A Marriage Takes Two (12 page)

Marilyn detached herself from her companion and threaded her way among the tables. She wore a black form-fitting dress that must have cost a fortune. Carrie wondered how much the ruby and diamond choker had cost.

“Tony, what are you doing here?” She leaned forward and brushed the air by his cheek with a kiss. “Oh, that’s right, you must be celebrating your new wife’s inheritance. Didn’t think you were smart enough to go for money. Who’s taking care of my darling boy? Not that crude housekeeper, I hope.”

Carrie watched the play of emotions on Tony’s face and saw nothing to resemble love.

“He’s with friends,” Tony said. “I believe you met Ben Two when you came to see the house.”

“I don’t remember him.”

“He remembers you.”

She preened and turned her gaze to Carrie. “You!” She laughed. “Some heiress. Tony, I think you’ve been had.”

Carrie smiled. “Josiah Wenton was my grandfather. We had drinks with the Hurcutts this evening. Sarah told me about the interesting conversation she had with you.”

The expression on Marilyn’s face hardened. She turned and strode away.

Tony groaned. “Do you want to leave?”

“And let her think she’s won?  We ordered dinner and I intend to eat every bite. We’ll even have dessert.”

“You’re great.”

Carrie buttered a roll and glanced toward the door. “Guess what? She’s gone.” She shook her head. “She won’t be wearing dresses like that much longer.”

“Don’t be catty. What’s this about Mrs. Hurcutt?”

Carrie related the things the older woman had said. “I set her straight. That’s what she meant by damage control.”

“I hope you did the right thing. Marilyn can be vindictive.”

“She can’t hurt us. We don’t move in her circles, and even if we did, people would learn her nature before long. I doubt she wants Chad back.”

“What if she tries?”

“We’ll fight.”

* * *

By the time they reached the house, it was past nine. The porch light wasn’t lit. Tony unlocked the door and flipped on the foyer lights.

“Wonder what they’ve done with Chad?”  Carrie asked. “It’s past his bedtime.”

“Probably bedded him down at Hazel’s.” He lifted the receiver and tapped in some numbers. “Ben Two...Yeah, we’re back. What about Chad?” He laughed. “No problem. See you then.” He turned to Carrie. “He’s spending the night. They’ll bring him by in time to get ready for school.”

Carrie hung her coat on the brass tree and went to the family room. There, she took the letter from her purse. As she read, she could hear her grandfather’s gruff voice.

“The money would have been yours even if you hadn’t married Tony. I wanted you to have the happiness I missed.”

Just as she suspected. The will had been a ploy to bring Tony and her together.

Tears welled in her eyes. Sorry, Grandfather. Your idea worked…partly. We’re married, but we won’t stay that way for long. He knows I love him, but he’s not willing to give me his heart.

Tony strode into the room with two mugs. “Tea with one ice cube and two sugars.” He put her mug on the coffee table and sat beside her. “You all right?” He brushed a tear from her cheek.

“You’d better read this letter.” She wiped her eyes with her fingers.

Tony read. He grinned. “We’ve been had.”

“Looks that way.”

He put his arm around her shoulders. “So what are we going to do?  The money was always yours. The second will was the real one.”

“What do you want to do?”

He reached for her hand. “Stay married.”

“I’d like that, too, but…”

“You can’t still believe I love Marilyn, especially after this evening.”

While he spoke, he traced small circles on the back of her hand. Heat and desire flowed along her skin. “Why did you marry her?”

“You know why...Chad...The night I went out with her...” He shook his head. “She seduced me, but I was willing. You have no idea how much I regretted what happened. Then she told me about the baby. She cried. Said she loved me and knew I didn’t love her. She offered to have an abortion. That wasn’t an option. I married her and tried to be the husband she wanted, but I failed.

“I don’t believe that.”

“You don’t know. I sacrificed our friendship. I courted the doctors in the practice I joined. I tried to do the social scene.”

“Did you ever love her?”

“Frankly, I don’t understand love. I did the right thing. There’s only been one woman I’ve wanted to marry, and that’s you.”

“Do you love me?” She waited for his answer.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you. To wake every morning with you beside me. Can you accept me on those terms?”

Carrie felt the burn of tears. She wanted those things, but she wanted his heart, and to hear the words. No man had ever said he loved her. Her father died before she was born. So had her mother’s father. Her grandfather had been a stranger.

“You’re the only man I’ve ever loved. That’s why I was...was...you know. I measured every man against you. No one passed the test.”

