“You don’t talk much, do you?”
“Not when I don’t have anything to say,” Shade replied.
“Had to do some talking to catch that pretty wife of yours.” Mag snorted. “She must like the strong, silent, asshole type.”
“You talk to Cash this way?”
“Hell no, Cash is my grandson. I don’t have to pretend to be nice to him.” She laughed, hitting him on the arm.
Shade’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. Maybe Cash would have been better off in the coma.
*
Fat Louise was sitting on a bale of hay as she watched her friends lead Sex Piston’s kids through the field to pick out pumpkins. She didn’t look much happier since the last time he had seen her on the helicopter, and back then, she had been crying on Killyama’s shoulder.
Shade knew something had happened since she had returned, but Lily refused to tell him. Truthfully, he hadn’t been interested enough to badger her for the information. He would remedy that when they went back home, though.
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.