If Only We Knew Read Free Page A

didn’t smile back. “No wedding bells here. Just because you went and got yourself married so fast doesn’t mean I will.”
    He slowed down his temp, staring at her. “I got married so fast because she’s pregnant and I care about her.” He took a deep breath. “She makes me happy.” Am I trying to convenience Shannon, or myself?
    “I’m happy for you. You deserve the family you’ve always wanted.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Your baby is so lucky to have you as his or her daddy.”
    “What about you? Don’t you want a family of your own?”
    “Matt, you know I don’t want kids. I’m happy and content with my life. I enjoy my freedom to do whatever I want, when I want, without worrying about someone else.”
    “What if the man you’re with wants kids?”
    “When I start dating someone, I let them know what I want from the beginning, so there are no false expectations.”
    “I guess that’s why we never dated.” She arched a brow, surprised. “Because we’re so different and want different things in life. But I do think you’ll make a wonderful mom, if you ever change your mind,” he said, staring at her.
    “If I haven’t changed my mind by now, I won’t, and we never dated because we are friends, and you’re not my type.” She smiled, putting her hands on his chest . “I wish you all the happiness, my friend.” She stopped dancing and pulled away. “I have to go.”
    He grabbed her hand. “Why? The reception isn’t over yet, and the groom and the bride haven’t left yet.” He smiled.
    “I’m tired.” She squeezed his hand, and he could tell she was feeling uncomfortable.
    “Okay, mamita .” He kissed her cheek. Mamita was his nickname he had for her whenever their co-workers were out of earshot. She always liked it, gave him that small, private smile, whenever he spoke Spanish to her.
    “Congratulations.”
     
***
     
    Matt walked up to Andrew, and they both watched Karen dance flawlessly with Tom. “I’m a lucky man. She’s beautiful,” Matt said.
    “Yes, she’s beautiful, but I still don’t think you should’ve married her.” Andrew placed his hand on Matt’s shoulder.
    “I want my baby to have a loving family, Andrew, unlike ours. Yes, Dad did everything he could for us, but Mother was never there. When she remarried, she dropped us off and forgot we even existed.” He got angry just looking over at his mother.
    “Matt, what does that have to do with you marrying Karen? Mom was an awful parent, but we still had Dad. You didn’t have to marry her to be a good parent.”
    “I don’t want my baby growing up in two different homes, spending half the time here and half there. I want him to be raised by two parents, in the same home.”
    “I see our parents’ divorce still hurts you after all these years. But that’s in the past. You’re married now.” He squeezed his shoulder.
    “I care about her. She makes me happy, and the baby just sealed the deal.”
    “That’s all you should’ve said in the first place, and I wouldn’t have opened my mouth…but if I may say, I’ve seen you happy and laughing with someone else, too.”
    Matt ignored him and went to the dance floor. “May I have a dance with my lovely wife?” Tom slowly released Karen, and strolled off .
    “I would love to dance with you,” Karen said, taking his hand in hers.
    “How’s my baby doing?” He rubbed her stomach, smiling. She was four months along, and he couldn’t wait until she showed .
    She moved his hands, putting them around her waist. “The baby is happy because I’m happy, even though you married me because I’m pregnant.”
    “I married you because I care about you. You and this baby—” he touched her stomach “—are finally my family.” He leaned down and kissed her lips.

Chapter Two
     
    Shannon and Melvin were out to dinner at a local, small Italian restaurant.
    “Shannon, what’s wrong? You’re not eating,” Melvin said, staring at her with concern