King(12)

Evie swallowed the lump in her throat. The woman was deeply in love with Shade, and anyone staring at Shade could see he returned her feelings. King, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the touching sight of the newlyweds.

“So, how did you two meet?”

“We met at the lake when I was in high school.”

Lily’s choice of words had King straightening in his chair, his indolent attitude disappearing. “You allowed her to date a man of his age while she was still in school?” His accusation was directed at Beth, who paled at his harsh words.

“Of course not! I started dating Razer when Lily was in high school. As they were friends, naturally she met Shade. However, Lily and Shade didn’t start seeing each other until last summer.”

“A whirlwind courtship?”

“We had known each other for years.” Shade’s voice equaled King’s in attitude.

Lily’s head went back and forth between the men until her eyes settled on King. “I didn’t feel rushed, if that’s what you’re getting at.” Lily took Shade’s hand in hers, gripping it tightly.

“I didn’t mean to insinuate it was. I’m sorry if I implied otherwise.”

Bullshit, Evie thought.

“I’m very happy, King. Shade and I are looking forward to a long and happy marriage with children.”

“You’re not pregnant, are you? You’ve only been married a month.”

Shit, here we go. Lily’s crestfallen expression had Shade’s hand on her jaw, raising her face to his. He leaned over and placed a kiss on her lips that even had Evie blushing. Lily’s face was bright red when Shade let her lips go.

“Lily and I are both anxious to start our family, but no, she isn’t pregnant. Yet.”

King opened his mouth to reply.

“I think that’s wonderful, Lily. You’re going to make a great mother,” Evie said, cutting in before King had the chance.

King’s mouth snapped closed at her words, and she saw his hands clench on the arms of the armchair he was sitting on.

Beth rose to her feet. “Tomorrow may be Saturday, but I have to be at work early. Lily, you and Evie have to be at the church early, too, remember? The luncheon we’re having for Pastor Patterson and his wife?”

“Yes. Rachel is helping, too, and Willa is bringing dessert. You’re right; we should go. I don’t want to tire you, King.” When Lily got to her feet, thanking Beth silently for stepping in, Evie rose to her feet, also.

Lily went to King, reaching up to brush his cheek with a kiss. “I hope to see you Sunday.”

When Lily would have turned away, King took her hand. “You haven’t called me Dad since I was shot.”

Evie could tell from the expression on Lily’s face that the woman didn’t know how to respond. Evie took a step forward, reaching her hand out for King to take. He released Lily reluctantly to take her hand.

“Thanks for dinner, King.” Evie maneuvered her body, giving Lily the opportunity to slip away. King tracked her movements before coming back to hers.

“Will I be seeing you Sunday, too?”

“I’ll be at the church,” Evie confirmed. She would be there, but she didn’t know why it mattered to him.

“Good, I’ll look forward to it.”

Evie nodded, unable to bring herself to say the same.

She took a deep breath of fresh air when she was finally outside. It could have gone worse. It didn’t take a genius to figure out King wasn’t happy with Lily’s choice of husband, but Lily and Shade were leaving Monday for Alaska and King would be headed back to Queen City.

Evie walked to the truck, sliding in next to Lily. It was quiet on the way back to the clubhouse.

The sooner he left, the better. What damage could he do from Queen City?





Chapter 6




Evie placed the large cake on the center of the dessert table where they had set up the recreation room.

“Willa, the cake is too pretty to cut.” Evie turned back to the woman who had brought the cake.

Her friendly face flushed from the compliment. “Thank you for helping me carry it in, Evie.”

“I didn’t mind. I managed to swipe a taste or two along the way.” Evie smiled, licking the tip of her finger.

“That just makes a man want to miss lunch and go straight for dessert.”

Evie braced herself before replying to King. He had managed to come up to them when she wasn’t paying attention. Damn cake. Her sweet tooth had managed to get her in trouble more than once.

As soon as Willa noticed a man was near, she closed down her smile, becoming more contained.

“Willa, this is King, Lily’s father,” Evie performed the introductions. If the asshole says one thing out of place to her, I will smack him upside his head, she promised herself.