I tilt my head to meet his lips, the warmth of him seeping into my bones. “I am now you’re home.”
“Get some sleep.” He leaves his hand on my stomach, his thumb stroking the soft skin there as if he knows.
I place my hand over his, tangling our fingers. A wave of peace washes over me, and I know that this is what’s important now. Us and this life we’re bringing into the world. Everything else seems superficial.
An ache settles in my chest as I think of my mum. She’ll never know she has another grandchild, just like she doesn’t know Harry. If my sister falls out with me, our baby will never know his aunt or cousin. I close my eyes, willing those thoughts away and focusing back on the present with Shane.
His breath fans the back of my neck as his gentle snore soothes my soul. Knowing he’s at peace, helps me drift off to sleep.
“How has she been today?”Fern asks as she steps into Mum’s care home with Harry following behind her.
“The staff said she’s had a bad day.” I pull Mum’s blanket over her shoulder, making sure she’s warm while she sleeps. “I think she’s worn herself out.”
“Have you been here long?” She flops into the chair on the opposite side of the bed.
I shake my head. “Just come from work.” I lift the fob watch on my tunic and check the time. I told Shane I would meet him at the bar after work, but I want to tell my sister before anyone else sees us together and word gets back to her.
“Aunty Lil, look at my new car.” Harry shows me the small metal car he’s holding.
I take it from him. “This is cool.” I examine the bright red and black colours painted on the side of the Mitsubishi Shogun, reminding me of Shane’s car.
A ball lodges in my throat. Tears threaten as I hand the car back to him. I can’t seem to get the words out. Thoughts of not having a relationship with my nephew cause my chest to tighten.
I glance over at Fern, holding Mum’s hand and telling her she’s here, even though she’s fast asleep. “Fern.”
“Yeah?” She lifts her head.
“I love you.” Tears pool in my eyes, my chest tightens. I pull Harry onto my knee and give him a big cuddle. “I love you, too, munchkin.” I kiss the side of his head.
Fern sits up straight in the chair. “Lil, what’s going on?” The wrinkles on her forehead deepen as tears drip onto my cheeks. “Are you ill?” Her hand flies to her mouth. “What is it? Is it serious? You’ve been feeling off for weeks.”
A small laugh burst through the sadness. “I’m not ill.”
“You’re pregnant, aren’t you?” She rises from her chair and rounds Mum’s bed with open arms, embracing me into a tight hug with Harry sandwiched between us. “You have me. Everything will be all right.”
I sniffle and wipe my face. “Thanks.”
She tuts. “Best night of your life or not. If I find out who this man is, I’ll string him up.”
I give her a weak smile, unable to bring myself to tell her the truth. I should just blurt it out like ripping off a Band Aid. Inhaling a deep breath, ready to do just that, I open my mouth to speak, “I?—”
A ringing sounds from my bag making me jump.
39
SHANE
The large wooden door to the back room of the Black Crow swings open. I tug at the neck of my black t-shirt, my skin growing hot, waiting for Lil to arrive, but Dom walks through instead, carrying a pint, a grin spreading on his face when he spots Kane and I.
The guys don’t know about me and Lilly yet. I should probably tell them before she gets here, as I won’t be able to keep my hands off her when she arrives.
All day at work, I’ve thought about her. Having her in my bed and waking up with her this morning was like a dream come true. I was certain she’d hate me when she found out what I’d done, but to know she knew the truth this whole time, relieves some of the guilt I had.
Dom rests his pint on the ledge behind me. “Good night last night?” His shit-eating grin widens.
I stare at him with furrowed brows, wondering what he’s getting at. “It was all right.” I can’t tell him it was fucking incredible. He’d want to know what was so good about it.
“Just all right, huh? Looked pretty fucking wild to me.” He brings his pint to his lips, taking a sip, then wipes the froth from the hairs on his top lip.