He drew her closer. The brush of his lips on hers chased her protests away. She shivered.

“You cold?”

“Hardly.”

“Want to go upstairs?”

She rested her forehead against his shoulder. “What happened the morning after we made love?  Suddenly you shut me out.”

He tipped her chin and gazed into her eyes. “I didn’t think you wanted to stay married. I didn’t want to trap you.”

“How could you do that?”

“No protection.”

“And I thought you realized I wasn’t Marilyn and you didn’t want me.”

He kissed her lightly. “I’ve always known who you are, and I’m glad you’re nothing like her. Are you willing to try and make our marriage work?”

“Yes.”

He rose and held out his hands. “Care to join me?  Race you to the stairs.” He grinned and looked as young as his son.

Before Carrie had a chance to move, Tony took off. “Not fair,” she shouted.

She was right, but her agreement to try marriage elated him.  He waited at the foot of the stairs. When she appeared, he scooped her into his arms. “Got you.”

She laughed. “What kind of race is this?”

“One we both can win.” He rubbed his chin against her hair.

“I’m too heavy.”

He chuckled. “While you’re not a lightweight, I’m tough, and thinking about the reward for my labor gives me strength.”

She pressed her face against his shoulder. Her breath feathered across his skin and raised his expectations. “What reward?” she asked.

“Your body or your life?”

Her tongue flicked his neck. “That’s a trick question. Thought you wanted both.”

Heat shot from the spot she licked directly to his groin. “I wouldn’t do that. The stairs night be a bit awkward for what I have in mind.”

“I’ll be good.” Her hands slid across his chest and loosened his tie.

“Not too good, I hope.”

“We’ll see. As you know, my experience in this arena is limited.” She began to unbutton his shirt.

At the top of the stairs, he lowered her to her feet and pulled her into an embrace. She rested her hands on his shoulders. Their gazes meshed and the desire in her green eyes sent blood pounding through his veins.

Love, he thought. He wished he could say the words that thundered in his thoughts, but he wasn’t sure what they meant, or if he meant them. He opened his mouth, but the words remained lodged. Instead, he captured her lower lip between his teeth.

Her lips parted. Her darting tongue brushed his. He felt an urgency to be part of her, to touch, to taste, and to savor her heady scent. He groaned. She moved against him and he cupped her rear to press her against his erection.

“I want you,” she whispered.

“And I’ll want you forever.” Would those words be enough?  While easing her skirt up so he could touch her skin, he slowly walked them across the hall. Dresses were wonderful inventions. He and Carrie moved until her back pressed against the wall.

“I want you now,” he said.

“Now?” she asked. “The bedroom…”

“Too far.”

“I see.” She slid her hand between them and opened the zipper of his trousers. Lightly, she touched his erection. “I see.”

He captured her mouth and pulled her skirt up until he felt the smooth texture of her underwear. With a finger, he followed the line around her thigh and slipped his finger inside. She was ready, and he was ready to explode. He searched for the top of her panties and found the fabric continued beyond her waist.

He groaned. “Carrie, what’s this?”

“My teddy.”

“How do I get you out of it?”

“I have to take my dress off.”

“Let me.” She ran her fingers across the head of his penis. “Don’t do that.” He pulled the zipper on the back of her dress and yanked it over her head. He released her for a moment, long enough to kick off his shoes, to slide his trousers and briefs off.

“You’re beautiful.” He inched the teddy down and stopped to feast on her breasts. “You’re perfect and you’re mine.”

The rumbling sound Tony made brought a sigh. As he eased her teddy down, his lips followed. His words thrilled her. She was his. She’d always been. He’d just taken ages to claim her. The only thing missing were the three little words she longed to hear.

He pulled the teddy from her ankles, then lifted her and thrust inside. She gasped as he filled her. “Tony, I love you.”

His mouth cut off anything more she wanted to say. For an instant, the question she wanted to ask lingered, until cascading sensations washed away her thoughts.

She clung to his shoulders and accepted his probing tongue. Sensations build until she exploded. He stiffened and shouted her name.

Now he’ll say the words, she thought.

Instead, he carried her to the bedroom and somehow managed to set them on the bed.

She pulled his tie free and removed his shirt. Her fingers toyed with the hair on his chest, brushed his nipples and felt them respond. She felt him swell inside her.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Wonderful.” She moved her hips slightly and brought her face to his.

Tony lay back and brought her with him. “You are incredible, and a quick study.”

She kissed his cheeks and nuzzled his chin with her lips. “Good teacher.”

