Shade(237)

“You looked like you were cold. I thought this would warm us up.”

When Lily handed Fat Louise one of the cups she was holding, she took a sip. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. The kids are all growing so fast,” Lily said sadly.

“Thank goodness. I’m on everyone’s speed dial for babysitting. How is Cash recovering from his accident?”

“He’s been moved to a rehabilitation center. He’s doing better. Shade says he’s getting stronger every day.”

“It won’t be long before he gets out and makes up for lost time with the women in Treepoint,” Fat Louise wisecracked.

Lily laughed, tilting her head toward Cade. “Your boyfriend seems nice.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Does he know that?” Lily teased. “He reminds me of Shade. He never lets me out of his sight, either.”

Shade let a smile touch his lips at Lily’s words.

“He’s nothing like Shade. Shade loves you. Everyone knew how he felt about you before you did. Cade doesn’t care about me. He just feels guilty and trapped.” Fat Louise’s voice was filled with hurt.

Lily went quiet, her eyes gazing back at her in compassion, before she said, “I didn’t see it, and maybe you don’t, either. Sex Piston told me about your loss. I’m really sorry.”

Fat Louise turned away from Lily. When she did, she was facing him, and he could see the tears in her eyes.

“I didn’t mean to bring up something so painful,” Lily apologized.

“It’s all right.”

“No, it’s not. You looked so sad sitting here, and I wanted to cheer you up, not make it worse.” Lily started to get to her feet.

“Don’t go. It really wasn’t anything you said. It’s me.” Fat Louise licked her lips. “I was sitting here, watching you, and I’m so jealous I can’t stand it. I see you looking absolutely beautiful and healthy, pregnant with your baby while I lost mine.” Tears slid down her cheeks.

Shade swallowed hard. His worst fear was losing their child, losing that connection with Lily. Now Shade understood why Fat Louise had been staring at Lily.

Lily enfolded Fat Louise in her arms.

“I know I should be getting over it since I was only two months along, but I had already picked out names, and I was pestering Crazy Bitch to take me shopping for a crib. I love babies. I’ve always wanted a lot, and I didn’t miss Cade as much when I felt his baby in me.”

After several minutes, Fat Louise managed to gather herself.

Lily released her, taking her hand. “There’s no need to be jealous.” She placed Fat Louise’s hand on her stomach. “We can share. I know nothing will replace the one you lost, but when you want one to hug or love, you can hold this one. He needs a godmother,” Lily said hesitantly.

Shade felt a lump in his throat as he stared at his wife. She amazed him more each day. Lily didn’t have a selfish bone in her body. She was willing to share the most precious thing to her with a woman who had lost her own. Lily’s first instinct was to help heal the void left behind.#p#分页标题#e#

He knew Fat Louise was hurting; however, he hadn’t felt any emotion for her other than the increasing fear he had about Lily losing the child she carried. He had known all along he wasn’t worthy of Lily yet had always swept the thought away. It would not change anything, because the one thing he couldn’t and wouldn’t do was let her go. Ever.

“I would be honored.”

“That’s settled then.” She looked toward Cade before dropping her voice. “Cade is throwing me dirty looks. He thinks I’ve upset you.”

Shade straightened, walking toward Cade. Stud and Dozer were talking to him, but they broke off when he neared.

“Shade,” Stud greeted him.

“Stud, Dozer.” Shade returned the greeting.

“You met Traveler yet?” Stud asked.

“Briefly.” Shade gave him a nod.

“He was one of the men on the helicopter who rescued us in Mexico,” Cade explained briefly.

“Your kid picked the biggest pumpkin,” Shade remarked to Stud, watching Sex Piston struggle to lift the large pumpkin.

Stud stood up. “I better go help.” He grinned as he left.

Dozer stood up also, going to help with the pumpkins Stud’s girls were struggling to carry.

Shade turned back to Lily, seeing Fat Louise smiling at her.

“She yours?” Cade asked.

“Yeah, she’s mine.” Shade lifted his hand with his wedding ring. “You and Fat Louise?”

“Depends who you’re asking.”