Except for the silky headscarf she’d wrapped over her short, wavy hair to take the place of her usual fashionable wig.
“I wish you’d take this off.” I swept my fingers over the tied scarf, watching her duck her face.
And that wouldn’t do.
I brushed my lips against her ear, breathing out, “Already told you I like your new hair, and I like all of you exactly as you are.”
She patted her head doubtfully before beginning to unwind the scarf. “I’m still shy about the way I look.”
I chuckled from deep in my throat, quickly filling my fingers with her softer than soft waves. “Well, you’ll always be my Shy. But not like that. Not ever with me.”
She peeked up at me, placing her hand on my stubbly jaw. “Maybe not so terrible after all.”
“I know it’s not the color her hair used to be, but look at me? I have to pay hundreds of dollars at the salon to get highlights like this.” Mrs. Lockhart winked conspiratorially at me. “I don’t like her hiding what she’s been through either. And how much stronger she’s grown from it. Her work with Sinclair Chatham, has she told you about the donation, Max?”
“God, Mom . . . Stop. Please,” Shy grumbled.
This was the most bizarre scene, and one of the most touching moments of my life. I wondered if I could get to the box of tissues without anyone noticing.
Her parents weren’t all that bad after all.
But Brodie freakin’ busybody Steele sure was.
He shoved his head inside the door after rapping on it. “Hey, Shiloh. You doing okay?” Before she could reply, he stepped into the room. “I gotta cut out, Handsome.”
His eyes looked brighter than usual, and he kept glancing at his phone.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“Ashe. She’s here. In labor.”
My mouth probably plopped open. “Isn’t it a little early?”
“Seems so. She’s saying it’s my fault for telling the baby to hurry up so I can meet it.” He grinned, his body virtually vibrating. “The OB’s got it covered. Baby Steele on the way, my man.”
“Where’s Cara. Do you need—”
“Nah, nah. You take care of Shiloh here. Nick and Cat picked up Cara.” He opened the door to leave like his feet were on fire.
“Wow, man.” I crossed over to hug him fast and hard. “Wow.”
“I’ll text you.” Brodie disappeared down the hall in a flash.
On the cusp of fatherhood.
Ashe about to give birth to her second child.
Something Shy might never experience.
I shut the door softly, trying to keep my emotions in check.
“Is Ashe okay?” Shy asked.
“Sounds like it.” I pulled the chair closer to her. “I’m more concerned about you though.”
A few minutes later, a woman who was presumably Shy’s oncologist entered. The Lockharts turned from their whispered conference at the window and greeted her.
I rose to my feet immediately, introducing myself to Doctor Haines. As she carefully checked Shy, I listened intently to all the aftercare instructions and dates for follow-up appointments.
“Did you get all that, Max?” Shy teased me as soon as Doctor Haines gave her the all clear.
“Damn right I did.” I stood next to the bed with my arms folded over my chest.
Her eyebrow arched, and she shook her head.
I began gathering Shy’s bag. “So, are you ready to check out now, baby?”
“It’s not a hotel either.” She laughed full throttle.
“I know.” Rubbing my hands over my face, I groaned. “Shi—shoot, I know. I mean are you ready to bounce out of here?”
My new choice of terms seemed to amuse her even more, and she grinned. “Definitely ready.”
While Justine helped Shy change out of the hospital gown in the bathroom, Thomas and I pretended the whole situation was not entirely awkward. It was almost a relief when an orderly brought in the wheelchair so we could get Shy out of there.
When she exited the bathroom in her own clothes, I picked her up in my arms.
“I hate these things.” Her mouth puckered while I set her down in the wheelchair.
“Hospital rules. Besides, I know how to pop wheelies.” I dropped a kiss on top of her head.
Helping wrap her hair in the scarf, I asked, “You ready to break out of here?”
“I can’t wear my prosthetics until the infection clears up and I get re-fit.”
“Okay.”
“But my shop opens in a couple weeks, and I still have a million things to–”
I pressed a fingertip to Shy’s lips. “Okay. We’ll take care of it.”
“We tried to tell her it was too soon to be taking on such a big responsibility.” Justine smiled to lessen the rebuke.
“Always so headstrong.” Thomas reached out to cup Shy’s face.
“Probably one of her best traits.” Justine squeezed Shy’s hand. “And we’ll be there to help out any way we can, of course. Max, just let us know.”
“Who’s the we who’s going to help get the store up and running?” Shy whispered as I wheeled her out into the corridor of the hospital.
The Retribution men stood up straight and center as soon as they saw Shy.