Author's Note: Thank you all for the reviews. In this chapter, a little 'oddness' begins which will be mentioned throughout the next few chapters until it reaches a climax. Hope you all like it. Please let me know what you think.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing!
Most of the day has been spent on the sofa discussing the pregnancy and Barrett with Adrian. Both promise to give this child everything Barrett had and more, to love this baby just as much as they do Barrett. It has been nice to spend time with Adrian that isn't tempered by anger or bitterness. To discuss their children, their plans and hopes for this new child, while remembering their son, has been bittersweet.
Once their time together ended, Adrian begrudgingly leaving to attend to a previous obligation, Evelyn decided to talk with James. Adrian is ecstatic at the news, but she saw the look in his eyes when he finally realized the baby is his. He is going to try his hardest to rid their lives of James before the baby is born. The news of her pregnancy is the perfect way to do that, but she isn't giving Adrian the chance. She has decided to share the news with James immediately.
The door to James' office at the church opens and he enters, his eyes tired and his brow furrowed. Evelyn offers him a smile and a quick hello, relaxing when his face brightens. He closes the space between them, pulls her to him and places a searing kiss to her lips. Evelyn moans into his mouth, wrapping her arms his neck as his hands rest on her hips. She momentarily forgets why she is here, too caught up in the feel of him against of her. It isn't until he is maneuvering them backwards to the sofa that she recalls this visit isn't about pleasure.
"James?" A woman calls from the other side of the door as she knocks. James drops his head, breaking the kiss, and sighs deeply.
"Sorry," he apologizes to Evelyn.
James opens the door, hiding his irritation well. He smiles at the woman that has interrupted them, asking what he can do to help. The young woman tells him of an accounting error as she flips through paperwork, distressed by this. Evelyn zones out as they begin discussing funds and accounts. As much as she enjoyed their greeting, when this woman leaves they will not be continuing what was started. She must tell him about the pregnancy.
Adrian promised to respect her wishes and keep this news between them for a while, but she knows this will not extend to James. Adrian will gloat the first chance he gets. Besides, James has a right to know what is going on so he can decide what is right for him. Evelyn gulps at the thought of him leaving, of their relationship ending, but it isn't fair to expect him to stand by as she has a child with her soon-to-be ex-husband.
"Where were we?" James asks once the door is closed.
James once again closes the distance between them and reaches for her. He kisses her gently this time then motions her to take a seat on the sofa. Once they are seated, he kisses her again, wrapping his arms around her. Evelyn isn't opposed to seeing where the kissing might lead, but they need to have this conversation.
"James," Evelyn forces herself to say as he begins trailing kisses down her neck.
"Uh-huh," he asks, suckling the spot just beneath her ear that drives her wild.
She inhales a shuddering breath, once again reminding herself of the very important conversation they need to have. She pushes at him, hating the moment his lips break contact with her skin.
"Sorry, I got carried away," he apologizes, sitting up looking a bit embarrassed.
"Don't be," Evelyn tells him, placing a quick kiss to his lips. James offers her a smile but he can tell there is something bothering her.
"What's wrong?" He asks, and just like that he goes from sexy and seductive to caring and concerned.
"Nothing is wrong, exactly." Evelyn looks down at her hands, suddenly unsure of what to say.
"But something is going on." James reaches out and strokes her bare arm.
"Yes," she breathes, realizing this is going to be so much more difficult than she anticipated.
"Tell me," he encourages her in that soothing tone.
"I'm pregnant with Adrian's child," she admits, her gaze straight ahead, focused on the wooden cross that hangs on the back of the door. She can't bring herself to watch his reaction.
James sits on the sofa for a few seconds processing what she just said. It makes sense if he thinks about it. The nausea, the dizziness, both are much more easily explained away by pregnancy than stress. Still, she has just put the first steps into motion to rid her life of Adrian yet here is something that will tie the two together forever. At the thought of Adrian, James realizes there is no way the other man is going to allow Evelyn to walk away now. He doesn't blame him, James wouldn't walk away from a woman like Evelyn either, especially if she was carrying his child. What he needs to know is how Evelyn feels about all of this. She is the only one that can make decisions about hers and her child's future.
James looks at Evelyn, tears in her eyes, hands clasped tightly in her lap as she stares straight ahead. He can't imagine the thoughts running through her mind, all the emotions she must be experiencing. He places his hand over hers, the movement drawing her gaze to his.
"Are you keeping it?" James asks calmly, something akin to fear flashing in Evelyn's eyes.
"Of course I am!" Her tone is decisive, leaving no room for doubt. "This is unexpected, and the situation isn't ideal, but I've always wanted another child."
"Ok," James nods, his tone calm, unreadable. "Have you told Adrian?"
