Perfectly Pink - An It's Always Been You Romance (Complete)

Chapter 41

Mary drew a deep breath before she slipped into Simon's office.

The man in question glanced up from the computer where he sat behind his desk, dazzling in a green t-shirt, chocolate locks muddled and sexy. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise." Would she ever get accustomed to the trickle of excitement each time she saw Simon? The sensation expanded as he stood up, closed the distance between them, and kissed her on the cheek. The gesture sweet, comforting and normal. "I wasn't expecting to see you until tonight."

Mary wrapped her arms around his waistline and let his warmth invade her body. She pressed her head against his chest, the beating of his heart settling her nerves. "The movers finished early." There hadn't been all that much to pack from her apartment in Washington. A few family heirlooms, her art supplies and a closet full of clothes she may never wear again. Stacks of boxes sat in Simon's spare bedroom, the furniture put in storage until they found a new place to live. Or built one.

The decision to move in together was easy. Since choosing to be with each other, Mary had spent every night in Simon's bed and every day in Bridgetown. At first, the town had been ablaze with gossip about the couple, innuendo spread about their relationship with opinions on how long Mary would stay with Simon. They ignored the hints, jabs and outright questions, preferring to show the locals the depth of their love by sticking together and hoping over time they'd see their connection for what it was—real and permanent.

Simon held her close. "Everything go okay?"

"Fine."

"And your dad?" Simon nuzzled her hair.

She'd quit her job at the art gallery and that left only one reason to remain in Washington. Her father. Emily convinced Mary it was time to stop living a life for what might have been, for what her mother may have wished, for their father's pipe dreams and to start living a life for herself. Philip Montgomery had taken Mary's new approach to life with a surprising amount of grace. While disappointed he wouldn't see his oldest daughter as much, he offered his full support in her choice of partners in life. He promised he only wanted her to be content and if Simon was her path to happiness, he was on board.

Still, a part of her felt guilty about leaving her father. For years it had been just the two of them, united in a common goal, alike attitude, similar interests. What would happen now? Her father assured her he would have no trouble filling his days, what with two grandchildren and another on the way.

"We had lunch at the club. He bragged about his daughter's boyfriend owning a winery and how he'd send a case of the merlot to everyone once the casks aged to perfection."

Simon's chest rumbled with a laugh beneath Mary's ear. "Does he know that could take years?"

"Oh, he's counting on it. Plans to live off the promise of what might be."

"Your dad will be fine. He has Beth and Lance." Simon rubbed her back. "And he's always welcome here. There's plenty of room at the Lakehouse. When we build our home, we'll make certain to incorporate a grandfather suite so he can have his own place with us as well."

Right. Mary swallowed, butterflies swirling in her stomach. "Speaking of rooms, I need to tell you something." Underneath her touch, Simon stiffen at her words. This wasn't a good way to start.

"Is everything ok?"

"Yes... I think so." She'd prefer not to leave the warmth of his embrace, but peeled herself away from his chest, needing to see his reaction. "But you may have a different opinion."

"Mary?" Fingers dug into her waist, like Simon was trying to delay her from running away. There was no need. she'd stay as long as he'd have her.

This was too soon. Everything happening too fast. The timing wrong but she had no control. What was done was done, and she could only hope Simon would feel the same way as she did. Mary cleared her throat and forced out the words. "I'm pregnant."