“He looks adorable.” Ryan said, wrapping the bow tie around Cooper’s neck. “He’s going to be the best ring bearer in town.”
Megan nodded. “I have to agree.” She touched her stomach and smiled at Cooper.
Ryan felt a jolt. He would love to see Megan’s stomach rounded with their child. “You’re beautiful,” he said, and then he shook his head. “Beautiful isn’t a strong enough word. Exquisite.” Ryan eyed her gray strapless gown with embellishments. Her lush figure made him remember their night—and morning—together.
“Thank you.” She blushed.
“Don’t get all shy now, Lioness.” He had given her the nickname during their night of lovemaking. Megan had proven a bold and generous lover. Ryan had told her he loved her numerous times throughout the night. She hadn’t returned the sentiment, and Ryan didn’t mind. Megan would come to love him. He would make sure of it.
“You look good as well. Definitely not old enough to be a father-of-the-bride.”
Ryan’s chest puffed. His heart had swelled when Karlie asked him to walk her down the aisle. Neil would be performing the ceremony. Everything had worked out for his good. And, Karlie’s. He ran his hands over the black tux and matching gray tie. “Thanks for coming with me.”
“I’m glad to celebrate other people’s love, and your daughter’s a sweetheart. I felt honored Karlie invited me to go dress shopping.” She smoothed her gown. “I didn’t expect she would plunk down almost seven hundred dollars on this gown, though. I could’ve worn something out of my closet.”
“She was happy to,” Ryan said. Especially since it was his money. Ryan had expressed to Karlie he wanted to pay for his wife’s gown and made her promise not to tell Megan. He didn’t want Megan wearing anything Jackson had purchased. He didn’t need her reminiscing on the husband-of-the-past. He was her present and intended to be the one who filled her thoughts—and other places.
“I can’t wait to help you out of it later,” Ryan said.
Megan smirked. “What makes you think you’re getting another sample? Last night was a one-time thing.”
Ryan raised an eyebrow. “And what about this morning?” She had initiated their sunrise tryst. He had awakened to her lips and hands doing all sorts of magic.
“That was a pre-breakfast snack.”
Ryan nodded. “Okay, I’ll respect your wishes.” He saw her shoulders droop and hid his smile. He wasn’t sure how she felt about him, but Ryan knew Megan appreciated his skills. When it came to loving, he held nothing back.
“I hope things won’t be awkward with Patricia there.” She licked her lips and fussed with the curls in her up-do.
Ryan rushed to her side. “Patricia is my past. You’re all I care about.”
“I’ve seen enough drama and don’t want any problems with the exes.”
He chuckled. “Trust me when I tell you Patricia won’t be concerned with either of us. She’s bringing a date, and Brian’s father will be there. She’s the one who should be worried about drama. Not you.”
Her mouth popped open and her eyebrows shot to her forehead. “Two of her exes under one roof plus a date? Maybe I need to bring popcorn.”
“Just bring those luscious red lips. That’s all I need to keep me entertained.”
Megan slid her glance from his and squirmed. Ryan knew she wasn’t comfortable with his flirting and innuendos outside of the bedroom. He cautioned himself to move slowly, but he couldn’t help but lavish her with compliments. He only told the truth. He kissed her earlobe. She might not like him too much, but her body did. Even now she pressed her ear closer to his and her body curved into him.
Ryan kissed his wife. She returned his kiss and pulled out of his arms with reluctance. Then she bent to retrieve Cooper. Ryan knew she was putting distance between them, telling him he would have her body but not the most intimate part of her.
Megan cleared her throat. “I think I heard a honk. The limo might be outside.” She moved to grab Cooper’s baby bag, but Ryan stopped her.
“I’ve got it.”
“Okay, don’t forget the car seat.” She scooped Cooper into her arms and exited, leaving the door ajar.
Ryan’s cell rang. “Today is not a good day.”
“We have to talk,” the voice said. “I want what you promised me even if I have to help you keep it.”
Ryan’s heart thumped. “Listen, I hired you and the job is over. I have the right to change my mind. I told you I was done with all this.”
“I did as you asked. Now I want what you promised.”
“I can’t find the—”
The line went dead.
Ryan’s hands felt numb. He could lose everything. Ryan couldn’t allow that. With shaky fingers, he sent a quick text.
We need to talk. Need an update.
In less than five seconds, Ryan received his answer:
Name the time.
Ten o’clock.
Don’t be late.
“We’re waiting.”
Ryan jumped at Megan’s voice behind him. He almost dropped his cell phone. She adjusted Cooper in her arms. “I’m coming. I had a phone call.”
She eyed him. “Whatever it is can wait for a few hours while we celebrate your daughter’s wedding.”
It really couldn’t wait, but Ryan had to attend Karlie and Brian’s wedding. If he missed this occasion, neither one would forgive him. Especially Brian. Their tenuous truce would be null and void.
Ryan tried to focus on a heart-warming thought.
Megan had said, “we.” Ryan didn’t know if it was a slip-up, but he liked the connotation. He hurried through the door with the car seat. Deep trouble lay ahead, but he could handle it. He would party now and plan later. His temples pounded as he wondered: What if my plan failed? Ryan pushed that ominous thought aside.
It wouldn’t.
He would make sure of that.