Evelyn nods, a smile tugging at her lips as she remembers how happy he was once the news settled in. The angry, hurt man he became all those years ago after Barrett's death seemed to vanish immediately, replaced by the caring, loving man she married. She isn't sure how long this personality change will last, but she hopes this 'new' Adrian sticks around.
"He was thrilled," she tells him simply.
James purses his lips, then asks, "Does that mean you two…"
"No, we are not reconciling," Evelyn cuts him off, the confidence she speaks with makes James feel a bit better.
"Adrian doesn't strike me as the type to let his pregnant wife just walk away."
"Oh, he isn't. He most certainly will scheme and connive to get what he wants, but for now we have decided to focus on the child."
Evelyn doesn't delude herself into believing that Adrian's attitude change will alter his approach in keeping her and this baby. His attempts might not be as outlandish, but he will try nonetheless.
James narrows his eyes assessing Evelyn and this agreement her husband and she have come to. He would like to believe Adrian is decent enough to put the child first, but he doubts it. He doesn't question Adrian's love for his child, but just like with his love for Evelyn, he is willing to do anything, no matter how devious or insane, to ensure he gets what he wants. James admits he would too, if the roles were reversed.
Evelyn pays close attention to James' facial features throughout the conversation. They have become so close over the past couple of weeks, but she is still unable to read him. She can easily tell what Adrian is thinking by his facial expressions and gestures, but James remains a mystery. He appears calm and collected, but he so frequently does.
"You can get your things from the mansion this evening if you'd like," Evelyn says flatly, saving James from trying to figure out an easy way to end things.
"You're dumping me?" James sounds hurt and shocked by this.
"No!" Evelyn answers immediately. "I just assumed you would want to leave. This isn't your responsibility." She averts her eyes.
"Evelyn," James says gently but her gaze remains straight ahead. "Evelyn," he tries again, this time lifting her with his fingers so she looks at him. "I'm here." His thumb traces her jawline.
"You don't have to be," she says, trying her hardest not to turn into a sobbing mess. The tears are prickling her eyes.
"But I want to be." He places a reassuring kiss to her lips.
"I don't deserve you," Evelyn says, looking at him in astonishment. She can't believe he is willing to stay.
"Don't say that!" He insists, cupping her cheek. "You deserve to be loved and to be happy. I'm just glad I'm the guy you've decided to try and let do that."
Never before has she been so attracted to him. She grabs him by the collar and pulls him into a searing kiss, her tongue plunging into his mouth. James pulls her closer, his hands cupping her bottom as he pulls her onto his lap. She moans, surprised by the move but also enjoying the feel of him. His hands run up her sides, stopping when they reach the top of her blouse. He begins unfastening the buttons.
"In the church?" Evelyn gasps, breaking the kiss, her hands covering his. James chuckles at her scandalized tone.
"When I was in seminary school, I had a professor that said more sex is had in church tha…." James smiles when Evelyn places her finger against his lips.
"You're a reverend; you aren't supposed to lie," she admonishes him playfully.
"I've told you countless times I'm no saint."
The two laugh and resume kissing. This certainly isn't how Evelyn expected this conversation to end, but she is so relieved to be kissing him instead of watching him leave. James is becoming more and more important to her with each passing day. She would have let him walk away if he wanted to but she is so glad he has decided to stay.
How could he be so stupid? Does he not realize that harlot has been sent by Satan to brainwash him? To test his faith, to tempt him. He is playing right into the devil's hands. Into the evil woman's. Surely there is a way to rid the good Reverend's life of such a despicable woman. God must provide a way for her to accomplish this. The Reverend and the church, the loyal members of his flock, do not deserve the disgrace the redheaded harlot will bring upon them. She is an evil woman. A sinful woman.
Dear Father in Heaven, please provide Reverend Hamilton with the knowledge and guidance to resist this woman and her sinful ways. Please provide me with guidance to help the Reverend. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Laughter announces James and Evelyn's presence in the mansion, causing Adrian to roll his eyes. He needs rid of this man, now more than ever, but he has to go about it in the right way. So far, his Private Investigator hasn't uncovered anything on the good reverend, but Adrian has faith; everyone has at least one dirty little secret in their past. He will just have to work extra hard to uncover James'.
"What's so funny?" He asks, glancing as the two enter the study holding hands.
"Inside joke," James answers dismissively, laughing once again when he looks at Evelyn.
Adrian glances between the two curious as to what is so amusing, but he realizes whatever has them so jovial is probably something he doesn't really want to know. He is glad to see Evelyn looks more relaxed than she did earlier. Her cheeks are flushed from laughter, her eyes sparkle; she is absolutely radiant. As clichéd as it sounds, she always did have that special glow about her when she was pregnant, twenty-five years hasn't changed that.
"Adrian, you're doing it again," Evelyn admonishes, folding her arms in front of her. Several times since this morning's revelation, she has caught him staring at her. This behavior was unnerving when he did it during her pregnancy with Barrett, it makes her even more ill at ease now.
