Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele
Heart 71

Chapter 71

[Cordelia]

When Clark arrives later that afternoon, he comes with a beautiful orchid as a "housewarming present" and a teddy bear for the baby and me as an "apology" for being so upset the day before. I give him a big hug and wonder if what Atlas was suggesting could be true. Did Clark keep Atlas away from me? It doesn't seem to be in his nature to be jealous.

"I'm sorry too," I apologize as I release him. "I should have been more honest with you about it from the beginning."

He accepts my apology with one of his signature smiles, although it doesn't go all the way up to his eyes like it usually does. He is thinking about something else, something that is adding a bit of a shadow over everything. Today.

Tilly takes the plant from Clark, and as their fingertips touch briefly, I see a flush of color rush to her cheeks.

I know my friend well enough to know what that means. Tilly DOES have a crush on Clark,

My first thought is that it is a shame we are fake engaged because they would make such an adorable couple. And then the wheels in my mind start turning.

Maybe Tilly is just what Clark needs. She is beautiful, talented, and independent. And Tilly could use a guy like Clark who is dependable, forgiving, and loyal. She needs someone like that to balance her out.

Besides, what is she going to do if one day Atlas and I do end up back together again? I can't bear the thought of my best friend being alone.

"So what is all this excitement about," Clark asks as he watches Tilly set out the lunch for the three of us. Not that I mind being asked for lunch, I just figured you'd both be too busy with. you know..." "We're fine, although we could use a bit more money." Tilly sighs, Clark looks confused, so I explain my situation to him.

"When you go to the bank, just bring me," he insists. "I'll be your co-signer."

"You'd do that for me?" I startle. "That's a huge risk. What if I default?"

"You won't," he says confidently. "And if it looks like you can't make the payments, I'll just give you a personal loan," he shrugs. "I easily have enough to cover your expenses."

"I couldn't ask that of you," I shake my head, "I can't promise I could pay it back."

FI

He blushes. "That would be okay too. Whatever I have, I'm more than happy to share with you."

I don't know what to say about that. It sounds too much like a marriage. "Clark..."

"Just think about it, okay?" he looks hastily down at his lunch as we sit at the table together. "As an option. You're family and family takes care of one another."

I promise to at least consider it.

"Is that why you invited me over?" Clark asks.

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Chapter 71

I shake my head and explain my real intentions. Pulling out the ultrasound pictures that we took yesterday, I give them each a copy.

"I was hoping you two would be open to being this baby's godparents," I smile at my good idea. What better way to get these two working together and realize how perfect they are for one another than to give them a common purpose? "These are yours to keep. Mementos of the little one you will be helping us raise."

They each hold the ultrasound carefully. Tilly looks touched, her hand going to her chest. Clark looks torn, neither happy nor sad.

I ask them to very carefully flip them over at the same time. "The baby's name is on the back."\

"Jasper Adam Steele," Clark says slowly, "19 weeks."

"That's the name Atlas and I decided on yesterday," I smile shyly. "He took me to your grandfather's farm. That's why I didn't come home after the appointment."

He nods. "That was a good idea." His eyes are focused on the image as his hand absently caresses the edge of the small photo. "So I

ess the Steele Family name will continue. You're giving him an heir. Congratulations."

Standing, he walks towards the door.

"Is something wrong?" I take a step forward. His face is even sadder than before.

"No," he shakes his head, kissing me gently on the forehead. "Thank you, for sharing with me. I just need a

moment."

Stunned, I stand watching as the door closes behind him.

After taking a few deep breaths, I follow him out.

"Clark," I call after his retreating form. He pauses, turning.

"I'm happy for you, Cordy," He insists. "Really. Don't worry about me."

"But I do worry about you," I take a few steps forward. You are one of my dearest friends."

"Friend," he swallows, the word twisting his mouth. "Tell me, Cordy, would you ever consider...you know never mind."

I think he was just about to ask me out for real.

"Listen, Clark, you know our engagement is fake, right? When he doesn't answer, I push ahead, "Atlas told me he had tried to visit but you blocked him. Is true?"

He looks away. "He told you."

"Of course he did, Clark." I shake my head. "Atlas and are in a REAL relationship, even if there are some complications," I try to explain as kindly as I can. "Clark I love you. But as a brother, not a boyfriend." "I understand," his voice is quiet.

"I'm so sorry, Clark." I place a hand on his shoulder. "I really am."

Chapter 71

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"Can you tell me one thing, Cordy?" He looks up at me briefly. "If I had met you first, would I have had at chance?"

When I don't answer right away, he nods, as if my lack of an answer was confirmation enough.

Waving he gives me a weak smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, Cordy." Although the way he said it sounded more like he was saying goodbye. VictoryAnne Vice

Vice Author

Poor Clark. I hope he can replace someone to