Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
“M arried?”
“ Married ?”
Scarlett and Antonio said in unison, then looked at each other with wide eyes.
“Dad, you can’t be serious. Adoptions happen all the time,” Antonio said before Scarlett could form similar words.
“You’re right, they do, but they happen with children who don’t have parents. Or they happen when parents give up their rights. And they can also happen when a single parent marries, and their new spouse wants to adopt the child. That’s the only way a child can be adopted in Ohio.”
If Scarlett didn’t know Mr. Jenkins better, she would think he was making this up. What he was saying made sense, but there was no way she and Antonio could get married. She might care for him, but she wasn’t in love with him, and that was the only way she would marry anyone.
Wait. Had Cynthia known this when she suggested Antonio adopt Bella? Did she know they’d have to get married for any of this to work? How many times over the years had the woman casually mentioned it was time for Scarlett to settle down?
She shook the thoughts free. No way. Cynthia would’ve just pushed her to marry Antonio without mentioning the adoption idea. But Scarlett wouldn’t put anything past the old lady. She could be manipulative when she wanted certain results, but this?
Nah, she wouldn’t have suggested marriage. She knew Scarlett wasn’t planning on getting married. At least not any time soon, but this information was a curveball Scarlett hadn’t seen coming.
The only way Antonio can adopt Bella is if I marry him .
Crap. Why couldn’t anything ever be easy? She could admit to being impulsive at times, but this… I can’t do it .
She’d finally come to a decision that she was one hundred percent sure of, then bam ! It’s all shot to hell. It was one thing to ask Antonio to become Bella’s father. It was another to rope him into marriage to make that happen.
“I can’t. I can’t use him like that,” Scarlett said, then snapped her mouth shut. She hadn’t meant to verbalize that thought out loud.
She glanced at Antonio, and her breath caught. The compassion in his eyes was powerful enough to send shivers down her spine. There was no doubt he cared about her, and that pleased and terrified her. Why’d he have to be such a sweetheart? Why’d he have to make it so easy to like him?
I’d do anything for you and Bella , he’d said more than once, and Scarlett believed him. The only reason he had hesitated on saying yes to the adoption was because of her. Even then, he was looking out for her well-being wanting to make sure she understood what she was giving up.
This was… this all was too much. Whoever said adulting wasn’t easy knew what they were talking about because some decisions felt almost impossible to make. Bella deserved a man like Antonio in her life. Granted, Scarlett didn’t have to marry him to make that happen, but she’d do anything to ensure Bella’s happiness and safety.
Almost anything .
But what about Theodore and Alberta? What if they found out about Bella and came after them? As her biological grandparents, they might not only come for the inheritance, but they might also want to be in Bella’s life. With the latter, they had a right to get to know their own flesh and blood.
Thoughts of Ezra and the way his parents abandoned him came to mind.
No, she couldn’t let them into Bella’s life. She also couldn’t use Antonio like this.
“Antonio deserves to marry someone who is in love with him,” she said to his father, then turned to Antonio, realizing she should be saying these words to him. “It’s bad enough I asked you to adopt Bella. I can’t marry you for the sole purpose of you adopting my child. It’s not fair to you.” Asking him to adopt Bella hadn’t been fair either, but that was different. He loved her daughter, and the feeling was mutual.
Antonio searched her eyes, for what, she wasn’t sure. He didn’t say anything, and his facial expression was unreadable. Which wasn’t new considering he rarely smiled and always seemed to be in deep thought. Actually, it was in this moment that he looked a lot like his father. The intensity in their serious expressions were identical.
Antonio reached over and linked his fingers with hers but looked at his father. “Dad, can Scarlett just add my name to Bella’s birth certificate and then change Bella’s surname?”
“Not without consequences. Adding you now after seven or eight years would look suspect. You guys would have to prove you’re the father, which would be impossible.”
Scarlett sat back in her seat and sighed. She hadn’t thought about any of that. She didn’t have any other ideas, and now she was sorry she’d pulled Antonio into this. She had started imagining a future with him in their lives—as Bella’s father. Granted, her imagination was all sunshine and rainbows even though that’s not how her life had been. Why would it change now?
Mr. Jenkins lifted the handset on his desk phone and typed in three or four numbers. Someone picked up immediately.
“Can you come to my office?” he said before hanging up, and Scarlett wondered who he’d called. Maybe he had another idea.
Seconds later, there was a quick knock on the door, and they turned just as Luke Hayden, Christina’s husband, strolled in.
