Her lips spread into a small smile. “Thanks, Decker.”
After he fetched the sherbet and emerged from the kitchen, he swept a look around the room. When he didn’t immediately see Willow anywhere, his lungs felt too small.
Then two ladies moved, and he saw her. His lungs inflated once again.
When Aspen announced that it was time to open the gifts, Willow jumped into action, pushing chairs away from the tables to form a semicircle around the expectant mother.
Decker edged in to help. As he grabbed two before Willow could reach them, she gave him a nod and that small smile she gave him before.
Even after she took her seat near Layne so she could pass her gifts to open, Decker couldn’t stop analyzing that smile. It wasn’t her usual bright, cheery smile she bestowed on every man, woman and beast on the ranch. Nor was it the open, welcoming variety she reserved for store clerks or gas station attendants.
It was almost…shy. Private.
As if she created that smile just for him.
He really was losing his mind. If he thought he’d ever have a shot with Willow Malone, he needed more therapy.
He was so occupied with his thoughts that he didn’t notice Rhae had sidled up next to him until she issued a small noise.
He glanced at her, saw her knowing look, and almost wished he had a foxhole to hide in.
“We can’t wait forever to discuss your release from the program.”
Every cell in his body froze. The blood seemed to ice over in his veins. The very prospect of him leaving the Black Heart felt like a knife twist in his heart.
Rhae sipped her cup of punch. “You’re doing great, Decker. And you know it. We’re going to have to talk about your release soon.”
Anxiety crawled over his senses like spiders. His palms started to sweat as panic clamped down on his nervous system.
He couldn’t leave Willow. Not now.
Especially not now that some threat could be tailing her.
“Later,” he managed to grate out. “Baby shower.”
At that moment, Layne pulled a stuffed penguin out of a giant gift bag, and all the ladies erupted withoohsandahhsfor the cute toy that stood as tall as Navy.
A squawk sounded from one of the seats, followed by the tip-tap of tiny feet on the floor as Navy rushed toward the penguin.
“Oh no. She’s probably got sticky hands from that cookie she ate!” Rhae thrust her cup at Decker before racing forward to scoop her daughter up in a flurry of hair bows and ruffles.
He wasn’t interested in any baby gifts, silly games or the cake that was frosted in a pastel rainbow to match the balloon arch and the streamers.
He couldn’t shake the fucking dread gripping him.
Too slowly, the party wound down. Before Willow could throw herself into cleanup, he grabbed her by the hand.
She whirled to face him, her eyes round and startled.
“Shower’s over. Time to talk to Carson.”
She gulped. “Decker—”
He tugged her hand, ushering her to the exit.
“Decker!”
“Don’t make me toss you over my shoulder.”
