was the fuss about before the services?”
“She wanted to see Dad. I assured her she’d get to see him after the services. Fortunately, the funeral director was able to let her have a moment between when we wheeled him out and when we loaded him into the hearse.”
After the internment, they met at the church for a traditional funeral meal. Zack searched for his grandmother. When he saw Jade, he asked, “Do you know where Granny is?”
“She said she was going to be late. She doesn’t like attending the internment, but she wanted to say good-bye to Dad.”
“I thought her moment with him after the funeral took care of that. I was hoping to introduce her to Sondra.” Zack searched the room again.
“You can do that when she gets here. She shouldn’t be long.” Jade assured him.
As they settled into their seats, Jade’s determined look meant she was going to do some fishing. Stan was occupied with keeping the younger boys in check. Sondra snuck a look at Zack. He didn’t seem to be bothered. She hoped he had created a convincing story.
“So… tell me about how you met.” Jade prodded.
“Remember that summer I spent in Stockton?” Zack asked.
“Yeah. I was jealous I couldn’t go with you.”
“You were on the all-star softball team.” He reminded her.
“I think you had more fun.”
Zack reached around Sondra’s shoulder. “Well, it was certainly life-altering, that’s for sure.” He caught Jade’s eyes and continued, “I met Sondra while we were on trek together. She was my sister.”
“How come I never heard about Sondra?” Jade asked.
“Well, Grandpa died after that summer, remember?” Jade nodded, then Zack continued, “I never had an opportunity to go back. I didn’t even know which ward she was in. It was Grandpa’s stake. And how would I go about finding her? Besides,” and this time he chuckled, “I wasn’t thinking of a Beehive as a romantic interest.”
Sondra’s heart felt like it was being strangled. All the time she had dreamed about him. Obsessed over him. And he hadn’t thought of her. Not once.
Jade furrowed her brow. “What changed your mind?”
Sondra wanted to know as much as Jade did. What kind of fiction was going to roll off his tongue?
“I was flying out to the East Coast on a business trip...” Sondra’s breath caught. This was too close to the truth. Would Jade figure it out? Zack reached up and stroked Sondra’s hair, “when the most beautiful creature I’d ever seen sat down beside me.”
“Did you know who she was?”
Zack shook his head. “The astonishing part was that she knew who I was.”
Jade’s eyes met Sondra’s, who felt the color steal up her face. Oh man. Think fast. It was a good thing she was an attorney. Sondra smiled, trying to act relaxed even with her heightened color. “Zack hasn’t changed as much as I have. It took me the entire flight to go through all my lists of acquaintances. By the time we were off the plane, I’d remembered where we met.”
Zack’s eyes were asking questions she didn’t want to answer. What is truth and what is fiction? She had the same question of him. The most beautiful creature he’d ever seen? Yeah right. It did sound nice though, she admitted with a small smile. Suddenly, she realized Jade must have asked another question. “What did you say?” Sondra asked.
“So when did you two decide to get married?” Jade repeated.
Zack answered even though the question was directed at her. “A couple of months ago.”
“Why didn’t you let anyone know?” Jade probed.
Once again, Zack replied, “Sondra’s parents are serving a mission in Norway. We were going to wait and plan a temple wedding when they returned.”
Comprehension dawned. Jade continued the story, “And then Dad changed the will and you moved up the date.” She turned to Sondra. “I’m sorry you gave up your temple wedding.” She glared at Zack, “Not that you had to make the sacrifice.”
Zack’s voice was calm. “Depends on who you’re talking to.” Then a wicked grin spread across his face. “Besides, Sondra is pregnant.”
Sondra’s jaw dropped. She snapped her mouth shut and glared at Zack. He continued to stroke her hair, attempting to calm her. It was a failed attempt.
Jade blinked. “Well. That certainly puts things in a different perspective. When is the baby due?”
“Twins. And they’re due in about eight months.”
“Twins?” Jade raised her brows. “You do work fast.”
Zack lowered his hand to Sondra’s clenched fist, loosened her fingers and brought them to his lips. “It helps when you have an irresistible partner.”
For some reason, Sondra felt like slapping him. Right there. In front of everyone. She narrowed her eyes. Zack almost looked afraid. Almost.
Jade directed her attention back to Sondra. “Good luck with that. I have first-hand experience.”
Sondra swallowed and then smiled. “I’ll pick your brain. Zack,” she turned a saccharin smile his direction, “has mentioned that I’m following in your footsteps already.”
“Really? In what way?” Jade’s interest was genuine. She seemed to have bought the story hook, line, and sinker.
“I’m so exhausted I can hardly stay awake. Zack won’t let me drive.”
Jade snickered. “That sounds like my brother.”
“And I’m so sick every morning I can’t eat anything.”
Jade nodded. “Sounds familiar.”
“Is there anything I should be scared of?”
“Very.” Jade nodded. “You can ask me later.”
“That bad?”
“Just enjoy the moment while you can. Once the babies come, your whole life will change.”
Zack and Sondra exchanged glances. He must’ve seen the glisten of tears because he stood up abruptly and announced, “We’re still on our honeymoon. I hope you don’t mind if we leave. Please let Granny know we’ll be down to visit.”
Jade smiled. “She’ll be disappointed you left. When are you planning to see her?”
“Sometime next week.” Zack glanced at Sondra, worry on his face. “I’m not sure of our schedule.”
“I’ll let her know. Enjoy.” She hugged Zack and then hugged Sondra again. “I think you’ll fit in just fine.”
Sondra bit her lip to distract herself. It was so far from the reality she desperately wanted that her whole body hurt. On the way out the door, Sondra managed to nab a box of tissues.
The clock on the hotel wall read six thirteen when they walked through the door.
“I’m exhausted. I’m going to crash.” Sondra announced.
“Sounds like a plan.” Zack didn’t offer any information on his evening’s plans, but then, he rarely did.