Did he know?

How could he not know?

“Shhh. Calm down. You don’t want to hurt the baby.” His hand rubbed ever so lightly, and for a moment, I forgot myself and closed my eyes, leaning into his touch.

“Judging by his kicks, I’d say he’ll be just fine.”

“His?”

“Oh. Uhhh, yeah. He’s a he.” I laughed, but it sounded nervous and awkward. I didn’t know what else to say. I was afraid of what would come next. Would Dash deny his son? Would he resent me for being pregnant when he wanted nothing to do with me?

“I’m having a son,” he whispered. I had never heard his voice so delicate. It was a healing balm to my own fears.

My brain must have truly taken a break because I found myself saying, “I have pictures… if you want. They’re at my father’s place, but I can have them sent after the honeymoon… well, I guess it will be sooner rather than later.”

His eyes darkened with an emotion I couldn’t place. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”

“I’m sorry… How? There is no way I can find a priest on such short notice,” I exclaimed in disbelief.

“There’s always a way.” With that, he pulled out his phone and walked away. I stared after him and tried not to feel anything. I never expected him to be this civilized or calm about the pregnancy after I kept it from him for five months.

Ten minutes later, he returned with a wide grin. “I have good news. I was able to call in a few favors and find a priest who can be here within two hours.”

“Are you serious?” He nodded and took my question as elation when in truth I was disappointed and… hurt. I was hurt that he went to all the trouble to see me married off while I was feeling confused about it all. He seemed to notice my hesitation and frowned. “Why the long face? You should be smiling. You’re going to marry the man you really love today and start a family with him.”

My tongue completely dried in my mouth and I felt like I was choking on air. “Why are you doing this to me?”

“Doing what? I don’t understand.” His expression told me he really didn’t.

“Why are you saying these things? You should be mad at me, throwing things, cursing my name.”

“Why would I do that, Angel?” His eyes implored me to tell him exactly why.

“Because you love me,” I blurted.

I expected him to deny it and call me crazy given the last time we had seen each other. I finally realized when I saw him last that we had done nothing but destroy each other slowly.

“I do. Very much.”

“Then why?”

“Because I love you enough to do what I have to do. Loving you means it’s my responsibility to make you happy. I finally realized you belong with the man who makes you happy.”

“Wow, that’s very good of you to say.” His answering stare was dark and lingering, sending chills up my spine.

“And the baby?”

“If it’s okay with you, I’d like to be in his life. I won’t interfere with you and Thomas, but I want to know my son.”

I nodded and finally asked the question that had been lingering since he came back. “How did you know?”

“I didn’t. Not until I walked in and saw you. I can’t wait to meet him.”

Just then, the baby kicked as if returning the gesture. Without thinking, I grabbed his hand and placed it back on my stomach where he kicked. After a few seconds, he kicked again and my greatest wish was for a camera so I could capture the look of wonder on his father’s face.

“I think he likes me.” His grin was boyish bringing out his dimples.

“Yeah…”

“Maybe even more than you.”

“Hey, I’m carrying him. He’ll never love anyone more than me,” I joked smugly.

“I can relate.” He dropped his hand and stepped back. “I guess I’ll see you in two hours.”

And just like that, he was gone.

Two hours later, I was walking down the aisle. The wedding march played and I clung to my father. My mind wasn’t on the man to be my husband, the music, or the guests. My mind was fixed on putting one step in front of the other and on my heart… Well, my heart was somewhere else watching.

I didn’t need to see him because I felt him. He was close and he was watching.

I chanced it and looked back. Dash stood in the outer aisle between the first and second row, burning a hole through me with his stare.

I made it to the alter and stood where I was told and spoke when prompted. I recited my vows from memory rather than speaking from the heart. Thomas also seemed to be going through the motions though he seemed a bit more pleased than I did.