Girl Departs Three: Part 2: The Spoken For Series, #4

By Suzie T. roos

Youth is fleeting…

Pregnant at 18, Tatum has no choice but to grow up. She keeps the identity of her baby’s father secret while Zach is in Italy, but in his absence, their relationship becomes even more unstable . . . especially when Tatum finds out Zach’s ex-fiancée is also pregnant with his child.

Does Tatum have anyone to turn to? Nigel? Yes, he’s always been there for her but can they forgive each other and move on?

As Tatum and Nigel work to rebuild their friendship, outside threats pose danger for both Tatum and her child. Zach may have the power to protect her, but does he have the heart to be the man she’ll need?

Love might have been in front of her all along… but this time her choice will affect her baby too.

Whom will Tatum finally choose?

Choices last a moment. Consequences last a lifetime.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jacques Day Publishing
• Release date: Jan 8, 2018
• ISBN: 9780996294263

Book preview

1

Tatum

Friday, June 1, 1990

I examined the outdoors as if I’d been in solitary confinement my whole eighteen years. And after finding out I was nine weeks pregnant instead of four, solitary confinement looked pretty darn good.

Staring mindlessly out Dr. O’Connell’s office window, I examined the grounds with their well-manicured and perfectly shaped trees. When I heard the office door squeak open, I didn’t want to turn away from the view. Didn’t want to face Zach.

I took a deep breath, held it, and turned. Zach and Dr. O’Connell stood there with sickening smiles on their faces.

Lord, give me strength.

Zach looked happier than I’d ever seen him.

Tatum, I was just talking to Zach out in the hall . . . he insisted on paying for all of your medical expenses. Now we have that out of the way, why don’t we talk about your baby?

Oh Jesus. I rubbed the back of my neck, swiping off the dampness.

Zach sat next to me and took my hand.

I forced a smile. He had no idea what was going on inside me. Not a clue. I loved him so much, but this would destroy him.

Dr. O’Connell took a seat in his plush leather chair and leaned into the desk. So, your due date is December twenty-fifth.

Oh, Jesus, I mumbled. Once Zach did the math, he would realize he wasn’t the father. I couldn’t look at him.

He shifted in his seat and grabbed my shoulders. Oh my god, Tate. We’re having a Christmas baby. Wait ’til Mom hears. He pulled me in all the way for a bear hug.

Don’t thank me, Zach. He let me back down in my seat. The one time I needed him to figure something out on his own and he didn’t. The doctor’s office was not the place to tell him that he wasn’t the biological father of my child. I can go early. My mom never carried to her due dates. It’s just a rough estimate. Right, Doctor?

That’s right. Zach, she’s not far along. Tatum is small, and she may not carry to full term. When she was born, she barely weighed five pounds.

Really?

Zach’s starstruck eyes made me feel even worse. I sucked in another deep breath with a smile. That’s what they tell me.

In our family, we have big babies. I was nine pounds and twenty-three inches long. So what are the odds for our baby?

Well, Zach . . . Dr. O’Connell glanced down at my paperwork, writing notes. Safe to say somewhere in between there. He glanced up and grinned.

I had to get out of there. Needed fresh air. Needed air, period, to breathe.

That’s about it for now. If there are no more questions, I’ll see you two next month, and we can do another ultrasound. Tatum, take your prenatal vitamins like we discussed, and make your appointment for four weeks. You two stay strong, and you’ll be okay. Teenage pregnancy isn’t easy, but if I know Tatum, you’ll be fine.

Zach smiled and brought my hand up to his lips for a soft, enduring kiss. How I hated myself right now.

After we got a stack of papers thicker than the Oxford dictionary and made the next appointment, we were on our way home to the Manor—Tyler’s house. A Bertano family gathering was the last thing I wanted. Zach and I needed to be alone for what I was about to tell him. He needed to know now, before we got back to his family’s house.

Even though it was early in the summer, the St. Louis humidity was not helping my swelling. Zach, can you turn up the air? Is it even working? I swiped the sweat beads off my hairline.

Zach turned the blower up and kept one hand on the steering wheel. After cool air was blowing in my face, he put his hand on my knee.

Mom will love the idea of a Christmas baby. If you only knew how happy you’re going to make my family. Honey—

The baby isn’t yours, I blurted, unable to keep the secret any longer. I let out a breath of relief. But then seeing Zach’s shattered heart written across his face made any relief evaporate. The eerie silence in the car hummed in my ears.

Zach watched the road, but life left his face. What did you just say?

If only my heart would give me a few more beats to get this out before it stopped completely. Zach, I’m so sorry. The weight on my chest dropped to my stomach and rebounded up to my head. I couldn’t take much more.

