She giggled. “At one point all I could think of was you and your lists and chaos. My whole trip was chaos. I don’t know if it was the full moon, or that it was Halloween or just bad luck, but I’m about ninety percent thinking of renting a car and driving back.”
Christopher couldn’t help it, he threw his head back and laughed. “Told you. That’s why I always drive. I like being in control. What happened after you arrived in NY?”
“I ran into my family on the way to the front desk. Thank god because I didn’t even know my name at that point. Dad paid the bellhop, Mom and Fern helped me to my room and unpacked for me after sending me to the shower. Fern even called for a wakeup call. I showered and crashed around one, was woken at five, showered, Mom and Fern showed up to help me get ready. I’m only going on four hours of sleep. I have a feeling I’m going to crash on the way back to the hotel.”
“Wow. Not to be a stick in the mud or anything, but were you able to take your meds?”
“Yes. I had them in my purse for the flight. And on a good note, with all the layovers and the time spent getting another flight, I was at the airport long enough that my luggage made each flight. Thankfully I didn’t lose any of that.”
“That’s a good thing.” He encouraged her to eat, and when they completed their meal, he drove her back to the hotel. As he parked in the lot, he shut off the SUV and turned to her. “I know it’s presumptuous ofme, but I’d like to spend the rest of the night with you. I don’t expect anything from you, and there’s no pressure, but I’d like to sleep with you. I’ve really missed you.”
“Okay. I don’t have a problem with that. But know that I’ll probably crash before my head hits the pillow.”
“No problem,” he said, and hurried around and helped her out. He grinned when they stopped at the back, and he pulled out a bag. “Sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it.” She giggled and gripped his offered elbow as they made their way into the hotel and directly to the elevators. Once in the elevator he wrapped his arm around her and felt her sag against him.
“You got your key?”
“Yeah.” She slurred, but didn’t move to retrieve it. Christopher smiled, and when the doors opened, he walked her to her door. After placing his bag down, he took her purse and retrieved her key and let them in. He removed her coat and walked her over to the bed where he removed her shoes. “I can do the rest. Thanks,” she said, and stood shakily and turned her back to him. “Unzip me.”
In minutes he had her stripped and into her pajamas and she sat on the bed and watched him undress. She patted the bed in front of her, and when he sat down, she took his hands and sighed. “I know we’re in private now. And I know I’m utterly exhausted, but I really have something I have to tell you.”
“Me too and I don’t know if I can wait.” Christopher squeezed her hand. “Let’s get it out then we can sleep on it. But, can you say what you have to in two words?”
“I can. Let’s close our eyes, then on the count of three we open our eyes and say our two words.”
“Deal. Are your eyes closed?”
“Yes.” Wanda took a deep breath. “One,” she said.
“Two,” he said.
“Three,” they said as one opened their eyes and she said, “I’m pregnant.” At the same time, he said, “No divorce.”
Chapter 22
They stared at each other in shock. Wanda felt a jolt and felt wide awake. “What did you say?” they asked at the same time.
“I don’t want a divorce. I’ve been thinking about us a lot since I’ve been home. I know you might not agree with me, or even believe me, but I fell in love with you when we were together the last time I was in Arizona. I’ve been taking some steps to move.”
“Really? You’d give up your life here in New York and move to Arizona?”
“I would. Think about it. I can work anywhere. And I’ve looked into it, and to have a building the size you have in Arizona here in the City, it’s going to cost us close to ten thousand a month, that doesn’t include utilities either. Not to mention how long your business would be shut down if you had to pack everything and move here, then set up again. How much business would you lose during that time?”
Wanda actually giggled. “Let me guess. You’ve written this all out in lists.”
“Absolutely.” He grinned and leaned in and kissed her quickly. “I even went so far as to discuss my plans with Sean. If you agree to take me on and we start a relationship, and I move to Arizona, he’s willing to buy me out of our partnership and even my condo. I’m not saying I have to move tomorrow. But I’d like to be there by Thanksgiving.” He paused then grinned.
“I’ve even contacted the realtor that has the building on the other side of the bike shop. I’ve seen it through the computer, and it’ll suit me for opening mybusiness there. I could live with you and walk to work. I’m not saying we should or could do marriage right from the get-go, but maybe live together in sin and get to know each other.”
Christopher studied her and saw that she wasn’t comprehending what he was saying. He quickly bundled her into bed, doused the lights, but left the light in the bathroom on with the door only slightly ajar. He tucked her in, crawled in behind her and wrapped both arms around her. With her head on his bicep, he held her tightly and together they sighed and slipped into sleep.
*****
Several hours later Wanda was rudely jerked awake from a heavy, dreamless sleep when Christopher’s arm was ripped out from beneath her head, the covers were thrown off her, and he jumped up and began pacing and saying repeatedly, “Oh my god.” He’d looked at her repeated it, then paced some more. Wanda frowned and sat up. “Oh my god,” he said again, and put his hands on his head and pulled his own hair.
“Are you okay?” she asked, and looked at the clock and saw that it was five in the morning. “What’s wrong? Having second thoughts about what you told me last night?”