Though he was dressed in an expensive-looking suit and appeared every bit the white-collar role, there was an edginess about him. Maybe it was the bold pattern on his tie and the diamond stud in his left ear. No, that wasn’t it. It was the swagger in his walk, the intensity in his eyes, and his confident demeanor. Maybe that’s why some of the family thought of him as the thug lawyer. The handsome man looked as if he could handle anything that came his way—good or bad. No doubt his clients loved that about him.
“What’s up, man?” he said to Antonio.
“Not much.” Antonio stood to shake his hand, and they pulled each other into one of those man hugs.
Luke glanced at Scarlett and extended his hand. “Hey, Scarlett. Good seeing you again.”
“You too,” she said as they shook.
“Thanks for coming in here,” Mr. Jenkins said to Luke while scribbling something on a notepad. He ripped off the top sheet and handed it over. “I need you and Michael to dig up everything you can on those individuals. I want everything , and I only want the two of you working on this. I need the information ASAP. Charge any time or fees to the family account.”
Luke glanced at the paper, then folded it, and stuffed it into his pants pocket. “You got it.” He said his goodbyes and strolled out just as gracefully as he’d entered.
“Michael, as in Peyton’s husband?” Antonio asked.
Peyton was one of his older first cousins who used to run Jenkins & Sons Construction before she got married and moved to New York.
“Yes. We hire him for special assignments.”
Turning to Scarlett, Antonio said, “Michael Cutter is one of my cousins-in-laws, and he’s the best private investigator in New York.”
Scarlett nodded. Cynthia was right about one thing. The Jenkins were a formidable family with some impressive connections. But Scarlett didn’t want to waste any more of their time.
“Since we can’t move forward with the adoption, there’s probably no reason to have Cynthia and her family investigated.”
“Who said we weren’t moving forward?”
Scarlett’s head whipped around to Antonio. “We can’t since we’re not married, and I already told you that I couldn’t ask that of you.”
“Maybe I’d offer,” he said as if this were an invitation to go grocery shopping.
Her heart raced. What was he thinking? “Tony, we can’t get married just so you can adopt Bella. That’s crazy! That’s not a good reason to marry someone,” she insisted, even though what she had proposed was just as insane.
“Actually, you’d be shocked at how common marriages of convenience are. My law firm has written up plenty of contracts,” Mr. Jenkins interjected and gave a slight shrug. “People get married for all types of reasons, and some of those reasons are less noble than this one.”
Surprise plowed through Scarlett. Seriously? She thought that only happened in romance novels. No doubt her disbelief showed on her face, and when she opened her mouth to speak, Mr. Jenkins lifted his hands.
“I mean, this is something you and Antonio should discuss privately before any decisions are made. In the meantime, I have to get to court. Once you two talk this over, if you need me, you know where to find me.”
* * *
As they walked out of the building, Antonio’s mind was whirling. He couldn’t remember ever playing hooky from work, but today warranted it. Even more so now that there was a wrinkle in the adoption situation, but he wasn’t discouraged. He would have never considered a marriage of convenience. However, if it meant getting the family he’d always wanted, he wouldn’t rule it out.
“I was thinking we could go around the corner to the coffee shop and plan next steps,” Antonio said as they stood in front of his dad’s office building. “I know—”
“Tony.” Scarlett squinted against the sunlight. “You’re not much of a coffee drinker. Why would you want to go there?”
“Because you are, and I want us to figure out what we’re going to—”
“I don’t want to,” she said. “I don’t want to discuss the meeting, adoption, nor marriage. Let’s just… not think. Hey, wanna go to Smale?” she said of Smale Riverfront Park about ten or fifteen minutes away.
They were definitely not on the same page. It was becoming abundantly clear that, though they had several things in common, he and Scarlett also had their differences. One being—he was a planner while she was more impulsive. Too bad Antonio wasn’t good at going with the flow or letting things happen at will. He liked to take action and get ahead of a situation.
Scarlett on the other hand was apparently a wait and see type person and was okay with putting things out of her mind for a later time. She jammed her fist on her hips and flashed a cute frown that nearly made him laugh.
“Well, are you going with me? Or do I have to go by myself?”
“I’ll go wherever you go,” he said, meaning it. He was prepared to do whatever it took to show her that he was in this for the long haul. Her frown disappeared immediately, and she grinned up at him.
“Good. Let’s go.”
A short while later, they roamed the park, and he admitted, not out loud, that this was the perfect idea. Sunshine and seventy-degree weather with a slight breeze made it a perfect day for a stroll. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d walked through the park holding hands with a gorgeous woman.
