The Lover’s Secret (No Exceptions #1)(22)
Author: J.C. Reed

“Why would he propose, Sylvie?” I snapped, a little harsher than I intended. “Just because a man books a hotel doesn’t mean he’s ready to pop the question.”

I knew I sounded defensive, but for the life of me, I couldn’t keep the bitterness from tainting my voice. “Jett’s rich and successful. Of course he’s not planning to tie the knot anytime soon. At least not in this early stage in our relationship.”

“Sorry,” Sylvie said softly. “I was just asking.”

I was such a hypocrite for trying to make her feel bad when the very same thought had kept me glued to Jett’s every word and watching his every move. For days, I’d been waiting, expecting, hoping. Reminding myself of how much I had changed.

Less than a year earlier, I had been the one who didn’t believe in commitment, and marriage had certainly not featured anywhere in my life plans. Now, for the first time, with Jett by my side, I wanted more. His generosity and big words when it came to our relationship weren’t enough to prove to me that what we had was real. I had to have him near me, with me forever—written in black and white—and not just as the father of our unborn child.

“It’s okay,” I mumbled, avoiding my bestie’s probing gaze.

“I’m really sorry.” Sylvie spread her hands, palms up. If my tone had offended her, she did her best not to show it. “All I’m trying to say is that I wouldn’t have been surprised if he had asked. I mean, you guys seem to be getting pretty serious. Plus, you’re pregnant, and you’re already living together, so…” She left the rest unspoken, hanging heavily in the air.

I stared at her, unsure of what she was getting at.

Why did she make it sound as if Jett’s proposal was long overdue?

We were serious, weren’t we?

But…

There had been the odd weekend when Jett insisted we spent time in expensive hotels, always together. Even though we hadn’t been told the baby’s gender yet, there had been talks about names, how she or he would be raised, and what school our child would go to.

So, why did it feel like something was missing?

As I pondered, I clasped my hands together, breaking out in a sweat.

And then it hit me like lightning.

Once. Twice.

We had made plenty of short-term plans but, thinking back, I realized there had been no conversations about our future as a family, about the three of us: Jett and I and the baby. No plans as to where we would be living after the child was born. Just big words about our undying love and his support, but there had never been any specific talks of a nursery or what would happen after I gave birth.

Nil. Nada. Zip.

Jett’s two-level penthouse apartment was spacious, but with its architectural design, including an open staircase, dangerous railings, and floor-to-ceiling windows, it was too unsafe and in no way the right place to raise a child.

Dismay washed over me at the thought that I had absolutely no clue what the future held in store for Jett and me. Of course, my best friend would ask if he had proposed. She had every reason to be concerned. I might be blind in love, but Sylvie was as objective as a bystander, which was why I figured I should be listening to her.

“I’m sorry.” I released a deep, shaky breath that I didn’t even know I’d been holding. “I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

“Don’t worry about it.” She waved her hand dismissively, completely unfazed. “It happens to the best of us.”

“Let’s order,” I said in a cheery tone that was quite contrary to the turmoil swirling within me. I waved a barista over and asked for two cappuccinos, and then turned my attention back to Sylvie.

She was still staring at me, her blue eyes betraying her concern. “What’s going on?” she asked quietly.

I pressed my lips into a tight line. Finally, I leaned back, unsure of how much I could reveal without tugging at my heartstrings.

“I don’t blame you for asking. I asked myself, too,” I admitted slowly. “The fireplace and the champagne, along with the fact that he booked the most expensive suite—a penthouse—made me think he was going to propose. He had this beautiful dessert sent up, and rose petals strewn all over the floor…well, it would have been the perfect moment. It really was.” I trailed off, reminiscing about our time together, unable to suppress the sadness and disappointment nagging at the back of my mind.

“Oh, sweetie.” Her hand clasped around mine, squeezing gently.

I shrugged as if it didn’t matter, even though it did. “But instead of asking for my hand in marriage, he demanded that I promise not to run away, not even if we separated in the future. As if such a promise would be enough to keep our relationship going for years.” I paused as I remembered his words. Five years, to be more precise. “Needless to say, I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t make that kind of promise.”

I looked up and almost began to laugh at the way Sylvie’s eyebrows furrowed. Wrinkles didn’t suit her. They made her seem stern, and she didn’t do stern very well.

“Why?”

I moistened my lips. “If I make a promise without getting a promise back, I’ll always think that he’s not as invested in the relationship as I am. It makes sense not to give in to his every demand.”

“So you didn’t do it?” she asked, incredulous, and I realized she wasn’t on my side. “The guy is crazy about you, and he wants the reassurance that you won’t run away.”

I shook my head, slightly irritated by her response. “You don’t understand. I can’t.”

“What’s the big deal? Just do it or pretend to. It’s probably only a matter of time until you two get hitched anyway.”

“Not for the next five years, we’re not.” I grimaced. Just thinking about his words made me feel defeated.

“Why’s that?”

“Jett implied that marriage is for the foolish, and…” I waved my head as my words choked me. When the barista brought us our cappuccinos, I plastered a fake smile on my face to hide my emotions.

“He said that to you? Just like that?” Sylvie leaned back in shock.

“Not directly, no.” I shook my head again and watched the barista depart. “He pointed out that he feels it takes that long to get to know someone, so I don’t expect a marriage will happen anytime soon. But…” I looked up, ignoring the aching burn in my heart as I considered my words.