Two Hearts And A Baby

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Susan didn’t really hear the girl because she was already out the door heading for the garden.  Once outside she found Faith wasn’t there so the next place was her room.  Heading back into the house and up to Faith’s room Susan didn’t bother to knock just barged in.  Faith was sitting on the loveseat reading a book while Gabe was in his bassinet next to it.

            “Susan you’re practically glowing so something exciting must have happened,” Faith put the book down on the loveseat.

            Susan picked the book up and tossed it on the floor then plopped down next to her on the loveseat grabbing her hands, “Yes if you’re willing to go along with it.”

            Faith frowned just before pulling her hands free from Susan’s grip, “Go along with what.”

            “Howard’s friend and colleague’s escort for the Charity Ball canceled on him.  Now he doesn’t have a date for the Ball,” Susan smiled broadly at her.

            Suddenly Faith understood getting up she moved away from her, “Oh no, no, no, I don’t think so.”

            Susan jumped up grabbing her shoulders making Faith look at her, “Why not.”

            “For one I don’t have a dress second both Kincade and your Mother will freak out.”

            “I think Kincade will be happy you’re going as for my Mother who cares if she likes the idea.  We can do whatever we want and if that’s going to a party then we will.  Now as for a dress I have the perfect one for you.”

            “I don’t know Susan,” Faith trailed off because she didn’t have any other reasons not to go.

            “The dress will fit perfectly and go great with your hair.  We are going to have so much fun, and Duncan is a nice, good-looking man.  I’ll get the dress,” she rushed from the room.

            Susan came charging into her room and Howard looked up at her in shock, “All right honey call Duncan and tell him I’ve got an escort for him, and he’ll pick her up here.”

            “Who Joy, don’t you think she’s a little young,” he was saying as she rummaged through her closet looking for the dress.

            “No, it isn’t Joy,” she stuck her head out of the closet to smile at him, “Faith.”

            Howard was even more stunned it showed plainly on his face, “How did you talk her into it.”

            “Don’t worry about that just call Duncan and tell him to come here yes I found it,” she exclaimed.

            “What are you looking for,” Howard came over to the closet just as she rushed out.

            “A dress, call Duncan and we’ll see you two in an hour,” she was gone leaving him staring after her shaking his head.

            Susan rushed back to Faith’s room where she cornered her by saying, “What about Gabe.”

            Faith remembered that little detail after Susan left the room and was happy as she’d found an out of this craziness.  Susan smiled mischievously just before saying, “Don’t worry I already recruited Joy to watch him.  He’ll sleep with the girls tonight then you can grab him in the morning.”

            It seemed Susan already thought about that contingency and took care of its Faith sighed because she was stuck.  She couldn’t think of anything else to stop what was going to happen, so she spent the next hour or so with Susan getting ready for the Charity Ball.

            Emily came to Christina’s door knocking she waited for it to open.  Christina was furious with Kincade because he pushed for Faith to be back at the family dinners.  Couldn’t he understand life would be so much better if he just gave Gabe to that woman and things could go back to normal?  She heard the soft knock and knew it wasn’t Kincade at the door but was a bit surprised to find his Mother there.

            “Hello Emily, please come in,” she moved away from the opening to allow Emily to enter the room.

            “Christina, I thought we should have a little talk,” she walked over to one of the gold antiques chairs that sat next to an antique table.

            Unlike Faith’s room, which had a loveseat this one had two long back antique chairs in gold tones.  In between the two chairs was a large antique table, wood with gold accents Christina took the other chair.

            “What do you wish to talk about,” she was a bit scared.

            “I’m not incredibly happy about Kincade having Faith back at the family dinners, but William is.  We’ve been talking about some things, and he’s mentioned to me it seems Kincade is very much taken by Gabe,” She tried to gage the girl’s reaction but got nothing, “I’ve come to the realization he’ll be keeping Gabe, but now I believe he’s going to want more children.”

            Christina tried to keep as much emotion off her face and in her eyes because Emily was watching her closely.  She’d come to the realization that Kincade was going to keep Gabe, but she could get around that easily.  If he wants more children, it wasn’t going to happen.  What no one knew was she couldn’t have children because with the help of a doctor friend she was able to get a tubal ligation.  She was not going to ruin this perfect body with screaming little brats who take everything from you.

