Santa Fe Fortune & How to Marry a Matador

Gwen’s chest.
    “I’m afraid you are,” Dan said, his tone not the least bit friendly.
    “Well, then, I guess that’s just too bad.” Elena strode forward and thumped a thick white envelope against Dan’s chest. “Family first. Isn’t that your motto, Dan?”
    Dan pushed the envelope aside, eyes narrowing. “What’s going on here, Elena?”
    “You wanted proof,” she said. “I brought it. The blood work’s all in.”
    Dan knitted his brow and contorted his lips in shock. “I don’t believe you.”
    “Then read this,” Elena said, slapping the envelope sharply to his desk.
    Gwen’s heart swirled with emotion as her face burned hot. “You’re not…sick?” she asked.
    Elena turned toward her, indignant, then spouted back, “As a dog. That’s what morning sickness does to a woman.”
    Gwen felt her knees wobble and sat unsteadily in a chair as Dan ran a hand through his hair. Dan’s words came back to her like loud, clanking cymbals. “I would never abandon my family…” “It’s true?” she asked him, unable to mask her disbelief.
    Dan met her gaze with shameful apology. “Gwen, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know until…”
    “Why are you apologizing to her? Don’t you and I have a few things to talk about?” Elena demanded harshly.
    Gwen could see through the windows it was still a vibrant evening, passersby in huddles mulling down the street. She fought the fire in her throat as heat welled in her eyes. “I’ll see myself back to the inn,” she told them, rising. “It’s only two blocks away.”
    Dan studied her with a remorseful longing. “I’ll call you in the morning with the purchase confirmation.”
    “Don’t bother,” she said, heading for the door before her heart could completely burst open. “You can just send a text.”

    Dan read through the medical report in stunned silence. “I thought you said you were on the pill?”
    “Was on the pill, Dan. I mean, while we were dating. After we stopped, I stopped.”
    He met Elena’s catlike green gaze. “So last month in Albuquerque…?”
    “That’s right.”
    Dan ran a hand through his hair. “But I wore protection.”
    “I guess it wasn’t foolproof.”
    Dan sat heavily in his chair, his heart sinking. This couldn’t be happening. Not now, not with Elena.
    “I want you to know that I’m keeping it,” she said flatly, as if expecting no reaction.
    Dan pursed his lips, then looked her in the eye. “That’s the right thing to do.”
    “I didn’t think I’d want… I mean, back when were together, I said…”
    Dan noted the fine creases rimming her eyes. “You said a lot of things, Elena.”
    “I know, and I apologize for a lot of them.”
    “Only a lot?” he asked, raising his brow.
    She seemed suddenly exhausted. Fragile. She stared up at him, green eyes imploring. “For everything, Dan.” Her bottom lip trembled as she fought back tears. “I’m truly, truly sorry for everything. Don’t you think there’s maybe a way…? This has got to be some sort of sign. You told me yourself, no baby’s an accident.”
    Dan felt helplessly confused, his world falling apart. For the past few days, all he’d considered was how to go about building something special with Gwen. Now that dream seemed as elusive as some forgotten illusion from his tainted youth. Dan stared at Elena, his heart searing. He was not his father, would never in a million years be anything like that man. And when his mettle was put to the fire, Dan was going to have to prove it.

Chapter Nine

    Gwen got a text from Dan saying he’d stop by the inn around noon to drop off the check. While she understood it was the quickest way to get the money, she knew it would be difficult seeing him in person. She’d spent a horrible, sleepless night reliving Elena’s unwelcome entry. It was more like an intrusion, really. A disruption that had totally upended Gwen’s world and any ridiculous dreams she’d had of forming a lasting relationship with Dan. Gwen shook off the morning chill and took another sip of coffee from her steaming mug as she sat by the inn’s kiva fireplace. In the winter, she knew it was a blazing hearth and this town an enchanting wonderland. She’d seen the photos of luminaries strung from trees, their cheery glow resonating from every rooftop. She’d secretly hoped to have a reason to return, perhaps ring in the new year with Dan. Now that fantasy appeared absurdly unlikely.
    Gwen scolded herself for her down mood,