As they passed the Great Adventure Playground near the base of the John Roebling Bridge, Scarlett slowed.
“It’s a beautiful day out,” she said smiling and turning her face up to the sky, allowing the sun to kiss her smooth, brown skin.
Sometimes he still found it hard to believe this former model was interested in him. He’d gone out with some nice-looking women, but Scarlett was breathtaking, even with very little makeup and her braids in a sexy-messy ponytail.
“Thanks for agreeing to come out here with me,” she said as they took in the sights.
“It’s my pleasure. I love spending time with you, and this place was a good choice. I forgot how nice it is out here. Has Bella ever been here?” If she hadn’t, Antonio would want to bring her one day, maybe when school was out for the summer.
“Once, a few years ago. Now that she’s older and not as scared of a little adventure,” Scarlett chuckled, “I’ll have to bring her back. Last time she was too afraid to try out most of the activities like the rope bridge and the log climbers.”
They walked and talked for the next few minutes about nothing and everything, and Antonio knew more than ever that he wanted this in his life. He wanted to have someone to play hooky with. He wanted someone to hold hands with on a beautiful day. More than anything, he wanted to share his life with a special woman who was easy to be with. A woman who cared about him as much as he cared about her.
“What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?” Scarlett asked as they walked.
“It used to be having a beer and watching a game. Now, after spending the weekend with you and Bella, it’s snuggling with you two on the sofa while watching a Disney movie. I think I can name all the Disney princesses. Quite an accomplishment for a guy who barely paid attention to Cinderella.”
Scarlett sputtered a laugh. “If I remember correctly, you fell asleep during the movie.”
Antonio shrugged. “It’s still my favorite way to unwind. What about you?”
“Well, it used to be soaking in a bubble bath with a glass of wine. Now I’d have to say it’s watching you cook dinner for me while I drink a glass of wine.”
“Good to know,” Antonio said, and the smile she cast on him was as intimate as a sweet kiss. His heart squeezed as he continued to watch her, loving the way her eyes glittered under the sunlight. “We’ll have to agree on a set number of days a week that I cook dinner for you.”
“I wouldn’t say no to that. Next question. How do you cope with stress?”
Antonio pondered the question for a minute before saying, “I usually go somewhere quiet, like my office or my back patio to think about the situation. Time alone usually helps me get clarity. What about you?”
A couple of birds chasing each other and flying erratically practically crashed into them before he and Scarlett ducked.
“Geez, they need to watch where they’re going,” she joked and chuckled. “Okay, so I do my best coping with anything dark chocolate. Also, taking a walk helps. Oh, and retail therapy. Nothing says relax and breathe like buying a gorgeous pair of shoes. Here’s another question. What’s most important to you—emotional or physical intimacy?”
Antonio blew out a breath. “That’s a hard one. I’d have to say both. Being able to emotionally connect with someone is major for me. I need to be able to trust the person I’m with enough to share my thoughts, fears, and even my dreams. However , life without some form of physical intimacy would be impossible. I’m not talking just sex, but also touching. I couldn’t imagine not being able to hold your hand.” He brought the back of her hand to his lips and kissed her warm skin.
Scarlett visibly shivered, then giggled like a schoolgirl. “I agree, but I think physical intimacy is most important to me. At least right now because without it, I wouldn’t be able to do this,” she said and kissed his lips.
Antonio smiled, and he could’ve sworn she whimpered. “I can see what you mean. I wouldn’t want to miss out on those sweet kisses.”
“I really have to keep you smiling and flashing those dimples,” she said barely above a whisper, then asked, “How many kids do you want?”
Antonio pulled up short, shocked by the question but ready with an answer. “As many as you’ll give me.”
Her mouth dropped open, then she threw her head back, and laughed. “Has anyone ever told you that you have a great sense of humor? And how do you keep a straight face when you say stuff like that?” she asked, still laughing.
“Because I’m serious. I want a big family, Scarlett, and I want you to be the mother of my children.”
She lifted her hands. “I’m sorry, Tony. I shouldn’t have asked that, especially since I insisted on us not discussing any of that. I guess I was just curious.”
“Okay, what else are you curious about? Actually, I have a question. If you ever decided to have more kids, how many would you have?”
“Two. I want two boys. My turn. Have you ever been in love before?”
“I thought I was in love once, but lately I’ve been questioning whether that was love. Because what I feel for you is like nothing I’ve ever felt for anyone else, ever. ”
That was the truth, and considering the way her mouth was hanging open again, she hadn’t expected that answer. He just hoped his responses weren’t freaking her out.