            “I’ve seen that, and I understand,” she wanted to know where this conversation was really going.

            “I’ve come to ask are you willing to be a mother to Gabe,” Emily still tried to gage her reaction but still nothing.

            “I’m willing to, but I’ll probably hire a nanny like Susan did to help out,” Christina thought this was a nice touch because the plan was for him to be taken care of by someone else all the time.

            “I’m glad to hear this now I know we’ve talked about the fact both you and Kincade had decided you didn’t want children.  Now the question is, are you willing to change this and have more children for Kincade.”

            Christina wanted to shout at the top of her lungs no but knew it would not endear her to Emily.  The effortless way was to lie and then figure out a way to fake pregnancy and have miscarriages. 

            “I’ll have to think on this, but I find myself leaning toward having children to please Kincade.  If having a couple of more children will make him content, then I’ll be content.”

            This pleased Emily, but she still couldn’t really gage if the girl was happy about any of this, “I’m happy to hear you’re willing to consider this because William is under the impression you wouldn’t be.”

            Christina stood moving away, “I’m willing to do anything to keep Kincade’s love.  He’s everything I’ve been searching for my whole life.”

            Turning she found Emily had stood moving toward the door, “I’m glad we had this little talk now I’ll be able to tell William and Kincade, so we can start planning the wedding soon.”

            The first emotions Emily, finally saw was the flash of joy in Christina’s eyes over the mention of a wedding.  Christina realized she couldn’t control the emotions of eagerness from crossing her face. 

            “I’m happy to hear this because I want to move forward with my and Kincade’s life.”

            Emily realized she didn’t mention Gabe, “And Gabe’s.”

            “Hmm, oh yes and Gabe of course,” she couldn’t believe she slipped up and didn’t mention the brat.

            Emily was a bit worried but was happy to have this match so let it go, “I’ll see you later tonight for the Ball.”

            “Yes, see you then,” she watched her future Mother-in-law exit the room.  Once the door closed, Christina squealed with joy.  She was going to have herself married to Kincade Jordan within a matter of weeks.

            Emily entered the room to get ready for the Ball and found William was already there, “I’m glad you’re here.”

            “Really,” he looked at his wife’s happy face.

            “I just talked with Christina and she’s happy to have Gabe and is willing to have more children for Kincade.”

            William wasn’t happy about this because Faith would have no chance at Kincade’s love if Christina changed her mind about children.  He believed the girl was probably lying to Emily in the hopes of getting on her good side.  He’s seen how she reacted to the crying children and the revolt on her face when she looks at Gabe.

            “That’s good, so when will you talk to Cade about all this,” he turned to go into the master bathroom.

            “Tomorrow morning,” she began to get ready for the Ball.  Her heart was lighter over the fact her son was going to marry a perfect woman.

            William just sighed because he really believed Faith would be the better choice even if she didn’t come from a prestigious family, “I hope it all works out for you.”

            “It will,” Emily went into the closet to get her underthings.

The time went by so quickly and before he knew it, Kincade was downstairs with his Father and Howard waiting for the women to finish.  The doorbell chimed, and Howard exclaimed it must be Duncan.  Kincade remembered Duncan from when he was sleeping with Megan his friend and boss.  He liked the man, but Christina wasn’t going to like that he was coming.

            While Howard left the room to answer the door William tried to talk to Kincade, “Son I need to give you a heads up.”

            “A heads up, that’s a phrase I’ve never heard you say before what’s wrong,” Kincade was suddenly shaking with trepidation.

            “Your Mother had a conversation with Christina and things have changed for you two,” He didn’t want to ruin the evening but couldn’t let his son be blindsided.

            “What are you talking about,” Kincade was scared.

            “They’re planning the wedding,” he blurted.

            “What,” Kincade shouted.

            Howard and Duncan came into the room at that moment, “Good evening gentlemen,” Duncan chimed in a deep southern voice as he walked into the room.

            His father leaned toward him, “I just wanted you to know what their up too.”

            “Thanks Dad,” he replied then his Father turned to Duncan.

