She doesn’t nod, but doesn’t protesteither.
What the hell is happening? I’m blindsided. “You want me to go to church?”
“Yes. At least on Sundays,” he answers for her. “You can sit in the front row, but we ask you keep the relationship private.”
“Just for a while,” Morgan interjects. “Until the dust settles.”
“Morgan, I don’t go to church.”
He rubs his hands together. “I hope you didn’t think my daughter would stop preaching because of your lack of faith. Preachers have their spouses present. My wife attends — in the front row.” His lips purse tightly, clearly holding back a laugh. “And remember, Mr. Killborne, since you care about Morgan so much, this arrangement means you must claim to be Christian.”
My eyes bulge. “I can’t—”
“We need you to exercise extreme discretion. You don’t want her reputation ruined if this doesn’t work out. As far as the public knows, you aren’t dating, yet. She needs to grieve about the failed engagement first. Not move on quickly. And the public can never know she is living out of wedlock with you.”
“Living with me? Here?” I murmur.
Suddenly, Bailey and a few random people appear, bringing in cardboard boxes and suitcases.
Mr. Montgomery smiles widely. “She doesn’t travel light. Hope you have enough room.”
Noel appears in the hallway and gapes at the sight.
“What is all this?”
Mr. Montgomery claps his hands. “Ah, yes! The lovesick younger one who trespassed. Good news. My daughter is moving in with your brother.” He darts his eyes from me to him several times. “That won’t be uncomfortable, will it?”
Morgan cringes but forces a nervous smile, giving Noel a shy wave. Then she looks at me.
“Is this okay? Me moving in?”
She says it soft, like she’s giving me a choice, but she has no idea my answer was decided the second I saw that bag on her shoulder.
Yet, my jaw hangs open.
For reasons I don’t understand, I cannot say a damn word.
So he says it for me.
“Sure it is!” Mr. Montgomery announces.
The last suitcase is set down, and he takes Morgan in his arms.
“Do not forget, sweetheart, Paul will handle your social media. Be smart. No public appearances.” He steps away. “Let’s give it a week or two before announcing your separation from Blake. Not that I am worried. I am sure this arrangement will go splendid.”
She glances up at me, meek and shy, and whispers, “Are you okay? Do you need to sit down?”
I exhale, just now realizing I haven’t been breathing.
Shit.
We haven’t discussed a damn thing. I never plan for the future. Marriage? Kids? I didn’t think a woman would...
I place a palm against the wall to steady myself. I glance at Noel and Tommy. This isn’t how I envisioned telling them I’d have a girl moving in. My mouth is dry and I don’t know what to say or do.
Morgan searches my eyes, her expression shifting from anxious to terrified. Her chin trembles,and she holds herself.
“I’m so sorry, Jack. I know you are... this is a lot. We can slow down.”
