Chapter 19

The summer heat pressed down on everything, and it didn’t take long before the car parked in the driveway felt like an oven. Reese sat in the driver’s seat, but inside she was shivering.
Robbie’s words from earlier kept echoing in her mind. “Auntie’s so amazing. Isn’t it normal for Dad to like her?” The memory stabbed right through her, icy and sharp, leaving her numb all over.
She stayed in the car for a while, waiting for her nerves to settle. Just as she reached for the keys, her phone started to ring.
“Reese, we’re having a family dinner tonight. Bring Robbie with you. Your uncle booked a private room for us,” her aunt said.
Reese glanced at the ornate gates in the rearview mirror. “Robbie’s at the old house today. I can’t pick him up tonight.”
She followed the directions Rosie had sent, driving for half an hour before she finally arrived. Reese thought it would just be a regular family gathering, but when she opened the door to the private room, she froze.
Her uncle Dylon was sitting near the head of the table, and right in the seat of honor was Zach’s mother, Marissa, who Reese hadn’t seen in ages.
“Marissa,” Reese greeted her, a bit flustered. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs.net
“Hello Reese,” Marissa said, smiling at Zach before turning back to Reese. “You’re as pretty as ever.”
“But you look like you’ve lost weight. Have you been working too hard?” Marissa added.
Zach glanced at Reese, cold and unreadable, but didn’t say a word.
Reese slipped into the only empty seat. “Not really. I actually feel like I’ve gained some weight lately.”
Rosie eyed her. “You look thinner, though. You’re almost four months along, right? Why aren’t you showing yet? Did you get checked at the hospital?”
“Yeah, I went. Everything’s normal,” Reese replied, trying not to worry her aunt.
Tara, sitting close by in a soft pink dress, grabbed Reese’s arm, about to speak. But Zach cleared his throat, cutting her off and steering the conversation away.
Tara brightened. “We’ve got a lot to celebrate today. Zach and I just got engaged, and Reese is expecting. It’s such a happy day.”
Reese glanced at Tara’s elegant dress and gentle smile. “Congrats. I hope you’ll be happy together.”
Dylon cleared his throat. “The real reason we’re here is to settle Tara and Zach’s wedding. They’ve been abroad for years, their careers are set, their relationship is solid. Why not have the wedding at the end of the year?”
Marissa beamed. “I’m all for it. Tara’s such a good, capable girl. I just adore her.”
Zach stood up with his wine glass. “Tara’s been with me through everything. I promise I’ll treat her right.”
He threw back his drink in one go.
Tara looked down, smiling shyly.
Zach poured himself another glass, his eyes flicking to Reese with a teasing look.
“There are two people I need to thank most in my life,” he said, his tone steady. “First is Tara. She was there when I had nothing. Without her, I wouldn’t have what I have today. I’ll never let her down.”
He paused, raising his glass and meeting Reese’s gaze.
“And the other is my ex. When I was at my lowest, she left me for someone better.
If she hadn’t, Tara and I wouldn’t be together now.”
Dylon didn’t pick up on the undertone, so he just nodded. “You’re too humble, Zach. You did all this yourself.”
Tara kept her eyes down, hiding a small, secret smile.
Reese’s smile faltered for a moment. She picked up a piece of lamb and chewed it, slow and careful.
The rest of the night was spent discussing wedding details over food and drinks. Everyone seemed happy, and the wine kept flowing.
By the time dinner ended, Zach was so drunk he could barely stand.
Dylon clapped Tara on the shoulder. “Take Zach home, will you? And help Marissa keep an eye on him.”
Reese hung back, watching as Tara half-dragged, half-carried Zach to the car. His head lolled onto her shoulder, and he mumbled, “Baby,” his arm wrapping around her waist, then sliding down so he could rest his head in her lap.
Tara’s cheeks flushed red. As she leaned over him, her hair brushed against Zach’s cheek.
“I’m here. I’ll take you home. Just be good, okay?” she whispered softly.
Right as the car door clicked shut, Zach suddenly lifted his head. His eyes were only half open, but he looked right past Tara and through the window, searching for Reese at the back of the group.
Tara followed his gaze and went still. Then Zach slumped back down onto her lap, out cold.
Worried he might be uncomfortable, Tara reached into the back seat for a pillow. Her hand bumped into a file folder.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“That’s something Mr. Wiles asked someone to look into a few days ago. It’s been sitting in the car ever since,” the driver replied.