“Come on, Scarlett. You know not to ever ask a question unless you’re prepared for the answer,” he said and gently grasped her hand again.
“Umm… yeah. I’ll have to remember that in the future.”
For the next few minutes, they walked in silence, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. Antonio loved the random questions, and more than anything, he loved learning more about her. Like the fact that she wanted more kids.
“I wonder why they didn’t just make this a maze,” Scarlett said as they slowed near the edge of the labyrinth. This one was made up of concrete slabs and grass, and the meandering paths were wide enough for two people to walk side by side.
“Because labyrinths are used symbolically as a form of moving meditation. Unlike trying to get through a complicated maze, that might stress you out before you reach the exit, this is meant for you to stroll through and meditate.”
Scarlett chuckled. “Of course, you’d know that. Well, we can’t let this opportunity go to waste. Let’s follow the path and ponder the meaning of life.”
They joined a handful of people who had already started around the circular pattern. Antonio had never walked through one before, but he could see how the process could be calming. It was all about the journey and not about figuring out how to exit because there was only one way in and out.
They’d barely gone halfway through the circular pattern, and Antonio could already feel his mind relaxing. All seemed well in the world, and he wished he could go through every moment of the day like this, slowly. He wouldn’t have any stress in his life.
After they reached the center, they went back the way they’d come until they were once again standing on the edge of the labyrinth.
“That was cool,” he said, thinking how doing something so simple could actually be fun.
Scarlett agreed, and they started back on their stroll. Antonio guided her to the railing that overlooked the river.
“The park’s summer concerts start in a week or so. We should try to catch one. This year they’re on Thursday nights, and it’ll include all types of music genres,” Scarlett said.
This was a good sign. She was planning for them to continue dating.
“Sounds like a great idea. I haven’t attended one before, so it’ll be a nice change of pace.” Anything would be, considering he usually worked until eight or nine at night. The long hours were mainly due to not wanting to go home to an empty house. Now that he was dating again, maybe he’d have a reason to cut his workdays shorter.
“Let’s get a picture or two,” Scarlett said, her cell phone in hand.
She positioned them in front of the water and snapped several selfies. With each photo, she adjusted their positions or turned the phone this way and that, getting different poses with each. Antonio couldn’t help laughing when she insisted on them taking a photo with silly faces.
He had never posed for photos as much as he had since dating Scarlett, and it pleased him that she wanted pictures with him. She promised not to put them on social media, though he didn’t care. Who wouldn’t want to be photographed with such a sexy woman?
It also surprised Antonio that she even thought to take pictures. She seemed to always be ready to whip out her camera or her cell phone to capture the moment. To capture memories. Something he never thought to do.
When she was done, they leaned against the railing and stared out over the calm water. A peace settled over Antonio. “Thanks for suggesting we come out here,” he said. “It’s a great place to think and just be.” He needed and wanted more of this, and he was ready to come up with a plan to make it happen.
“I agree,” Scarlett said, flashing him another one of her sweet smiles, and his heart flipped inside of his chest.
Unable to resist, Antonio did something he’d wanted to do since they left his father’s office. He backed her to the railing and crushed his mouth to hers. Scarlett moaned in pleasure when he slipped his tongue between her sweet lips and held her close around the waist.
She always felt perfect in his arms, but kissing and holding her always made him want more. A whole lot more.
Her arms looped around his neck, and her hand went to the back of his head, deepening their connection. Antonio would never get tired of kissing her, and the park offered the perfect backdrop. He loved on her mouth, savoring this moment as the river babbled in the background, birds chirped in the distance, and a gentle breeze flowed around them.
This was a perfect way to spend the day with the woman he could see a future with. His hands slowly roamed over her body before settling on her perfect butt as he drank in her sweetness. The sensual sounds she was making with every lap of their tongues had his body stirring with need. Maybe starting something out here hadn’t been the best thing because what he really wanted to do was take her back to his place and love on her whole body.
Soon . They’ll be together soon.
“Get a room!” someone yelled, and Antonio heard what sounded like roller skates roaring down the sidewalk.
He slowly eased his mouth from Scarlett’s but kept his arm around her waist. He placed a kiss against her temple. “I know we agreed to table the conversation about the adoption and marriage, but don’t rule any of it out just yet. Okay?”
Scarlett’s beautiful dark eyes met his, and it was as if he could see his future deep in the depths of them. After a long moment of searching his eyes, she nodded.
“Okay. I won’t rule anything out. Now, how about we go find a room?”