Zach, I’m nine weeks pregnant. Not four. Do the math. Women carry a baby for forty weeks. One blink and tears violently rolled down my face. Telling him he wasn’t the biological father was harder than telling my mom I was pregnant had been. I would never forgive myself for hurting him like this. He deserved better. I want you to know, I love you so much, but I can’t take your money. Your help. Your anything. This child is not your responsibility, Zach. It’s Nigel’s and mine.

He pulled over and slammed the car into Park. You think for one minute I won’t be there? He faced the front again and cupped the palm of his hand on the steering wheel. So the baby is Nigel’s? The guy who cheated on you? The guy who was never honest with you? Zach whipped his head toward me.

Cars were speeding past, inches away from Zach’s car sitting on the side of the road, which made me nervous.

He was giving me that look, the look that said, You don’t believe what you’re saying, so don’t expect me to believe it. I knew Zach would not turn away from me and the baby, his biological child or not. That wasn’t the kind of guy Zach was. My heart stopped. I didn’t know what to say. Asking Zach to raise Nigel’s child felt wrong.

Don’t tell him. Don’t tell anyone. I want this child, Tatum. Look . . . you know what this baby means to me and my family. This baby . . . He pointed to my stomach. This child of mine is my family’s ticket out of Gramps’s old Mob world. We all want out. This baby secures a vineyard in Italy. My vineyard. If Mr. Davidae or Gramps finds out this baby is not a Bertano, we’re screwed. Not only would I be on the next flight out, I’d have to marry that whore, Mariacella. Oh, no. Zach shook his head. No. I’m staying with you, and this baby is mine. Nigel can’t have you. I won’t allow it.

Zach’s determination gave me pause, wondering what the conditions were in this deal. Zach, I have to tell Nigel. How would you feel if the shoe was on the other foot? You would kill me for keeping this child from you. Doesn’t Nigel have a right to know this child is his? I hate secrets. We can do whatever you want with your family, but I have to tell Nigel. I pulled the seatbelt so there was slack for me to turn sideways and put my knee on the seat.

"No. You do not have to tell him. We can still claim this child is mine. Now . . . you know Nigel and I are different, but . . . He huffed a chuckle. We have some similarities. We both have black, wavy hair."

Seeing Zach so desperate made my heart gush. I reached out for his face, stroking his skin. It was softer than satin. Hon? He’s not six feet three. He doesn’t have darker skin. He has blue eyes.

Details. Your dad is tall.

We both looked at each other and knew. We were screwed. Maybe this is a sign.

A sign?

We were never supposed to be together. A knifelike pain penetrated my gut and had me holding my stomach.

That’s bullshit. We were made for each other. And you know it. Zach grabbed the side of my head and pulled me up to his lips.

Feeling Zach’s skin on mine lifted the weight from my chest—the pain—the regret. I felt my soulmate was showing me how much he loved me. And this baby.

Oh, Zach . . . what do we do? Your family’s waiting on us.

Shit. Zach rested his forehead on mine. Well, all hell will break lose if Gramps finds out this child isn’t one of us. He met my gaze, then tucked in the bottom of his lip and bit. Thinking.

I couldn’t tell him that gesture alone proved Zach was my happy place.

Gramps won’t be there anyway. I’ll tell Mom and Dad. Then when the time comes, I’ll have Dad tell Gramps. I want to make sure all of the paperwork—the contract and the deed to the vineyard—is in place and in my name before Gramps finds out. Then when he does, I’ll deal with him. One thing at a time.

How can you be so calm? I’m sweating over here. I screwed up my life nine weeks ago, and then I dragged yours down the toilet with mine in one quick office visit.

Zach grinned and ran his hand down the side of my head. It took you longer than an office visit! Besides, you didn’t screw up my life, nor did you wreck yours. If this is what we have to do to be together, so be it. I’m calm because you’ve told me you love me. And the best part is, you haven’t said you’re leaving me. Everything else . . . I can deal with.

Zach was more than understanding. I always said he wasn’t a normal guy, and he wasn’t. A normal guy would have run for the hills, never looking back. I realized how lucky I was—I was a screw-up from a middle-class family nothing to my name but a Sak purse filled with cheap lip balm, a picture of my grandma, and old mascara. I didn’t deserve a guy who supported and loved me no matter how much I complicated our lives. The happy cry came running to the forefront. My emotions were all over the spectrum.

Oh, Zach, I wish things were different. Because you make it so easy to love you.

Zach got back in the driver’s seat and drove off with a mischievous grin. If we weren’t in public and on a main road, I’d pull your ass in that back seat with me. Because you make it easy for me to love you too.