“Move,” he said.

“Get up?” she asked. “I want to stay here forever.”

He grasped her hips and rocked her gently. She got the idea.

“Tony,” she whispered.

“You’re the most...beautiful...sexy...mine.”

The possessiveness in his voice elated her, but also irritated. She wouldn’t be his until he made a commitment of love.

The sensations rocking her body erased her thoughts. She spiraled to fulfillment and collapsed against his chest. “I love you.”

He didn’t speak, just kissed her lightly.

She stiffened. He’d made clear he didn’t want her confession. She rose and gathered her clothes.

Tony followed her into the hall. He lifted the gold colored teddy. “Are all your underclothes this saucy?”

“This one’s tame.”

“You wear these things all the time, even under your uniforms?”

She nodded. “Except they’re white.”

He groaned. “Do you know how crazy that’s going to make me?”

“If you don’t like the answers, don’t ask questions.” She turned and splayed her hands across his chest and made a decision. No matter what, she loved him. Maybe someday he’d say what she wanted to hear.

“The problem is I like the answer too much.”

He cut off her laughter with a kiss more lethal than any she’d ever had. She looked into his blue eyes. He loved her. She knew he did. How long must she wait before he told her?

“Again?” she asked.

“I was thinking about a shower. Care to join me?”

Her eyes widened. “Both of us?”

He winked. “It’ll be fun. Wait and see.”

She caught his hand. “I love you.”

“I know and I…”  His voice drifted into a groan.

“It isn’t hard to say.”

“Maybe for you. I care for you. I have since you were a bratty kid.”

“I know.”

“I knew I wanted to marry you when you were fourteen, but you were too young.”

“You should have asked.”

He nodded. “I didn’t and there’s no changing the past. Come, let’s shower. Then we’ve got to hit the sack. Are you on at seven tomorrow?”

“I’m off. I work the weekend.”

They entered the bathroom. Tony turned on the shower and lifted her into the tub. As water splashed over them, their lips met.

Chapter 12

Though Tony told her to go back to sleep when the phone rang at six A.M. summoning him to the clinic for a delivery, she showered and dressed. In the kitchen, she started coffee and packed Chad’s lunch. Shortly after seven, he arrived.

“Morning. Have a good time?” she asked.

“The best. Where’s Dad?”

“At the clinic delivering a baby.”

Chad made a face. “He’s always getting called. Good thing you’re here.”

“I agree.”

“Did you and Dad have a good time?”

“Yeah. We bought living room furniture and ate at a fancy restaurant. We…”  She stopped before she mentioned they had seen his mother. “School clothes are on the bed. Get dressed and I’ll make breakfast.”

He grinned. “What?”

“Toast, juice and cereal.”

“Already ate. Hazel’s boys cook ‘most as good as her. Waffles, eggs, ham, French toast, bacon, sausage, pancakes, hot chocolate. We had a smor-- some kind of board.” He ran off. “Maybe they can give you cooking lessons before Hazel comes back.”

Carrie laughed. The fact he could tease her was great. On top of Tony’s love-making, she felt like she could conquer the world and have energy to spare.

The phone rang. “Flynn residence.”

“Where’s Tony?”

Carrie’s grip on the phone tightened. What did Marilyn want?  “He’s not here.”

“Is this the little heiress?”

“That’s Mrs. Tony Flynn.”

“Tell him I’ve had second thoughts about Chad’s custody and the money he owes me.”

“His business manager handles his finances. If there’s money due, I’m sure the man will send it.”

“Just let Tony know I’m meeting my lawyer this morning. I’m taking custody back. You’re not a good influence on my son. I know all about the things you and Tony did when we were first married.”

“You are so wrong. Why do you want to hurt Tony and destroy your son? Aren’t Brinker’s millions enough for you?”

Marilyn laughed. “Don’t let Tony touch your money. The man’s a tightwad. He wouldn’t let me spend a cent. And remember this, I’m entitled to my share of your money.”

“Excuse me. How can you say that?”

“I hear Tony had to marry you so you could get the money, so my divorcing him was a good thing.”

“Wrong.” Carrie sucked in a breath. “I won’t let you hurt Tony or Chad. Call your attorney and tell your lies. I’m sure your new husband won’t appreciate seeing your name and your past spread over the media.” She hung up.

Moments later, the phone rang again. I will not talk to her, Carrie thought. After five rings, the noise stopped. Carrie went into the hall to call Chad. She heard his voice.

