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“It wasn’t planned, I know But I wanted that child with you so dareatest fear “Christ, I kept picturing a daughter as beautiful as her mother”
Raine laughed through her tears, clinging to Macen’s shoulders “And I’d hoped for a boy, just like his father”
The earth’s axis shifted beneath Liam She’d wanted Ha with the heartfelt confessions she and Hammer shared, told Liam that she wasn’t at peace But damn it, he wasn’t, either
There was no sense in trying to convince himself that his world hadn’t just blown up in his face, that his drea a life with this woripped his heart He couldn’t bloody breathe as he sed the urge to roar out that any life growing in Raine’s ould be his—and his alone
But instead of erupting with the injustice of it all, he had to put on an act worthy of a goddamn Oscar and watch sobs shake Raine He had to see Macen cradle her as they shared grief And he couldn’t say a da her
As they clung to one another, Lia invisible And that broke his heart
He reached beneath Raine, lifting her gently so he could move back and stand apart
She whirled on the table, bracing herself on the padded surface, and turned devastated eyes to hiest reason I never wanted to talk about how late nant No matter what I said, someone would be hurt You’ve done so h my barriers Whatever you believe, I do love you And I knew the e to you than we ht ever recover from”
“No, it’s fine I’ you some room, is all” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it, hoping she wouldn’t notice his shaking fingers He couldn’t even look at Hammer “Of course you were disappointed Why wouldn’t you be? I know you want children someday”
“But, I—”
“You don’t have to explain” Liaoing to carry you to bed, love Rest up for a bit It’s been a big , and you were so brave I’m proud of you, Raine”
How bittersas it that she’d finally given hio And just as she’d feared, it had annihilated him
“Stay with ed
“I’ll be here Go on with Hammer He needs time with you I think you need it, too If you’re up for it, we’ll take a walk outside after lunch, et some rest You’ve earned it”
Raine gave him a sad, watery nod, then turned back to Hammer The other man scooped her up in his arms and waited while Liam opened the door to the playroom He followed them to her bedroom Inside, Liam inched back the covers and watched in helpless fury as Haain
Lia, but her tears and Haain This ti composure Silently, he retreated and went in search of solitude to ease his torment
As the day wore on, Liaut With a controlled sh lunch Even Raine and Ha Beck and Seth try to lighten the mood had been easy Harateful for that one small mercy If Macen had, Liam would have heard it as he paced in his room next to hers
After lunch, he’d survived the hike with Ha the in the frosty air would cool his siht ice his pain But Hammer’s presence only added fuel to the slow burn inside hi that his “pal” held the other It added so to his blaze
Dinner had been a co tiny, white, and lacy Liam hadn’t chosen it, so he could only presu cut off at the balls about Raine’s attire He snorted Macen hadn’t noticed his h part of the meal and tried to soothe hi her sweetto smother his ire