            “Evening Duncan it’s always a pleasure,” William greeted.

            “William it’s nice to see you and Kincade,” he extended his hand they shook.

            “Nice to see you too it’s been two years,” Kincade tried to put away the conversation with his Father.

            “Yes, I heard congratulations are in order,” he remarked about Gabe.

            “Thanks, his name is Gabe, and I can’t believe how much he’s already changed my life,” Kincade practically glowed when the spoke of his son.

            “Children will do that,” Howard remarked as he brought all the men a tumbler of brandy.

            They all clinked their glasses in toast to Gabe, just as they finished the small amount of liquor the door opened without warning.  Emily along with Susan came into the room to find the men having a toast.  Emily wore an ivory dress with an intricate lace bodice and flowing layered skirt.  Her auburn hair was done up in an elegant French twist to finish off her look she wore diamond drop earrings along with a matching necklace.  Susan wore a dark blue gown it was form fitting on top and only showed the top part of her cleavage.  At the hips, it flared out in a lovely shimmering blue skirt that went all the way to the floor.  You could only see the tips of her shoes when she was standing still.  To match the dress, she wore sapphire stud earrings and a necklace with a single sapphire stone hanging on a gold chain.  Her auburn hair that mirrored her Mother’s she’d put in an elegant French braid.  To finish her hair, she had ringlets around her ears, so they framed her face.

            “My, my you ladies look beautiful,” declared William.

            “Why thank you dear,” Emily beamed.

            Susan walked up to Duncan and kissed his cheek, “How lovely to see you again Duncan.”

            “Lovely to see you Susan, may I say you’re looking wonderful as always,” Duncan flattered her.

            Kincade spoke, “I guess we’re just waiting for Christina,” suddenly the study door opened, and she appeared with a flourish.

            She came in wearing a dark purple gown that was form fitting at the top and showed more cleavage than Susan’s dress.  It didn’t flare at the waist but went in a straight line down to her ankles, but there was a slit going up the left side to allow for movement.  Her platinum blond hair she’d left down except for several strands in the front some silver combs held them back.  At her ears, she wore amethyst dangles along with a necklace covered in the same purple stones.  She smiled at everyone as she moved over to Kincade.

            Emily spoke first, “My dear Christina you look absolutely stunning.”

            Christina smiled sweetly at Emily, “Why thank you Emily.”

            Susan frowned then she noticed her brother was frowning also but suddenly Christina noticed Duncan and her lips thinned, “Hello Duncan, I didn’t expect to see you,” she remarked with little emotion.

            “I’m quite sure you didn’t but I’m partners with Howard, so I thought it imperative to attend,” He practically sneered.

            William spoke then, “I guess we shall be going now.”

            They all turned and headed for the hall once all assembled in the entryway, the men grabbed their jackets then the women’s wraps.  Howard leaned down to whisper in Susan’s ear, “What about Faith.”

            “Any minute now just be patient,” Susan whispered back then kissed his earlobe.

            “What are you two whispering about.  You know how much I despise whispering,” Emily reprimanded.

            Susan blanched, “Sorry Mother.”

            William tried to smile, “Everyone ready then.”

            “No, Duncan’s date isn’t here yet,” Susan hurriedly said.

            Emily spoke, “He can wait here and follow behind when she gets here.”

            As Emily just finished speaking a sweet, soft voice Kincade would recognize anywhere spoke, “I’m ready sorry to keep everyone waiting.”

Everyone turned to look toward the middle of the staircase and suddenly there were gasps as Faith descended the stairs.  She still had to use the cane a little bit, but it didn’t do anything to diminish her beauty Kincade felt all the breath leave his body as he stared at her.  She wore a forest green gown the top was form fitting showing some cleavage but not as much as Christina’s.  The sleeves went around the top of her arms once it hit her waist it flared out a little bit then went down to the floor.  It had a slit up the side to allow for movement as it hugged her legs loosely.  She put her hair in an intricate updo using the combs Julie gave her for Christmas but left some hair down.  Several strands framed her face while in her ears, she wore emerald studs around her neck hung an emerald stone on a gold chain it nestled between her breasts.

            Emily was the first one to speak, “What is going on here.”