"Sorry," he apologizes, averting her gaze.
Evelyn rolls her eyes at him then shares a look with James, half apologetic, half amused. She walks over to the bar to distance herself from Adrian and his gaze. She is pleased to find small bottles of apple juice among the many beverages.
"What's this?" She asks turning to look at Adrian.
"I had Carmen bring it in, just in case you'd like a glass," Adrian shrugs. Evelyn probably assumes he is trying to get back in her good graces with the gesture, and to an extent he is, but the main reason he requested Carmen stock the bar with apple juice is because he is trying to take care of the mother of his children.
"Oh God, you didn't tell her did you?" Evelyn gasps, panicked by the thought.
"No, of course not!" He insists, noticing James give her a questioning look.
"Thank you," Evelyn nods, relieved.
They agreed to keep the news to themselves for a while. Telling Carmen isn't conducive to keeping a secret, or having a relaxing pregnancy. Evelyn is already dreading the maid's overly dramatic reaction to the news of a baby and all the new duties it will entail.
James is quietly observing the two. Evelyn's reaction to the thought of Carmen being aware of the pregnancy surprised him slightly, but it makes sense. She hasn't opened up about her feelings towards this pregnancy, but he's sure she has her fears. He hopes she will share them with him in time, but for now he is just glad to see there isn't so much tension radiating from her. The two warring spouses seem to have come to some type of understanding, much more at ease around each other than previously. He hopes it continues because the stress isn't good for Evelyn or the baby. Of course, Adrian has an ulterior motive and it isn't hard to guess what it is.
"So," James begins, clearing his throat. Adrian glances up from his drink, arched brow directed at him. "I hear congratulations are in order." He offers Adrian his largest smile, the man nearly choking on his drink.
"You told him?" Adrian looks at Evelyn accusingly.
"I told you I needed to speak with James," Evelyn rolls her eyes, taking a sip of juice.
"But…"
Adrian is astonished. Yes, she said she needed to talk with James, but he didn't think she meant right then. Besides, he was hoping the man would find this unexpected news upsetting. Obviously he didn't.
"Thank you," Adrian mutters. He didn't expect James would leave her, at least not right away, but he hoped the good Reverend would need a day or two to process this happy news.
"You ok, Adrian?" James can't help but ask, enjoying watching the man flounder. He suspects Adrian, much like Evelyn, expected him to leave upon the announcement. He can't wait to prove both of them wrong. He is here for as long as Evelyn will allow.
"I'm fine," Adrian says casually, taking another sip of his drink.
Evelyn leans up against the bar watching the conversation unfold. After she told Adrian of her pregnancy, and she answered a rapid succession of questions pertaining to it, she expressed her desire of having Adrian and James remaining civil towards one another. The fact that it would help keep her calm, reduce the stress on her and subsequently the baby, was mentioned as an afterthought. Luckily, Adrian picked up on it and is apparently trying to be polite to James. Evelyn isn't at all embarrassed to say she said the same thing to James after their office romp, pleased that both men are honoring her request. She probably shouldn't use the pregnancy to her advantage, but it is making these two behave. How long it will last, she isn't sure, but she plans on enjoying it.
"We should all go out to dinner to celebrate," Adrian offers, a smile crossing his face. The thought occurs to him that if he looks like he is willing to get along with James for Evelyn's and the baby's sake, maybe she will realize just how dedicated he is to being a better husband. Hopefully she will realize she should be with him, the father of her children, and not this other man.
"We already celebrated," James chuckles, unable to resist. Evelyn chokes on her drink at this comment, receiving looks from both men.
"Thank you for the offer, Adrian, it is surprisingly nice of you," she says, ignoring her little blunder. "But I can't handle all of the smells in a restaurant at the moment." Her hand rests on her stomach in lieu of an explanation.
"That's why you were sick the other night!" Adrian realizes; it all makes perfect sense now. How didn't he see it before?
"The pregnancy has a lot to do with it, yes, but your behavior didn't help matters." She lifts her brows daring him to disagree.
"Oh, right," Adrian exclaims, placing his palm to his forehead as though he's just remembered something. "You're pregnant so everything is my fault now!" He recalls this from her pregnancy with Barrett. He was to blame for everything wrong in the world throughout the pregnancy and remained guilty of all earthly wrong doings until she was at least six weeks postpartum.
"Pregnant or not, everything is your fault." She offers him a smirk as she sashays across the room.
James laughs, the expression on Adrian's face priceless. It is rare the man is rendered speechless. Adrian straightens, sends James a glare, then takes another drink. This is going to be a long pregnancy, filled with his wife's blame for everything, and on top of that, he has to be nice to the man currently sharing his wife's bed. It isn't going to be easy, but as long as there is a healthy baby at the end of it, it will all be worth it.