The smile on Fat Louise’s face disappeared as Lily came into view. She was holding Chance, one of Beth’s twins, looking beautiful. She was just beginning to show her pregnancy, and she glowed with health and happiness.
T.A. came up to her, snagging the child away and Lily laughed, brushing her windswept black hair away from her face. Then Shade watched her go inside the store attached to the pumpkin patch.
His attention returned to Fat Louise who was digging her boot in the dirt, casting furtive looks at Cade sitting on his motorcycle. Shade had been surprised when they had parked and he had seen Cade ride in on his bike with her at his back.
The man was watching Fat Louise the way he had just been watching Lily. The only difference was the sadness in his eyes. Fat Louise might be doing him, but she wasn’t a sure thing. That kind of longing look only came from being tortured about whether feelings were returned. Shade remembered when he had suffered from the same problem. Thank fuck those days are over.
Lily came out of the store, carrying two cups. Smiling, she headed toward Fat Louise, who scooted over on the hay bale to make room.
Shade was leaning against a tree not too far way, so their voices easily carried over to him.
“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.
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.”
“I’m asking you.” Shade lifted a brow.
“Then, yes, she’s mine.”
Shade’s lips quirked. “How you getting along with the rest of the crew?”
“Depends on what day of the week it is.”
Both men were still laughing when Lily stood, throwing the cups away before coming toward him with a mischievous smile.
“I wish Jane would look at me that way,” Cade said softly.
“Wishes are like rainbows; they’re always going to be out of reach. Jane is sitting right there, so there’s nothing stopping you from putting that smile on her face.”
Chapter 84
“How was the drive back with Cash?” Lily looked up from doing the dishes.
Shade walked behind her, slipping his arms around her waist and placing his hands on her abdomen. Every time he touched her, he felt a surge of possession go through his body.
“Pretty well considering he spent four months in a rehabilitation center. We stopped and he went in to see his grandmother before we brought him back to the clubhouse.” He released her as she dried her hands on a dish towel.
“I love his grandmother. I bet she was happy to see him.”
“I couldn’t tell. She was too busy giving him a hard time over Rachel.”
“She’s grown attached to Rachel since she’s been living with her,” Lily defended her.
Shade shook his head at his wife, hugging her close. “Could you just once agree with me about someone?”
Lily giggled. “I will when you’re right. Was Rachel there?”
Shaded nodded. “She didn’t say more than she was glad he was out.”
“I can’t say I blame her after he humiliated her at Mrs. Langley’s party.”
“Cash let his temper get away from him, and he regrets it. Rachel might as well get over it and move on.”
“It’s not so easy for women to get over being hurt that way. This is a small town, and Rachel’s dealt with the gossip about her family selling weed her whole life. She didn’t need Cash making her first time fodder for the local gossips,” Lily snapped angrily.
“Why are you getting mad at me? I wasn’t the one who did it.”
; “You’re the one taking up for him.”
“I’m not taking up for him. What’s going on between Rachel and Cash is between them.”
“There is no Rachel and Cash.”
“If you say so. How was work at the church store today?”
When Lily sighed, moving to the living room then going out the front door and closing it behind her, Shade followed.
“Why did you just walk off and leave without answering me?”
“I thought that was what you wanted.”
Shade sighed.
Lily angrily spun around to face him. “Don’t do that!”