Page 49 of Forbidden to Fall

And what would Lily respond?

That’s the man who kissed me and almost ruined my relationship with your dad forever, sweetie pie!

How had she reacted to the kiss? James didn’t seem like the type to force himself on someone. I’d watched her closely enough in our younger years, but I’d never been sure how she’d seen James.

His gaze moved to Mia. How must it feel for him to see Ryan and Lily’s little girl—and their little boy on the way?

“That’s James,” Lily said, her eyes still on him.

All of us were on the verge of choking on the air. Except Mia. She had no idea what was going on.

How I envied her.

“Let’s go, Mommy,” Mia said, pulling her by the hand.

Lily didn’t move.

James’s brow knit. “I can leave.”

“No,” Lily blurted, stopping him mid-turn.

His eyes searched her face.

“It’s okay,” she said softly, letting Mia pull her toward the first stall.

Mia reached the door and went up on her tiptoes, like the extra inch of height would allow her to see. “Pick me up, Mommy.”

I moved to get Mia, but James was ahead of me.

“Thank you,” Lily said with relief as he lifted Mia to see through the bars.

“She’s pretty, huh, Mommy? And she has a mark on her head, just like you!”

I looked at my sister-in-law, who had a zit above her left eyebrow. Not quite the same as the shock of white hair on the mare, but oh, well.

Lily shot me an amused grimace. “Yep. We’re twins. Okay, baby, I’ve got to go now. Be good for Aunt Sadie. I’ll see you tonight.”

Mia acknowledged her mom’s kiss on the cheek with a vague nod, watching the mare intently.

“Thank you again,” Lily said, grabbing my hand for a brief squeeze as she passed.

I smiled. “Anytime.”

She glanced back at the three of us one last time before hurrying out of sight to her car.

James watched her go.

And I watched him, his expression unreadable as he held Mia like she weighed nothing.

She was petite, but she was still four.

“I wanna see that one,” Mia said, pointing to the next stall like a dictator.

“Mimi,” I said, hurrying over, “why don’t you let me hold you? And remember to say please.” I put out my hands to take her, but she retreated into James.

I looked at him, my brows raised. Mia didn’t turn Aunt Sadie down for anyone. I was her favorite.

He didn’t seem to know what to make of Mia’s behavior, either; he looked half-surprised, half-amused.