For a Baby

“Heather.” Her mother’s voice carried a gentle rebuff. “You’d better make sure you know the truth before you marry this man.”

HEATHER COULD NOT TAKE HER mother’s warning about T.J. seriously. T.J. wasn’t an embezzler. She was so certain, she didn’t even ask him about it when they met the next evening to discuss wedding plans.

They both wanted to keep the event very simple. T.J.’s parents were still on the other side of the country in their motor home, so they wouldn’t be able to attend.

“Mom was all for buying a plane ticket for the weekend,” he said, “but I convinced her she could throw us a party later, and she seemed happy with that.”

With his parents taken care of, she broached the hardest subject. “Have you invited your daughter?”

“Sally?”

She could tell it hadn’t crossed T.J.’s mind that he should include her in the wedding plans.

“She might get a kick out of being a flower girl. A lot of little girls love that sort of thing.”

“She’s only four. And she’s never been anywhere without her mother.”

“Well, naturally Lynn would have to come, too.”

“You expect me to invite my ex-wife to the wedding?” T.J. got up from her sofa and strode across the room. “No way, Heather. This is getting way out of control. You, me, your mom and dad. That’s it. No one else.”

“So I get no say in planning our wedding.” She twisted her hands together, conscious of the fact she wore no engagement ring. She and T.J. had decided simple wedding bands would be enough.

T.J. glared. “Not if it means you’re going to invite my kid and my wife.”

“Ex-wife.”

His mouth tightened. “Exactly.”

Heather leaned forward, burying her hands in her thick hair. The subject of his old marriage was obviously an emotional land mine for T.J. If their marriage was going to have a shot for long-term success, he had to deal with his feelings.

“You’re still so wound up about the past, T.J. Ever considered therapy?”

His dark gaze turned into laser points of quiet fury. “No. And you won’t mention the idea again, either.”

“Okay, then.” She took a deep breath and straightened her back. She would not let him derail this discussion. She was almost four months pregnant. The new school year would be starting in one week. They were running out of time.

“No flower girl. No therapy. So where does that leave us?” She picked up the notebook she’d purchased at Lucky’s two weeks ago and consulted her list. “I’ve booked the minister for next Sunday afternoon. You’re taking care of the marriage license. And the rings.”

She lifted her head to confirm this, and he nodded.

“Mom is making us a small dinner after the service, so we don’t have to worry about food. I thought I’d pick up a bottle of champagne, though…?” Again, she looked up to make sure he was okay with this.

“I’ll get the champagne.”

“Fine. I’ve booked a photographer.”

“Couldn’t we just get the minister to snap a couple of photos?”

She bit her lip. “I suppose.” He was really being a grinch about this wedding. But what could she expect? He was T.J., after all.

Was it possible her mom was right, that she was making a mistake?

Heather closed her eyes, pushed away the dangerous thought. In seven days she was getting married. She couldn’t afford doubts, at least not any more than she already had.

No, T.J. wasn’t perfect. But who was? Nick had been moody at times, fond of going out for drinks with the boys after his shift when she would have preferred for him to come home to her. They’d worked around the problems and found a way to be happy together.

She’d do the same with T.J. She was going to make this marriage a success. T.J. was a smart man. He could learn to be a good husband and father. Her baby would grow up in a happy home.