            Howard was the one to speak, “Duncan’s date canceled Faith was kind enough to accept so Duncan wouldn’t feel awkward.”

            William decided this was perfect but to defuse the situation he spoke to his wife, “Emily it’ll be fine, come dear you look absolutely beautiful.”

            Duncan grabbed a dark green wrap that matched the gown Faith was wearing.  He went over to her as she stepped off the last stair placing it around her shoulders, “Goodness Susan was right you are stunning,” he smiled.

            “Thank you, Mr. Crandall,” Faith replied while blushing.

            “Please call me Duncan,” he took her hand and placed it on his arm, so she wouldn’t have to use the cane.

            “Very well, then call me Faith,” she walked gracefully with him but still had the cane in her hand.

            Kincade watched all of this go on with pure fury burning inside him and wanting nothing more than to grab Duncan and beat the crap out of him.  He was furious that Duncan was going to escort the woman he wanted to be with more than anything.  She was beautiful, and he could feel his body’s instant reaction to her this irritated him even more because he wasn’t responding to Christina at all.  When she’d entered, the room there was nothing but a wish that he could take Faith to the Charity Ball.  The only thing that helped was the fact she wasn’t going to be there but now she is.  Damn Susan for talking Faith into this because he was positive it had been her and he was going to kick her ass.  Everyone left the house to climb into two limos the first one was William, Emily, Kincade, and Christina, while the second one had Susan, Howard, Duncan, and finally Faith. 

The minute they took off toward the country club Faith broke the silence, “I told you your Mother wouldn’t be pleased.”

Howard was the one to answer, “Don’t let Emily worry you Faith just enjoy yourself because you’ll fit in fine believe me.”

Everyone agreed so Faith finally decided to get a look at her date Duncan Crandall.  He was a tall, elegant man with brown hair laced with blond highlights.  He wasn’t devastatingly handsome as Kincade but nevertheless extremely attractive.  Kind and mischievous whiskey eyes sparkled with laughter as they all talked and told stories.  Faith felt herself relaxing with the easy-going Duncan and the comfortable conversation they were all providing so by the time they pulled into the country club Faith was perfectly at ease with this evening.

Kincade tried to relax but found his mind wondering toward Faith.  How did this whole thing with her coming to the Charity Ball with Duncan come about?  Both Christina and his Mother were not pleased but his Father and Sister seemed ecstatic about it.  However, Kincade didn’t know how he felt about anything because just before all this, his Father informed him his Mother and Christina were planning a wedding.  He was positive Christina wasn’t going to want children this would be a problem and he hadn’t gotten control over things with Faith.  Did he want to stay with Christina, or did he want to try things with Faith and see where that went.  By the time, they pulled up to the country club he was agitated then he became angry when he saw Faith step out of the other limo laughing along with Susan and Howard.  Probably over something, Duncan said but Christina saw the scowl on his face thinking it was about how she was feeling with Duncan there.

“Don’t worry Kincade, Duncan being here doesn’t bother me one bit,” she smiled seductively at him.

He almost laughed because she thought his trouble stemmed from her and Duncan.  Boy, was she misled it was all because of Faith and Duncan that’s when Faith noticed Kincade glowering in her direction and felt guilty?  She kept thinking she wished it were Kincade who was escorting her to the Ball not that Duncan was bad to talk too or let alone look at.  He was attractive enough, but he just wasn’t the man she wanted.

“Are you all right Faith,” Duncan asked as they came into the building.

“Yes, I’m just a bit overwhelmed with all of this.  I’ve never been to a country club or a Charity Ball before.”

Duncan nodded his understanding but abruptly stopped in midstride as they entered what resembled a ballroom.  Faith looked up at him he was staring off in the distance, so she followed the direction of his gaze.  She saw a gorgeous red head dressed in a slinky black dress.  The dress came just to the top of her knees while her hair piled up on top of her head in curls.  Duncan seemed to pale when the woman turned blue eyes his way and smiled.  She was standing with a man who was as tall as Kincade, but he radiated pure power.  His hair was as black as Kincade’s while his body had a slightly bigger build.

“Duncan are you ill,” Faith put her hand on his arm.

