Attached was a spreadsheet. I scrolled through the names, but Kevin’s name wasn’t there.
I hit call before I could think better of it.
Aris answered on the second ring. “Dede.”
Just my name in that accent, and something low in my belly tightened. “I’m looking at the guest list,” I said, keeping my voice professional. “Kevin isn’t on it.”
“Your ex-husband.”
“Tia’s father.” I scrolled through the list again. “Her grandmother convinced her to invite him to the wedding. He should be included. His two other children should be added as well.”
“Of course.” I heard typing in the background. “Should I arrange accommodations for him at the castle or the hotel in town?”
Everything in me screamed to banish Kevin to the hotel, but that would mean Kev and Savia being at the hotel with him. It would be petty to have Tia’s siblings at the hotel while her cousins stayed at the castle during the celebration.
“The castle,” I said, hating how reasonable I sounded.
Another pause, longer this time. “You’re certain?”
“Yeah.” I pressed my free hand against my stomach, where two tiny heartbeats were making my life infinitely more complicated.
“Very well. I will share it with the wedding planner.” His voice was unreadable. “Anything else?”
Yes. I’m carrying your children. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you. Those summer nights spent with you ruined me for anyone else.
“No. That’s all. Thank you for handling this.”
“Dede—” he stopped himself.
My heart hammered. “Yeah?”
“Nothing. Enjoy the remainder of your evening.”
The line went dead.
I stood there, holding the phone, feeling the weight of everything unsaid. In three weeks, we’d be face to face, and I would have no choice but to tell him the news.
The door opened behind me. I spun around.
“Kevin. You startled me.”
He closed the door. “Sorry. You disappeared. Wanted to make sure you were alright.”
“I’m fine. Just needed a quiet minute.” I moved behind my desk, putting furniture between us. “You should get back out there. Kev and Savia will wonder where you went.”
Kevin Jr. and Savia were his children with Ashley. He had moved back to town with the children earlier this year after separating from Ashley.
“They’re teaching Tia and Santo some card game. They’re fine.” He stepped closer. “It’s you I’m worried about.”
“Don’t be. I’m fine.”
“Deanna.” His voice dropped lower. “I miss you. We were good together.”
We were never good together. We were two kids who got caught up when I got pregnant.
“You have a wife.”
“Had. We’re separated, and you know it.” He reached for my hand. “That marriage was the real mistake. I never stopped loving you, Dee.”
