Maureen Child - High-Society Secret Pregnancy / Front Page Engagement

“No,” Amanda said, “who can blame you? I’m just saying, the wedding’s coming and you really should pay attention.”

Julia closed her folder, sighed and leaned back into her chair. The café was crowded at lunchtime, and the noise level was such that Julia felt safe enough talking about what was really bothering her. “It’s not the wedding or my parents,” she said, leaning in a bit closer. “It’s the fact that I’m moving in with Max in a few days.”

Amanda laughed. “Honey, you’re marrying him.”

“I know, I know.” Julia frowned and told herself she was being foolish. “But living with him is a little…”

“Exciting?”

“I was going to go with ‘unnerving.’”

“Why?”

“Because of the way we’re getting married,” she said. “And the fact that he still doesn’t believe me about the baby.”

“Well, he’s an idiot. We already decided that.” Amanda went back to her lists.

“I know, but how’m I supposed to convince him that he is the father?”

“You may not be able to until the baby’s born. Then you can do a paternity test.”

“So that leaves me with seven months of my husband thinking I’m a liar.”

Amanda closed her folder, picked up her mocha and idly twirled the straw through the thick, pale brown liquid. “You know I’m with you, no matter what, right?”

“Of course.”

She smiled. “And you know I’m completely excited that you’re letting me take over your apartment when you move in with Max…”

“I know.”

“But,” Amanda said, leaning forward to pat Julia’s hand, “if you’re really worried about this, don’t do it.”

“What?” Julia glanced across the room when someone laughed too loudly. Then, looking back at Amanda, she said, “I have to.”

“No, you don’t. You’ve already faced the worst part. You’ve told your parents.”

“And the blackmail?” Julia shook her head slowly, despite being grateful for what Amanda was trying to tell her. God knew, after the afternoon with her parents, Julia was even more thankful to have Amanda’s unswerving support. But the simple truth was, she had to marry Max. Otherwise, her child would be the subject of vicious gossip before it was even born. And she wouldn’t allow that. “I appreciate it, sweetie,” Julia said. “But I have to marry Max.”

“Getting married for the wrong reasons is so not a good idea,” Amanda said softly.

“Marriage for any reason isn’t usually a good idea.” A deep voice resonated from just behind Julia and she swiveled to look up at the man staring down at her.

“Hello, Max.”

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.