Kincade didn’t miss Faith touching Duncan as if they were old friends, but the touch broke the spell on him and he replied, “Yes, I’m fine.”

Faith tentatively smiled, “Do you know her.”

He sighed before looking down at her his eyes were not sparkling like earlier but instead were dim and sad, “Yes her name is Megan we’d been involved for a time.”

She felt bad, “What happened.”

He glared in Kincade’s direction causing Faith’s heart to lurch, “Christina Stewart.”

Faith looked at the woman who was practically draping herself on Kincade but then Duncan’s voice came to her, “Faith listen if you have any thoughts about Kincade you better watch out for that evil woman.”

Faith looked stunned and glanced up at him, “I hardly think Kincade, and I are suited.”

Duncan chuckled, “I don’t know if he feels the same way especially with the daggers, he’s been shooting my direction.”

She actually blushed, “I’m having feelings for him I’m trying to get under control but for tonight let’s not think about Kincade, Christina, or even Megan.  Let’s have some fun tonight you and me.”

He smiled charmingly at her with the light back in his eyes, “My dear I concur let’s have some fun.”

With that decision, Duncan took her into his arms and began dancing a slow waltz.  Even with her slight limp she danced divinely so they danced several dances together then had wonderful conversations with his friends and associates.  Everyone loved her even though she wasn’t part of this society circle.  Kincade tried several times to have a dance with Faith, but Christina pretty much kept him away from her.

William came over twice to request a dance with her and on the first one he asked, “Are you enjoying yourself.”

Faith smiled up at him, “Yes I am, Duncan is a very kind and interesting man.”

He nodded his head, “But he isn’t Cade.”

Faith sighed it was as if everyone saw how much she ached to be with him, “No, but that doesn’t matter I wouldn’t be good for him, and we all know it.”

“Maybe you think that however I don’t.  You see I happen to think you’re the perfect woman for my son.  Your kind and generous plus you would love him for him and not his money or prestige,” William glanced in his son’s direction.

Faith had to smile, “You mean unlike Miss. Stewart.”

William sneered, “I don’t think Christina is the right woman she’s superficial,” abruptly he smiled down at her, “Besides, you’ll give me more grandchildren where she wouldn’t dream of having any children no matter what Emily says.”

“Emily thinks Christina will,” Faith was surprised.

“Apparently, they talked, and Christina told Emily she would have children if only to keep Cade’s love.”

“But you don’t believe her,” Faith couldn’t believe William was telling her all this.

“No, she just said that to get Cade to the altar,” William realized how the conversation was going and didn’t want to make her sad.

“I see,” Faith was beginning to get a headache.

“I’m sorry I shouldn’t be talking about this here because it’s a party,” he spun her a couple of times making her giggle.

Kincade watched his Dad dance with the very woman he wanted to have in his arms, “She’s very beautiful,” Slade came up beside him. 

It was the first-time Christina wasn’t right by him because Howard took pity on him and asked her to dance, “God Slade I ache for her all the time.”

“I can see why but I know it’s more than just her looks for you,” Slade wanted to grab a dance from her also.

“My Dad told me tonight my Mother and Christina, are planning a wedding,” he turned away from the enticing scene.

“No s**t, what are you going to do,” Slade took a drink of his brandy.

“I’m not getting married I refuse to get into a marriage I couldn’t be happy in.”

“Good if you need help getting away for a while, I have a place you can take Gabe and Faith, wink, wink.”

Kincade laughed for the first time tonight, “Thanks Slade I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Keep what in mind,” Christina’s voice piped in.

“Just talking business,” they both turned to look at her.  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Faith head for the open terrace.

Slade saw it also and thought he would give his friend his one chance for tonight, “Christina would you do me the honor of a dance.”

Christina was so stunned and excited she didn’t think anything about what was really going on, “Oh my of course Mr. Douglass.”

Slade turned her so her back was to Kincade then with his head nodded toward the terrace with a wink.  Kincade turned quickly and hurried away while Slade occupied Christina’s attention for the time being.  Duncan heard the conversation between Slade and Kincade and knew what was going on.  He figured he’d help by keeping an eye out for the couple on the terrace making sure Christina didn’t catch them.