“Mom, you’re back...No, he didn’t tell me...I thought you were going to be away for Thanksgiving...He won’t let me see you. That’s not fair.”

Carrie’s hands clenched. She wanted to grab the phone and accuse Marilyn of lying.

“What did you buy me?...Tee shirts. But you promised you would bring me neat things...Why mail them?  I’ll be with you for Christmas...I won’t. Why not?”  He listened for a long time. “Don’t want to...That’s not fair.” He slammed the receiver in the cradle.

Tears glistened in his eyes. Carrie reached to put her arms around him. “I’m sorry.”

He pulled away. “Liar. It’s your fault. You told everybody lies about my mom. She’s taking me back and sending me to a boarding school. I’ll never be allowed to see Dad again.”

“She can’t do that. Your dad has custody.”

“My mom can do anything she wants, and Dad will let her. Just because you’re having a baby doesn’t mean my dad doesn’t want me here.”

“I’m not having a baby. I want you here. I love you. Your mother’s having the baby.”

“Is not. She wouldn’t lie.” He grabbed his jacket from the hall tree. “I’m gonna miss the bus. You’re the liar, and so is Dad. He didn’t tell me she was home. She’s gonna take me away. I hate you.” He stormed out the door.

Carrie followed. “Chad, your lunch.”

“Don’t want anything you touched. I hate my room. It’s dumb.” He ran down the street.

The bus turned the corner and stopped. Chad followed his friends into the bus.

Carrie’s shoulders slumped. What had that woman told Chad?  With a long sigh, she went inside. She had to call Tony and she needed a way to help Chad. He was terrified about returning to his mother.

My fault. If I’d answered the phone instead of acting like a child, this wouldn’t have happened. She closed the door. Could Marilyn go to court to regain custody of a child she didn’t want?  What a mess the day had become.

She dialed the clinic’s number. Tony was in the delivery room, but Jane promised to have him call. What now? She had to keep busy, so she went to the living room and began to tape the room in preparation for painting.

At ten thirty, Tony called. She related her talk with Marilyn and the things Chad had said. “He’s scared. He doesn’t want to go back to her.”

“Are you sure he went to school?”

“I saw him get on the bus.” As she stood in the kitchen doorway, she saw the lunch box on the table. “He forgot his lunch. I’ll run it over to the school.”

“Good idea. We’re jumping here. Then I have lunch and an interview with a doctor for the part-time position. When I come home, I’ll talk to Chad and when I have a chance, I’ll call my lawyer, and Marilyn.”

“I shouldn’t have threatened her.”

“You’re right, but I can understand the temptation. She’s always known how to push buttons. Don’t worry. I’ll see you around five.”

Carrie hung up. She grabbed her jacket and the lunch box. As she reached the door, the phone rang. She grabbed the receiver. “Hello.”

“Mrs. Flynn, it’s Mrs. Rodgers, Chad’s teacher. Is he sick?  He looked fine last night when I saw him at the mall.”

“Isn’t he in school?  I saw him get on the bus.”

“He didn’t come in with the other children. Do you want me to ask if anyone knows where he is?”

“Sure.”

Carrie groaned. Where could he have gone? Had his mother taken him? How? She would have needed a jet to arrive that fast. She stared at the phone.

Where would he go?

The haunted house.

She put on her jacket and headed across the backyard. Should she have called Tony?  He’d sounded rushed. She chewed on her lower lip. She’d created the problem and she should be the one to solve the matter.

* * *

Tony tapped his fingers on the desk. While he waited for the chest films on one of the new patients, he could make a phone call. Not Marilyn. He was too angry, and that would make the problem worse. How dare she call and threaten Carrie and Chad? He was sure his wife had held her own, but his son still thought his mother wanted him.

He called his attorney and explained the latest threat. The man groaned. “Let’s wait until we hear from her. There are things we could use against her, but I hate to see this turn into a nasty fight.”

“I agree.”

“Just don’t call her, and if she calls you, hang up.”

“Why?”

“Think, Tony. She twists everything you say. You’re not responsible for her. Brinker is. You’ve paid her all you owe her and more. If I hadn’t called your business man, you would still be shoveling money into her greedy little hands. How did you get mixed up with such a b...witch.”

“Hormones,” Tony said.

“Before you leap into harness again, I’d advise a pre- nuptial agreement.”

“Too late. I was going to call you about changing my will.”

“Tony, will you ever learn?”

“Carrie’s not like that. In fact, she’s the one with the money, and she works, too. Let me know when you hear from Marilyn.”

