* * *
The flight to Indiana was long. Sophie had a lot of time to reflect on what had gone down. Clay was probably telling her the truth about Carla but that was only one incident with one woman and there were hundreds who would happily take her place. On his lap, in his arms and in his bed. The dark, brooding, impossibly handsome man who now carried the scars of battles won and lost in the arena was a temptation to women everywhere. The full lips, with dimples on both sides and those deep grooves that showed off that slow smile, would have most women feeling the heat from the beginning. If Sophie closed her eyes, she could see the passion lighting his emerald-green gaze, could hear his voice as he made demands and whispered encouragement that sent them both to the moon. His big hands, callused and strong, could bring out all kinds of intimate feelings. Dressed in a dark suit and tie, with his demeanor and no-nonsense attitude, he took command over a boardroom. Clay Everett was the most amazing man she’d ever met or would ever meet. She felt a slight blush run up her neck and over her face for ever thinking she would be the one he wanted. What a foolish idea. But at least she had one thing no other woman had: Clay’s baby growing inside of her. An unknown and unintended gift she would cherish the rest of her life.
Although her mother had sounded shocked that Sophie had left her employment with Clay permanently, she was nonetheless delighted to know Sophie was on her way home. Her father had made it through the surgery without any complications and was doing great; at this rate, he’d be able to return home in a week. Her older sister was there with him while their mom picked Sophie up at the international airport in nearby Indianapolis. The thought of seeing her family again after so many years was exciting but still couldn’t override the sadness of leaving Clay.
When and how had her time at Everest become so entangled and perplexing? Probably about the time she fell in love with its owner and CEO. She’d fought the feeling when it hit, tried to ignore it when it refused to go away and finally gave in to the sheer pleasure of being in love. Whether he’d ever felt anything for her or merely saw her as a new conquest, she couldn’t honestly say. She only knew Clay had always made her feel special. Whether that was his standard mode of operation with most women, she didn’t know. But it was enough to propel her into his arms all the while trying to deny that it was exactly where she wanted to be. Forever.
She should have seen the mistake coming. She should’ve known a life in love with Clay Everett was not a lasting thing. He wasn’t a man who would ever settle down with one woman and want a family and children. It was only since his accident that he’d spent more than a month in the same place. It was a life much too tame for him to be content. His mind-set was more in tune with taking on a wild Brahma bull.
He’d never told her he loved her. Even when she had blurted it out during their lovemaking, he hadn’t said anything in return. Her heart had withered a little at the time. Now the sorrow had spread throughout her body. She wanted to curl up and die. She had never seen herself as one of those girls who silently grieved while she watched the man she loved go on to other relationships. But that was pretty much what she’d done. Caught in her own inability to conceal her love, she had, by her admission, put their relationship in a very precarious setting. Had he grimaced when she told him she loved him? Surely she wasn’t the first.
And she wouldn’t be the last.
* * *
Sophie and her mother’s first stop was the hospital. Visiting with her father did wonderful things for Sophie’s self-esteem; he was just so excited to see her. And he looked great, considering what he’d just gone through. But even seeing that he was going to be okay hadn’t taken away all the pain she carried inside. She left with a promise to come visit him again tomorrow.
“You remember where your old room is,” her mom said as she and her sister carried her luggage inside the small white frame house. “I put fresh linens on the bed, gave the room a good cleaning and opened the windows to let in some fresh air. Both your and Susan’s rooms have been closed for a while.”
“I’m so glad you’re here.” Susan’s arms came around her. “I’ve got to get back to work in Indianapolis next week, but that will give us a few days together. Did Mom tell you the amazing news?”
Sophie frow
ned. “No.” She looked across the room at her mother. “She didn’t say anything about anything, really.”
“I wasn’t going to overwhelm you your first second home, but...” Sophie noticed the tears welling in her mom’s eyes. “I’ve been awarded my PhD. All those years of studying and research finally paid off.”
“Oh, Susan!” Sophie hugged her sister. “That’s so awesome! Congratulations!”
“That’s not all... I’m engaged.” She held out her left hand. On the fourth finger was an amazing engagement ring. While delighted for her sister, Sophie couldn’t help the tears that stung her eyes. “That’s wonderful news!” Sophie proceeded to put on an act like none other.
“We’re getting married next summer then flying to the Bahamas for the honeymoon. Grady said we will have to live in Indianapolis, but we’ll be less than an hour away from Mom and Dad. I’m hoping to get on the faculty at Purdue with Grady.”
“Isn’t that great?” their mother interrupted.
“It sure is,” Sophie agreed and smiled. If only Clay could be here to share the joy.
“So.” Susan looked at Sophie. “I hear you’re going to be a mother! That’s wild, Sophie. It’s good news, but strange to think of my kid sister having a baby.” She laughed and gave Sophie another hug. “Are you going to have it here or back in Texas?”
“Here.” She swallowed hard to keep the disappointment from showing. She would give anything to have her son or daughter in Royal, Texas, to raise the baby near its father. But it wasn’t feasible. Clay, if he cared, would have to come here. “After it’s born, I’ll find a job and rent a little house. Maybe I can do some substitute teaching between now and then.”
She hadn’t really thought this through but it made sense. She had enough in her savings to buy a used car and carry her for several months. If she could find a job in spite of what she’d done back when she was a senior in high school, it would work out okay. She was serious when she’d told Clay she wanted nothing from him. She wasn’t about to leave him one day and call him asking for money the next. She’d definitely want child support, but wouldn’t ask for a dime before then.
“Are you hungry?” her mom asked.
“I would love a bowl of cereal, if you have some.”
“Cereal? Is that all you want to eat?”
“Come on, Soph, I’ll help you find it,” Susan said. “I want to hear more about Royal, Texas. Did you really work for a billionaire? I’ll bet he was a hunk.”
* * *
The next few days slowly crept by. It was good being in her childhood home with her family. Her father did so well in recovery that he was released early from the hospital, and caring for him took Sophie’s mind off her troubles a little bit.
She realized she should’ve made the trip home a long time ago, for Christmas or another holiday. At first she’d avoided coming back to Tipton County because of what happened her senior year in high school. After that, she’d immersed herself in her new job, wanting to do the best for Clay that she could, especially after the accident. One month led to the next and the next until the years had passed.
While she tried to keep the smile on her face whenever someone was nearby, she knew her parents sensed her sadness. Thankfully, neither one said a word. But her mom knew. About Clay and the baby. About leaving him. About the turmoil and pain that was ripping through Sophie’s heart.