Page 14 of Silver Linings
“I’m sorry.”
“What did I say about apologizing?”
“Are you okay? The baby?” Gunner had stepped out of the room while Lily changed from her clothes into the hospital gown and the nurses had performed the intake exam, connecting her to a million different machines, monitoring her blood pressure, contractions and the baby’s heartbeat. He’d looked so concerned upon his return to the room that she tried to respond as quickly as possible.
“We’re fine. Looks like Braxton Hicks contractions just like I thought.”
“So you aren’t in labor?”
“Not right now.”
Gunner sighed and pulled a chair close to her bed. Taking the hand that was free of an IV needle, he looked into her eyes. The intensity pouring off of him was making her so nervous she grabbed the cup of water from in front of her and swirled it in her hand.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Why did they place an IV?”
“My blood pressure was a little high, and the baby had a fast heartbeat when we got here. The fluids are supposed to help.”
“Lily, that’s not what I would have classified as being fine.”
“But we are. This happens sometimes, Gunner. Pregnancy can be a wild ride. I’m just sorry I dragged you into it.” She took a sip from the cup, wondering why he was still squeezing her other hand.
“I think we should get married.”
Lily choked on the water in her mouth. He couldn’t have waited to say something ridiculous until after she swallowed?
“Shit, Lil, are you okay?” Gunner asked as he ran his hand in circles on her back. God, his touch felt amazing. Why did he have to be so sweet? She wished he would go back to being an ass to her. Distant Gunner she could live with. Sweet, caring, close Gunner? No. She wouldn’t survive.
“How did you get to my house so quickly?” she sputtered as the last bit of water left her throat.
“That’s what you want to say after I asked you to marry me?”
“You didn’t ask, to be fair. Just sort of put it out there.”
He sat there staring at her for a minute as she twisted her fingers together.
“I’ve still been sleeping in my truck outside your house,” he finally whispered.
“What? Why? Why would you be doing that, Gunner?”
“Because I was worried about what James would do to you after I saw those damn bruises on your arm.”
“Oh.”
“So, marry me.”
She shook her head. “I can’t marry you. I just ended things with James. Hell, he doesn’t even know yet.”
Gunner growled. “Marry me.”
Lily shook her head. “I can’t just jump into something so serious straight away, especially with someone who doesn’t even like me.”
“You think I don’t like you?”
“I think you’ve been grumpy with me since you came back. And I get it. Things are really stressful with your mom’s illness. Plus, Gia hired me to help, and all I’ve done is pull you into my drama. But tomorrow, I’ll look for a place to stay and I’m sure I’ll be able to keep helping with Jules. There’s no reason for us to get married.”
“Yes, there is. I, for one, have health insurance through my job. My boss is very serious about the benefits he offers, and he takes good care of us. If we get married, then you and Sprout get access to that.” The way he so easily used her baby’s nickname took her breath away. “Besides that, I can protect the two of you from James and his family. I don’t think he’s going to let you go easily, Lil, and I’m worried about what will happen if you and the baby are on your own.”