The impulse to touch him won, and I placed my hand on his knee and slowly moved up his leg. If only we were older.

Older? What does that have to do with anything? He laughed.

I rubbed his thigh. We’d tell certain people to screw off and then we could be together. We wouldn’t have to answer to anyone. I turned to him but kept my hand on his leg. Gramps. My parents. Your ex-fiancée. Everyone who gets in the way of what we want in life needs to screw off.

The corner of Zach’s sexy mouth went up. You’re sounding more and more like a Lead Bertano.

Oh no. Is that how they talk? I backed up against the car door.

Exactly. The difference is, they follow through. You can totally be a Bertano, Tatum. If you let yourself.

He pulled into the Manor’s driveway. Cars flooded the street. He pulled out his keys, and they rattled in his hand. You can have everything . . . if you’d take it.

Deep down, we both knew nothing was free, though.

He kissed my lips and ran around to my car door and opened it for me. Let’s do this.

I took his hand and we went inside, together. With Zach by my side, embraced by his love and support, maybe we could conquer anything.

2

Zach

We arrived at Bertano Manor, which really was Vito and Rosalie’s home in the States that Tyler lived in. The family used this Better Homes and Gardens-style home for meetings, since it had the largest open space for us to gather.

The moment we stepped inside, Mom and Maria came running over. They grabbed Tatum and patted her down worse than a cop frisking a dope dealer.

How you feeling, sweetie? Let’s sit and hear what the doctor said. We want details. Start with your due date.

Look, Cat. She’s rosy-cheeked. Maria, Matt’s mom, giggled.

Crap. They would give Tatum a heart attack. I stepped up to my out-of-control mother and gave her a lowered-chin glance.

She came to a halt and moved her ear down to the front of my face.

Tate and I need to talk to you and Dad right away. Privately.

Mom turned her stare on me and straightened her back. Maria, let me have a word with them.

Maria’s smile faded, and she backed away. Of course, Cat. Shall I get Nicola?

Mom nodded, and Maria jogged to the backyard.

Tatum turned, and her eyes said she knew we were doing this now.

Bobby stepped outside the security room. Zach? Tatum? You guys okay? The baby?

Tate and the baby are just fine. Thanks, Bob.

Bobby nodded and didn’t hang around.

One thing great about my family was they only cared about our well-being. Other than that, we would deal with whatever crap later.

Dad came hustling in through the glass doors. Cat, let’s go in Zach’s room. He led the way, and at the door he stopped, stepped off to the side, and let us three pass him. Dad called down the hall, Bob, make sure this intercom is off. Complete privacy. Understood?

Yes, Nicola.

I slid my arm around Tatum’s waist, leaned into her ear, and whispered, Just breathe. I’ll take care of this. That’s still my child.

Or I’d make sure she was fatherless. Nigel was not taking away my family.

Tate was sweating—wiping away the excess moisture around her hairline with the back of her hand only concealed so much.

I wished there were a better way to break the news, because she didn’t need this stress. I kept my arm around her waist, and she held me the same in return. We were one. And no matter how hard this was, nothing else mattered as long as she was by my side.

Mom sat in the corner chair and bounced her legs.

Dad closed the door and turned to face Tate and me.

He was ready for shit to go flying. I took a deep breath. Plain and simple . . .

Tatum tightened her grip on my waist.

Tatum isn’t four weeks along like we thought, she’s nine weeks pregnant.

Mom jumped to her feet. Oh, no . . . the baby is Nigel’s.

I pointed my finger at her. Bingo.

Mom fell back into the chair and covered her face.

Tatum sniffled and dropped her face into my shirt.

Honey, don’t worry. I squeezed her to me.

She looked up. Zach, I should tell Nigel. I can’t let your family be responsible for Nigel’s child. It won’t work.

Wait. Mom jumped to her feet and paced in front of the chair. Just wait a minute. Let’s think this through, Tatum.

Mom and Tatum were so much alike. Tate paces while she thinks too.

Okay. So everyone who knows so far expects the child is Zach’s, Mom said.

Yeah. What you getting at? I asked.

Mom stopped pacing. Nick, what if we kept this between us? She looked between me and Tate. No one would say a single word. This baby not being Zach’s blood will only hurt our family.

Dad scratched his head. Are you two sure Nigel is the father?

Yeah, Dad. Our first time was four weeks ago. There’s no way this child is mine. Trust me . . . I wish it weren’t the case.

Tatum exhaled.

Talking to my parents about my sex life was not easy, so I could only imagine how uncomfortable Tatum must feel.

Dad closed his eyes and rubbed his face.

If I knew anything about my dad, he was trying to hide tears, or stop them.

