Nash removed his hand, gripped her hips and eased her down onto him. Making love to Lily with the warm summer breeze embracing them like lovers, Nash wrapped his arms around her and tugged her toward him, capturing her mouth. Her fingers slid into his hair, sending him another reminder that he was living a lie. The longer hair, the scruffy beard, the rental home...all of it was a lie.
All of it, except for the fact he loved her, loved this baby and wanted a lifetime with them both.
As her body started to tremble, Nash felt himself losing control. She broke the kiss, looked him in the eyes, just like when they’d been in his hallway.
Those dark eyes held his as her body tensed. “I love you,” she told him as her body broke.
And as Nash followed her over the edge, he wished he could repeat those words back to her.
* * *
The food had been amazing and now the entire Barrington clan was gathered on the back lawn, waiting for the fireworks show that Damon had no doubt shelled out a pretty penny for, considering they’d planned this impromptu party very last-minute. But when a man had his financial padding, he could afford to snap fingers and plan such niceties with little notice.
Blankets were lying side by side and some front to back creating the effect of an oversize outdoor carpet. Ian, Cassie and little Emily sat on one blanket. Another quilt had Grant and Tessa all snuggled together. Lily was nestled between Nash’s legs, her back leaning against his chest. And surprisingly Damon and Linda were on a quilt together, laughing and...whispering?
Was something going on there?
Nash smiled. Good for Damon if he was seeking happiness. He’d been without his wife for so many years, concentrating on raising his family and climbing to the top of the horse racing industry.
Nash rested a hand on Lily’s stomach. He would do the same thing for his child. Nash wanted to give his baby, and Lily, everything they deserved and more.
She’d already made plans to visit her mother this coming weekend. Nash figured while she was gone, he could have a heart-to-heart with Damon and come clean with him.
He kept telling himself he was waiting on the right opportunity. No other time would work to his benefit except while Lily was gone. He could only hurt so many people at a time without crumbling himself. And he had to remain strong or he’d never be able to fight to keep what was his.
When the first spark and boom lit up the sky, Emily squealed and jumped to her feet. “Look! Look!”
Nash watched the adorable toddler with bouncing blond curls. Her infectious laughter had everyone watching her reaction as opposed to the show in the sky.
“She is precious,” Lily said.
Cassie grinned. “Thanks. I was afraid the noise would scare her, but obviously not.”
With each colorful burst, Emily clapped or jumped up and down. Nash caught Tessa’s glance to Grant, a smile tugged at her lips and Grant’s hand came around to her stomach, as well.
Interesting. Looked as though they had their own announcement to make.
Yeah, he needed to finish revealing his identity sooner rather than later because he wanted to be part of this family with no lies hovering between them. If they would accept him after all was said and done. He also had to have a long talk with his mother. Lily wasn’t the only one who needed to share news about her pregnancy. Nash hadn’t wanted to tell his mom over the phone, either.