Chapter Three - Darla

The instant I see Gage’s face, memories wash over me.

Gage holding me in his arms. His strong, muscular body wrapped around me like a fortress. Protecting me, guarding me. His fingers stroking my lips, sifting through my hair. His rich, deep voice whispering his love for me against my skin.

Heat ripples over my body as embers of a fire from long ago come to life. I pinch the delicate skin between my thumb and index finger to bring me back to reality. By the time the officiant pronounces Emily and Jake husband and wife, I’m a wreck.

I can’t think.

I can’t stop shaking.

I can’t move.

My worst nightmare has come true.

Lilah tugs on the hem of my dress. “Did I do good, mummy?”

“You did amazing, peanut.”

Behind us, the crowd of wedding onlookers hoot and holler. I swing around to see Jake scoop a giggling Emily into his arms. He takes off at a dead run, headed straight for the rolling surf. A photographer charges behind them, snapping photos. Lilah laughs and scurries behind the newlyweds, tossing handfuls of rose petals into the air.

Before I can catch her, Gage is towering over me.

“Hello, Darla.” He sneers.

“Gage.” I tip my head back, wondering if I punch him in the throat, if I’ll have enough time to grab Lilah and run. But as I stare at the size of his neck and see the thick cords of muscle, I know my moment of reckoning is looming.

I’m doomed.

“What are you doing here?” He inches closer.

“What are you doing here?” I hurl back.

“I’m standing up for my best friend.”

“Well, I’m standing up for my best friend, too.”

“There’s over three hundred million people in the United States. How does Emily become your best friend?”

“How is Jake yours?” I snap. I cringe as the familiar scent of Obsession hits me. The fire in his eyes has my stomach bubbling.

“This idle chit-chat isn’t getting us anywhere. Let’s cut to the chase before the happy couple returns, shall we?”

My heart pounds, my cheeks burn. “Say whatever it is you need to say.”

“You are something.” He bends down until we’re nose to nose. “ You owe me an explanation.” He growls.

He’s right. I do. But not here. Not now. Not ever, if I’m lucky. “I…”

Suddenly, there’s a commotion at the water’s edge.

I see Jake and Emily running along the beach with the photographer behind them. But…my heart sinks…where’s Lilah?

I spin around, frantically scanning the beach. When I can’t see her, I toss the bouquet of orchids to the sand and run.

“A wave caught the little girl!” Someone screams. “Oh, my God!”

Gage flies past me, surges into the ocean, and propels himself through the pounding surf. In seconds, he has Lilah wrapped tight in his arms. I bite my lip, trying not to sob, and Lilah gives me one of her big goofy grins and a wave.

“That was fun, mummy!” Her bright eyes swing to Gage. “Can we do it again?”

My sweet girl has no idea what awful things could have happened. She could have been swept out to sea… a shark could’ve attacked her…she could’ve drowned…she could’ve…

Gage sets her down. He’s soaked from head to toe with water running down his face, his white linen shirt clinging to his washboard abs like a second skin. I quickly look away. Lilah runs to me, throws her arms around my waist, and gives me a big squeeze. “That was fun! This is the best vacation ever!”

I gather her to my chest, trying not to cry.

Gage tilts his head, confusion written all over his face.

“Peanut, would you please run up to the chairs and get towels for you and the nice man?”

“It’s okay, mummy. I’ll be dry in no time at all.” She bounces away. “But I’ll get him a towel. His nice clothes are all wet.”

“You have a daughter?” He blinks.

My hands shake. My heart takes off like a rocket. And I know…I can’t run…it’s time.

I swipe my sweaty palms across the skirt of my dress, take a deep breath, and look Gage dead in the eye. “There’s no easy way to say this…so I’m just going to say it.” I inhale deep. “ We have a daughter.”

Gage gasps, his hands fly to his chest, and he drops into the sand like a stone.

“Gage!” I shout, shaking his shoulders. “Gage!”

Jake rushes over. “Call 911!” He flips Gage onto his back and starts feeling for a pulse.

Dear God. I’ve killed him.

“Thank you, Jesus. He’s got a pulse.” Jake runs a hand through his hair. “What happened?”

I’m too stunned to speak. Lilah slides her hand into mine. “Is the nice man going to be okay, mummy?”

“He’s going to be just fine, sweetheart.” Emily takes the towel from Lilah and pats her dry.

“Is it my fault?” Lilah asks. “Did I hurt him?”

“No, my sweet baby.” I pull my daughter close. “I did.”