Dominic's Child by Catherine Spencer

Author:Catherine Spencer [Spencer, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Harlequin Treasury
Published: 2011-06-08T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

“MARRY him, of course,” Elaine said, as if that would solve all the problems.

“You seem to be forgetting he’s still in love with Barbara,” Sophie wailed. “How can I compete with a ghost?”

“Just because you can’t make him forget her completely doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time trying. And you might even succeed, if you’d stop treating him as if he’s something that crawled out from under the nearest rock.”

“I don’t!” Sophie protested, swabbing indignantly at her tears.

“If what I just witnessed is any indication, you certainly do. Good grief, Sophie, he’s doing the best he can. He hasn’t disowned the baby, he hasn’t walked away from you, he’s trying to do the decent thing. What more would you like?”

“For him to want me for who I am, not for what I’m bringing to his life and not because he feels responsible or guilty or anything like that.”

“Then I suggest you change your tactics,” Elaine replied, adding sagely, “Ever hear about catching more flies with honey than with vinegar?”

“If you think I’m going to grovel for his affections...!”

“Who said anything about groveling—although it strikes me that’s exactly what you’d like him to do.” Elaine heaved the last box onto the counter and dusted off her hands. “No, I think a bit of simple honesty might work wonders.”

Sophie stared at her in horror. “I couldn’t possibly tell him I’m in love with him!”

“Perhaps not, but you could stop behaving as if you find him repulsive.”

“Lie down and play dead, you mean? Fat chance!”

Elaine sighed, pure exasperation written all over her face. “What’s with you, Sophie? What’s happened to the nice, reasonable woman I used to know, the one who always tried to see the other person’s point of view?”

“She got buried under the mess her life’s turned into.”

“So start sorting it out, and do it soon, before the other half of this proposed partnership decides he hasn’t struck quite the bargain he first thought. And while I’m dishing out home truths, here’s another for you to chew on. Stop laying all the blame for this pregnancy on him. It took two, kiddo.”

“I don’t blame him.”

“Not consciously, perhaps, but you’re looking for someone to lambaste for what you call ‘the mess her life’s turned into’, and he makes a convenient whipping boy.”

Sophie bristled. “Well, I’m human, too, you know. And I don’t like finding myself up to my ears in deceit—having to lie to my parents, to him, to myself. It’s just not my style, Elaine.”

“Then put an end to it. Stop letting yourself be manipulated by circumstances it’s too late to change. He’s willing to take a chance on marriage. Do your part to improve the odds in your favor.”

“I hate you, Elaine Harrison,” Sophie muttered, subsiding into a reluctant laugh. “Will you be my bridesmaid?”

“I’d already planned on it and on being the baby’s godmother. They’re two things you don’t have any choice about,” Elaine said, giving her a hug. “Now go and find that man of yours and invite him to take you out for dinner tonight.

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