Slade's Secret Son Read Online Free PDF Page B

all the defendants to do.”
    “Slade and I are nothing like the people you see on those shows,” Lisa snapped, her embarrassment building.
    “I’ll bet that’s what some of those people thought before they ended up there,” Ester returned.
    Lisa gave her aunt a “you’re impossible” glance, then turned her attention to Slade. “I am truly sorry about this. I told them that you were a man of your word.” Again she gave her mother and aunt an angry glare. “In fact, I’ve told them that several times.”
    Slade scrawled his signature at the bottom of the paper,then looked up at her. “The fact that you didn’t come to me when you found out you were pregnant probably has a lot to do with their distrust. I’ve written out this paper to prove to them that I would never intentionally cause you or our son any grief or harm.”
    Behind his polite demeanor, she caught the edge of reprimand in his voice and bristled. “I did what I thought was right. I’ve never claimed to be perfect.” Her gaze turned on her mother and aunt. “And now I realize that was a mistake, so I’m correcting it.” Her gaze shifted back to Slade. “And I don’t need you chiding me for my original decision. It was based solely on your attitude toward marriage.” Her attention went back to her mother and aunt. “And my current decision is based on concern for my son. I’m doing what I believe has to be done to insure Andy’s future.”
    All three of them regarded her indulgently, then, picking up the paper Slade had just signed, Helen said, “I’ll put this in a safe place,” and left the room with Ester following close behind.
    Slade rose from the table. “Are you ready?”
    Lisa nodded stiffly.
    “You don’t have to look as if you’re going to the dentist to have a root canal,” he muttered as they left the house and walked to her car.
    Lisa made no response but a little voice warned that a root canal would be like a walk in the park compared to the pain she would experience if she ever allowed the feelings she’d had for Slade to again breathe life.
    A while later Lisa was as taut as a bowstring as she and Slade walked back to her car. Getting the marriage license had been incredibly easy…no blood tests, no identification. And they’d left with the document in hand.In three days it would be valid and they could be married by any priest, rabbi or recognized minister of any denomination, or by any state judge.
    All during the process, Lisa had observed Slade. He’d been stiff, almost cardboardlike, making it clear to her that while he may be willing to go through the motions, for him this marriage was simply a legal means to achieve his ends. She was certain that as soon as Andy’s name had been changed and Slade’s position as Andy’s father affirmed, he’d want out of their marriage. Pride bubbled within her. “After we go through the ceremony, just because we have a piece of paper that says we’re married doesn’t mean I’m going to jump back into your bed.”
    Slade gave her an impatient look. “Once we go through that ceremony, we will be married and I intend for that marriage to be a long and lasting one.”
    Lisa’s jaw firmed with resolve. “I’m not sharing a bed with a ghost. I did it once. I’m not doing it again.”
    Slade caught her by the arm and brought her to a halt. “We’ve got a son to raise. He needs both a mother and a father, preferably under the same roof. I want your promise that you’ll at least give our marriage a chance.”
    His touch was like a match igniting a fire deep within her. Rage that she was still so attracted to him spread through her. “Before I make any promises, I want your promise that you’ll try to finally bury Claudette and let me into your heart.” When Slade made no response, she glared at him. “I hope you and your ghost have a happy life, but don’t plan on me sharing it.”
    His jaw twitched, then as if the words were being ripped from him, he said,