Deceived by Thayer King

hair. She’d worn it loose today so that it curled its way down her back. She usually wore it up because it was less hassle. “You have nothing to worry about. She’ll love you. You look beautiful. I like your hair this way.”
    “Thank you.”
    Dionne was the first to arrive, much to Janelle’s relief. She needed the extra emotional support. Tim arrived next. When Aidan made the introductions, she recalled him from the night of the housewarming party. He was as tall as Aidan and handsome in a classical sense with pale blond hair and baby blue eyes that matched his shirt.
    “It’s good to officially meet you,” Timothy said as he shook her hand. His gaze switched to Dionne. “And who is your lovely friend?”
    “This is my best friend, Dionne.”
    Dionne extended her hand. Timothy took her proffered hand and kissed the back instead of just shaking it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
    Dionne grinned. “Likewise.” It wasn’t long before the two were flirting shamelessly. Janelle rolled her eyes and Aidan shook his head. They left the two of them alone in the den when the doorbell rang again. Aidan’s housekeeper was busy preparing dinner.
    Aidan took her hand in his so that they represented a united front when they opened the door. His mother was still beautiful. Her hair was black with an attractive silver swirl front and center. She dressed conservatively in a deep blue suit with pearl buttons that matched her earrings. Aidan’s stepfather, John Baker, was the same height as his wife, and balding, but he had a friendly and open face. He greeted Janelle warmly whereas Ann was cordial but distant.
    Mrs. Bright, Aidan’s housekeeper, announced that dinner was ready shortly after they arrived. Janelle was glad to be seated to Aidan’s right as his mother grilled her about her past, her future plans, and about her relationship with her son.
    “So when do you plan to give me grandchildren? Or is that a stupid question?” Ann shot a significant glance at Janelle’s glass of water. Everyone had been offered wine. Only she and Aidan had declined.
    Janelle floundered. Aidan placed a hand over hers and squeezed. “Mother, I was going to tell you later that Janelle is expecting. Everyone else here already knows.”
    Ann’s pink mouth dropped open. “Aidan, I don’t know what to say.”
    “You can congratulate me,” he said in a firm tone.
    She pursed her lips together and removed her napkin from her lap. She stood. “I’d like to see you in your study.”
    Aidan signed. He kissed Janelle’s forehead. “Everything will be fine,” he told her softly.
    Janelle bit her lip as she watched him go.
    “Don’t worry, honey,” John said. “Ann may kick up a bit of a fuss, but Aidan will make her see reason.”
    “I don’t want to be the cause of trouble between a mother and her son.”
    John laughed. “They’ve been fighting since he was eighteen. They’re both as stubborn as mules. Don’t worry. He can hold his own.”
    * * * *
    Aidan sat behind his desk and waited for the inevitable explosion. He didn’t have to wait long. “Are you crazy? She’s an opportunistic little gold digger! How could you have let this happen? Are you even sure the baby is yours? You’re so smart. How did she trick you into offering marriage without a paternity test? I hope you’ve signed a prenup. Oh, my God, what will my church friends say?” She collapsed onto his couch.
    He ran a hand over the back of his neck as he sorted through the barrage of questions she’d just unloaded. His mother would have made an excellent attorney. Throughout high school and college, his friends and his girlfriends were subjected to the type of inquisition she’d put Janelle through at the dinner table.
    “ Well ?”
    “I’m deciding what to answer first.”
    “Now is not the time for more of your flippancy.”
    “Mother, she’s not a gold digger. The circumstances are neither here nor there and I don’t intend to discuss the