"Rain, why didn't you tell me that when I picked you up?" Her tone is almost scolding, and for some strange reason, that almost makes me smile.
"I didn't want anyone to know. I'm still dealing with the reality of what it means to lose that piece of me. I always pictured having kids. Now... now I can't."
I turn back to face her, and see her sad, sympathetic gaze that is coupled with unshed tears. I didn't tell her this to get pity. But I had to tell someone. Everyone needs someone to talk to.
"Does Dane know?"
I laugh humorlessly. "No. You're the only one outside of the medical staff that knows. Dane and I just started dating. This isn't a conversation to be had so soon."
She frowns as we complete our circle and end up in front of Dane's. "Do you want to go somewhere and talk?" she asks genuinely.
"I just wanted someone to know. It's hard to preach about not doing this alone, when I'm doing just that. Now someone knows," I say, shrugging while battling the tears I refuse to cry.
I've cried my tears already. I've healed. Now I have to move on.
"Thanks for considering me your someone to know," she says while reaching over and taking my hand.
I have a sister. A real, warm, sister.
"Thanks for listening."
She reaches over and hugs me, and I return the embrace, sniffling as one of my tears escapes. I need to ask her about what's going on with Pete Mercer, but we're both squealing and shrieking when the door beside me flies open, destroying all other thoughts.
"Sorry," Dane chuckles, and I take a vicious swing at him, prompting his laughter to deepen. "I said I was sorry," he says through his laughter as he dodges my flailing arms.
"You scared the hell out of us," I grumble as he pulls me from the car and kisses me gently on the lips.
He tilts his head as he pulls back, and he wipes away the lone tear on my cheek.
"What's wrong?" he asks seriously, his humor forgotten.
"Sister moment," Tria says from the car, quickly getting me out of trying to lie.
I'm a terrible liar.
"Ah," Dane says while relaxing, and he leans down to brush his lips against mine.
He pulls me to him before leaning down to the open passenger door. "Want to come in for a while? You can leave in plenty of time to get ready for the party."
Ah hell. I forgot about this event, too. Our lives are really too busy. Tonight Dane has a big clinic unveiling. He's serious about helping people, and it's one of the many things I love about him. But I'd like to curl up in his arms after this day and just fall asleep.
"Nah," Tria says, looking at me. "I actually need to take care of something first. I'll see you guys later, though."
***
DANE
"Where were you? I tried calling," I say as Rain steps into the house.
I follow, admiring her body from the back. I'm not sure I like her wearing such a short little dress without me around. Not that I have any control over that, but still. I'd have to kill someone if they touched her.
"We had a breakfast thing that turned into a most-of-the-day thing. My phone was shut off to keep it from interrupting anything. I just forgot to turn it back on."
She doesn't want to tell me. That sucks. I thought we were making great progress. I just bought the ring; I have something major planned for tonight, and now... no. Fuck this.
"Rain, you can evade the question all you want, but we're together. You used to tell me everything when we were younger. I know things have changed, but we're together now. And you don't know how much I want this to work. I don't want secrets between us."
Her eyes change in that moment, and her lips tighten. She wars with something before finally letting out a breath of resignation.
"You're right. Sorry." I really wasn't expecting her to cave that easily. "Tria and I were at the Hilton. They hosted a benefit breakfast. All the proceeds go to breast cancer victims and their families to help with treatment costs. I was a guest speaker."
Closing the short distance between us, I reach for her and she willingly steps into me, wrapping her small arms around my waist.
"Why didn't you tell me? I could have gone with you."
My lips rub across her forehead as I affectionately trace my fingers up and down her back.
"It was mostly women—women affected by breast cancer. And... well, I don't know. It just didn't feel right to ask you to go to that. I want things to be fun and light between us right now."
I pull back to tilt her chin up, forcing her eyes to meet mine.
"Rain, we're not the traditional couple that's just starting to feel each other out. We've seen the good, the bad, the scary, and the crazy together. Let's skip the superficial phase. We're well beyond that. I know you inside and out, just like you know me. I want more than the fun and light stuff."