"Yes, it is." My face lit up the way it always did when I felt Finn moving around.
"You look healthier than ever, I have to admit. Not just because you've gained weight, but there's happiness in your eyes."
Though I looked away, I couldn't avoid the pointed stare. "It's because of this guy, really." I straightened my shirt. "I can't wait to be a mom."
"God, who knew Kinsley Hawthorne would be a mother before the rest of us."
"It's Gallagher now." With a wry smile, I turned back to Daisy, who smacked her forehead.
"I'd already forgotten. But you're not wearing rings."
I sighed. "It's not like we dated and fell in love, then he proposed on one knee with a diamond. It's more like a business arrangement. One that comes with a security detail."
"That's the least romantic description I've ever heard, Kinsley."
"Yes, I know. But it's my life."
"I'm sorry, sweetie."
Refusing to feel depressed, I said, "Having Finn will make it all worthwhile. I wanted Burke involved, so it's not too different from what could have been."
Daisy dropped her voice. "But there's no love, no romance. No sex."
"Nope."
Looking glum, Daisy leaned in closer. "It's a good thing you called me."
"Why, are you going to romance me?" I joked.
"Ha. No, but you could use a friend."
Settling my head on Daisy's shoulder, I thought about Maddie. "There's one nice woman. Maddie is dating Burke's cousin, Caden. She decorated the nursery for me after I bought a few things."
"Doesn't Burke have a sister?"
I snorted. "Yes, but we aren't friends. I can't stand her."
"Why not?"
"I thought she was sweet, but then she started telling me how to act and what to say. And she made it clear I wasn't worth the title of Mrs. Gallagher."
Daisy glanced down at me. "Knowing you, you suffered in silence."
"No, I wasn't very nice to her the only time we got together."
Now Daisy nudged me to a sitting position. "Wait, you spoke up for yourself?"
"I know." Trying not to sigh, I fidgeted with the hem of my blouse. "Something about being here brings out the worst in me."
"Congratulations on being rude, at least."
I laughed, but it rapidly turned to tears. "It's just that Burke was so sweet and attentive when we were together in Chester. He was a normal guy, not this angry mob guy. Here, he's cold, he says the meanest things to me, and I'm always on the defensive. I don't like this new version of me."
"Kinsley, I love you the way you've always been, honey, but you don't sound as if you have a choice. You have to be tough to deal with these people on their terms. You don't want them walking all over you just because they're used to getting what they want."
"You’re right." I worried I was becoming unlikable, that any chance I had of making friends with Anna or even just liking my own husband flew out the window when I spoke my mind. My whole life had been about blending in, not making waves, and hiding in my own house. I knew when I decided to allow Burke Gallagher into my bed that I was essentially blowing up that part of my life. Maybe the time had come to realize I was strong enough to handle the situation as long as I kept at it. "Thanks, Daisy. I feel better."
Daisy patted my hand. "Now, what perks do you have in this big-ass mansion?"