Okay, Cat. How do you propose this will work, when this child will come out not looking anything like a Bertano?

They both have black hair, Mom said.

I squeezed Tatum.

She squeezed back, mumbling, It’s not just about the hair, Zach.

Dad huffed. Tatum’s right, it’s not just about the hair.

Tatum squeezed me again.

But I ignored her. Damn it. Now Tatum was acting like my Dad, a natural leader.

Mom stood still. The odds of that baby being super tall is slim anyway, with Tatum being the mother. This could work for now. Mom stepped in front of me and Tatum and stared us in the eyes. Do you love my son? Are you two staying together? And Zach, can you love and raise Nigel’s child as your own, no matter what happens?

You know I will, Mom. I love Tate more than anything, and yes, that means her daughter too. I looked down at Tate. She called the shots. Her shoulders relaxed, and her glow was back. God, I loved her.

Catalina, I do love your son. Actually, I’m madly in love with him. Of course we’re staying together. But are you sure about keeping this from Nigel?

Tatum, Dad said, I agree this sounds like a crazy-ass plan my wife came up with. Unfortunately, I think she’s right. Dad reached for Tatum’s hand. What would happen if you told Nigel and he didn’t want anything to do with you or this child? You would be crushed. Are you sure you want to risk that? Again, I hate to say it, but I agree with Cat—this getting out would only hurt our family. Zach would be very restricted again. Gramps would own him. Maybe even Mr. Davidae. I can’t begin to tell you how much trouble this would cause Zach. He dropped her hand.

I don’t want that for you. Tatum placed her hands on my shoulders.

The reality of how scared she was made me want to risk everything. Maybe getting rid of Nigel was an idea to be more closely examined.

Zach, if Mr. Davidae finds out and tells Mariacella, I’d hate to think how that would end.

Tatum’s body stiffened against mine.

We agree with Mom’s plan and will do what’s needed. They didn’t need to know I’d already spoken with Tate in the car. This child is mine no matter what happens.

We may have agreed to Mom’s plan, but I worried Tatum would keep feeling the need to tell Nigel. The truth be told, I couldn’t blame her reasoning. I would be pissed if anyone kept my child from me.

Mom walked over to us. Tatum, why don’t we get something to drink? I’m sure the others are curious about what’s going on. Just let me do the talking.

Tatum took Mom’s hand but glanced back at me with those beautiful blue eyes. I gave her a slight nod and knew Dad needed a word with me. I knew what was coming, and Tatum wouldn’t like hearing it one bit. She needed me here with her, not working in another country.

The bedroom door closed, and Dad stepped in front of me. Well, this isn’t the best fucking news today.

I know, Dad, but I won’t leave her . . . and we can’t let this out. Gramps and the Davidaes can’t know.

No shit. Dad put his back to me and took up the pacing where Mom had left off. Okay, so the doctor visits have already started, and they’ll keep coming. God help us if there’s something wrong with this pregnancy.

I didn’t even think of that.

Tatum’s young. Does Nigel do dope?

Not from what I know. Tatum wouldn’t put up with it if he did.

Good. Hopefully he’s clean. That will help the odds of a healthy baby. Okay, so we’ll worry about that if the doctor finds anything. Keep paying for any test they offer.

I will. Of course. Well, great. Something else to worry about. I’m not mentioning that possibility to Tatum. She’ll do nothing but worry, and there’s nothing we can do at this point anyway.

About money. Dad turned and faced me again. It’s gonna cost us about seven to eight grand for this baby’s birth, if not more, even if everything goes perfectly. Zach . . . He glanced down before looking back at me. You have to work this summer. Tatum and that baby will need a car too. You can’t chauffeur them twenty-four-seven. Whether she moves in with us after graduation or not, she needs a car.

Why do I get the feeling you’re not talking about just working for Gramps . . . here?

Dad’s hand went to my shoulder. Because I’m not. You knew that.

I stepped around him, needing to put some space between us. I can’t leave her right now. She’ll freak. I just got her to forgive me for leaving at the holidays.

Zach, there’s no other way. The only place to make that kind of money fast enough is with Vito. I’m sorry. But the vineyard paperwork should be final today, and if you want, you can start working out there too. Unfortunately, there’s no money in it right now, and won’t be for some time, but working out there could give you something to look forward to while you’re in Italy.

Shit. The curse came out louder than I meant. Fine. I’ll go back, work for Vito, and in my spare time start working on the vineyard. Give me some kind of positive purpose. That would be good. Right? Who was I kidding? The vineyard was eighty-five acres of dirt and weeds. We needed a storm of bulldozers.

Dad patted my back. Positive thinking, son. Positive thinking.

"Yeah, sure. Now to break the