Page 59 of Hayes

"She is pregnant." Camelia felt as if she was being tossed around by a particularly turbulent wave that was threatening to overwhelm her.

"That's what she is claiming." He sent her a pleading look. "She gave me the name of the doctor–"

"How far along?"

"Two months. I was going to check the man out, but then you called and said you were on your way to the doctor's office, and I decided to wait. Cammy, I am sure she is lying."

"How can you be certain? She might be telling the truth. Condoms are not one hundred percent effective; there could have been a tear—it might have slipped—” Putting away the half-finished cup of tea, she felt her stomach churning. "I cannot blame you for having a past, but if she is pregnant–"

"She is not!" He wanted to go to her, but the look on her face stopped him. "She is not. This is just an elaborate plan to get money from me."

"Has she asked you for money?"

"No.” He shook his head. "But they are drowning in debt. I had them checked out. The museum is not functioning the way it should. Her father, William, has racked up an enormous number of outstanding debts and more than likely needs a way out."

"So, they concoct this plan to do what exactly? Get you to leave me and marry her?"

He shook his head. "That's never going to happen." His hands were clenched on his knees. "I would never leave you, no matter what, and I intend to get to the bottom of this."

"And if she is speaking the truth and she is really pregnant?" Even the thought of it was making her ill. "What then?"

"She is not pregnant," he repeated stubbornly. "I admit, she looked pale when I saw her, and she claims that she cannot keep anything down–"

"But why would she come up with something like that?" Camelia wondered. "Pregnancy is not something that can be hidden. In a few months, she will be showing. And I am assuming you would not be with a woman who is a complete idiot. Why this pregnancy plan?"

"I don't know." Leaning his head back, he dragged his fingers through his hair. "It might be revenge. You said there is no way she took the news that well, and I think you were right. Cammy, I am so damned sorry. But I swear to you that I will deal with this. I will get to the bottom of it, even if I have to drag the truth out of her."

"No." She shook her head.

"What?"

"I don't want you talking to her again."

"I have to–"

"You don't. I think it's time we told your mom about us, about the pregnancy."

He stared at her frowningly. "I thought we weren't telling anyone, and what does this have to do with–"

"She is the best person to deal with Simone Bledsoe, and telling her will make her want to fight for us. She will get to the bottom of it. I am asking you to stay away from her. Can you do that?"

He looked stung. "Of course I can. I only met her because she sounded urgent over the phone."

Camelia eyed him thoughtfully. "And yet she called, and you did not tell me. I thought we were telling each other everything."

"I did not want to worry you."

"For this to work, for us to have a chance to make this work between us, there has to be trust. I broke it when I left without telling you what was going on with me, and it split us apart. I would not like that to happen again."

"It won't." He rose, deciding it was time to bridge the distance between them—all of it. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he took her hand in his. "I promise that I will never keep anything from you again.

Please believe me. I want our family, Cammy. I want to be your husband and a father to our baby. I am going to be there for you, no matter what. I just–" he sighed softly. "I never want to hurt you."

"I know," she said softly. "And whatever it is, we are going to get through it together."

"Am I forgiven?" he asked huskily.

"Absolutely."