“Will do. Hope you’re right about the new Mrs. Flynn.”

Tony stared at the desk. “I am.” Carrie was nothing like his ex. Look at the changes she’d made at the house. The changes she’d made in Chad, and the ones she’d made in him. He sucked in a breath. Lord, he loved her.

He had to tell her. He dialed the house. After a dozen rings, he hung up and ordered white violets and white roses from a florist. She must still be at the school. When he got home, he was going to tell her how he felt, and he’d tell Chad there was no way Marilyn would regain custody. If he had to fight dirty, he would.

The phone rang and he grabbed the receiver. “Hi.”

“Brinker here.” The man’s voice held an angry tone.

“How can I help you?”

“What’s this nonsense about you calling Marilyn and forcing her to take that impossible child back? She’s hysterical, and in her condition, that’s not good. I won’t have my child and wife threatened.”

“Neither will I. Marilyn is the one who called my wife and made threats. She told her son she was taking Chad from me and putting him in a boarding school. I’ve notified my attorney, Charles Baker.  You can discuss matters with him.”

“Don’t worry, I will. We’re not taking the boy back. I’ll tell Marilyn of your change of heart. She must have misunderstood.”

“I’m sure.” Tony hung up.

* * *

Carrie hurried up the path through the woods. The sky was dark and she feared a storm threatened. Was it cold enough to snow? Briars pulled at her jacket and she twisted to avoid the thorns. Would Chad be at the tumble-down house, or had he chosen another hiding place?  As she left the woods, an icy rain misted on her face. She hurried to the porch of the house.

“Chad, are you there?” she called.

“Carrie, help. I’m stuck.”

“Where are you?”

“In here. Upstairs.”

“I’m coming.” She edged into the house. Gray light shone through what had once been windows. Chunks of plaster from the ceiling lay on the floor. She found the stairs and started up. Boards creaked. The railing was broken and the jagged ends of the palings made her shudder.

“Chad, what happened?”

“A board broke. I’m stuck.”

“Keep talking. I’m almost there.”

“I’m sorry.” His voice held tears.

She paused on the threshold of the room. Rain blown by the wind wet the floor near the broken windows. She saw Chad. He had fallen through a place were the boards had cracked. “Chad, I’m here. I’ll get you out.”

“You’re mad, right?”

She gulped a breath. She was too frightened to be angry. “Not now, but when you’re safe, I will be.”

“I don’t hate you.”

“Good, because I love you.” She moved closer and knelt in front of him. “I’m going to grab under your arms and pull.”

“There’s a skinny board under me. Maybe I can push.”

“Carefully.” Visions of what would happen if his foot slipped made her catch her breath. Her first attempt failed. The next time, she was able to pull him so his chest touched the floor.

“I wish Dad was here.”

“Me, too.” She gulped a breath and slid her arms beneath his. “One, two, three.” She pulled her arms toward her. Chad popped out. The force made her stumble backward and she crashed into the wall. She landed with one arm beneath her body. A jolt of pain made her cry out.

“Carrie, Carrie,” Chad shouted. “I’m gonna get Dad.”

She tried to move and the pain in her arm engulfed her. She couldn’t speak. The excruciating pain dragged her into darkness.

* * *

Tony looked at the man across the desk. “Two days a week and one weekend a month, for now. If we keep on adding patients it could be more.”

“Sounds good.”

“Have any problems working with nurse practitioners?”

“As long as they know what they’re doing, no.”

Tony heard a commotion in the hall and then his son’s voice. “Don’t care. I gotta see him. Dad. Dad!”

What happened?  Tony’s first thought was that his ex had gone to the school and tried to take Chad away. He shook his head. The principal would have called. He opened the door.

“Dad!”

“Chad, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Carrie. She fell and she won’t talk to me. I think she’s hurt bad.”

Tony put his hands on his son’s shoulders. “Did this happen when she brought your lunch to school?”

“I didn’t go to school. I went to the haunted house. Got stuck and she pulled me out, but she fell.”

Tony turned to Dave Banecome. “I’d better go. Jane, could you show Dave around?”

“Will do. What’s up?”

“Carrie’s had an accident.” He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. “Chad, wait here.”

“I gotta go. You don’t know where she is and I think...She wouldn’t talk.”

They jogged to Tony’s car. As soon as Chad was in the back seat, Tony sped toward the school. The old road from the house would be the quickest approach and he’d have the car to bring Carrie to the clinic. “How did you get here?”