Dev, was it? How had this happened? She shot a quick glance at him, but his face was impassive. Lacey leaned down and tried to lift the girl. Dev picked her up and settled her on the bed beside Lacey.
Barely able to see past her tears, Lacey nodded. “I’m so happy to see you. I feel better already.”
“Want a hug?”
“More than anything, sweetie.” Lacey gathered the little girl into her arms, squeezing her eyes shut in thanksgiving. She opened them and tried to express to Dev silently what this meant. For one second, joy flared in those green eyes she treasured, then his face settled into remoteness again.
Lacey tried to push away her desolation and concentrate on the child. They began to talk.
Too few minutes later, she felt her strength waning. Christina chattered on, happily oblivious.
“Hey, muppet,” Dev said. “I think it’s time for Lacey’s nap.”
Louise spoke up. “I’d like a minute with Lacey first, please.”
She and Dev exchanged glances. He held out a hand to Christina. “How about you and I go see if we can scare up some ice cream?”
“Yippee!” Christina started to scoot off the bed, then stopped. “Sleep tight, Lacey.”
Lacey gathered her in. “I will, sweetie. Thanks so much for coming to see me. I know hospitals aren’t your favorite place.”
“But Dev told me that it would make you feel better and that he’d be with me the whole time.” Hero worship shone in her gaze.
So Dev was here for Christina’s sake. Lacey couldn’t be jealous of a child so in need of care. “He was right.” She kissed Christina’s cheek and helped her down. “See you soon, okay?”
Christina skipped over and grasped Dev’s hand. “Okey dokey!” She turned her face up to him, eyes glowing. “Ready for ice cream?”
Dev grinned. “Always.” With a quick nod toward Lacey, he ushered the child outside.
Louise shook her head fondly. “He’s good with her. Really good.”
“He half-raised his own siblings, I think.”
“Still, he handled her just right. Didn’t look away from her, didn’t give her pity. Just treated her normal, which is all the child wants.” The older woman gazed steadily at Lacey. “A woman could have a good life with a man like that.”
Lacey flushed. “I don’t think that’s in the cards, Louise.”
“Not good enough for you, society girl?”
Lacey’s temper flared. “I don’t see that it’s any of your business.” Immediately, she was ashamed. What did Dev call it? Princess to peasant? “I’m sorry. Things are…complicated.”
“Man-woman stuff generally is, hon. None of it comes easy. But a man like that, a smart woman figures out how to keep him. Especially after all he did.”
“What do you mean?”
Louise settled a large brown envelope in her lap. “All the proof you could want that Christina’s aunt isn’t good parent material. Seems the woman’s got some brushes with the law, some real bad habits and some very unsavory friends. Nice courtin’ gift, I’d say.”
Lacey clasped the envelope in her hands and ducked her head, blinking back tears. “We’re not courting,” she whispered.
“Hmmph—fat lot you know. You’re not watching that man’s face when he’s looking at you and thinks nobody’s paying attention. He’s got it bad, girl. Whatever it is that’s gone wrong between you, there’s plenty of feelings there to tide you over.”
Lacey lifted her head and studied the woman who’d seen so much of life’s woes. Louise’s own life had been worse than most of her cases.
How spoiled I am. How pampered. She was right. I’m soft. Dev deserved a chance to explain, at least.
Her fingers brushed the envelope. This was something the man who’d made love to her so tenderly would do.
It nearly killed me when you threw my love on the ground and walked away.
There had to be reasons why he’d kept so much secret. She needed to hear him out.
“So you’re telling me to fight for him?” A tiny smile curved Lacey’s lips.
“Don’t know how you can look at yourself in the mirror if you don’t try. That’s a lot of man there, girl. Big heart, fine and strong. Easy on the eyes, too.” Louise grinned, eyes sparkling. “You too soft for the fight, maybe I’ll jump in and grab him for myself.”
Lacey laughed, and it felt so good. She settled back on the pillows. “I think I’ve been feeling sorry for myself.”
Louise shrugged. “Little bit of that goes a long way.”