Page 16 of Silver Linings

“Yes. Just a few hours a day for a friend who I love dearly and am not leaving right now.”

“How long do you normally work?”

“Anywhere from six to eight hours, but it’s nothing too strenuous. Just laundry, and meals, sitting by her bedside and keeping her company, light cleaning when she naps. Her daughter is my best friend and is always hovering, making sure I’m not overdoing anything.” Not to mention her son, who is currently running his fingers over my arm, trying to soothe my nerves because he thinks marrying me will solve all my problems, she thought.

“I’m glad to hear that, but I’d like to see you reduce your hours. Nothing over four right now, and off your feet for half that time, okay? Don’t lift anything heavier than five pounds and keep your stress levels low. You’re technically in the safe zone to deliver, but I think this little one could use some extra time. Let’s just take it day by day, and if all goes well, we can re-evaluate at your next appointment.”

“Okay.” The weakness in her voice made her cringe. If she couldn’t work as many hours as possible in the next three weeks, she’d never be able to afford anything for her baby. No home, no supplies for her little one, no way to pay for the delivery. As her doctor left the room, Lily bit into her cheek to keep the tears away.

Gunner had stood the minute her doctor walked into the room, but now he pulled his chair away from the wall, positioning it so that when he sat, he was right next to her bed, looking into her eyes.

“Lil? Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“What I’m thinking is that I’m a complete and utter failure as a mom and my baby isn’t even here yet.” And that raw confession from the depths of her soul did her in. Warm tears tracked down her face and she didn’t attempt to wipe them away.

“Christ. Please don’t cry, Lily. You heard your doctor. Being upset isn’t good for you or the baby.”

“I don’t think holding in emotions is all that healthy either, Gunner.”

“I guess that’s true, too.” He nodded and grasped her free hand in his. “We have a solution. You become my wife and I’ll be able to get you and the baby on my insurance. You won’t have to worry about working up until you have her. You’ll have a safe place to live.”

“I can’t be a burden to you like that. I can do this on my own.”

“You are not a burden, and you are not a failure.”

“She is clearly all those things and more,” a sharp voice barked from the doorway. Gunner stood, tightening his grip on her hand as he positioned himself between her bed and the last person she thought she’d be seeing that night.

“Corrine, what are you doing here? Is the Captain with you?”

“What a stupid question, Lily. No, the Captain is not here. This is women’s work, is it not? He wouldn’t be caught dead on this floor.”

“Corrine? The Captain?” Gunner aimed his question at Lily.

“James’s parents,” she whispered, twisting the end of the blanket between her fingers.

That earned a growl from Gunner.

“Why the fuck is he called ‘The Captain’?”

“He has a fleet of boats that he charter’s fishing trips on. Don’t you remember his company sponsoring stuff in High School?”

Gunner’s face was completely blank, so apparently, no, he didn’t remember that.

“Hello? I’m still just standing here!” Corrine sighed, trying to take a step closer to Lily. Gunner didn’t budge. “Lily, who is this? Where is James? Is the baby coming tonight or not?”

“How did you even know I was here?” Lily fired back without answering Corrine’s questions.

“You seem to forget that I was the person who got you into your doctor’s office. I’m good friends with Dr. Alvarez and he was kind enough to call me when you were admitted,” Corrine turned towards Gunner. “Now, who are you and why are you here instead of my son?”

Gunner, still positioned between Lily and Corrine, didn’t reply. Instead, he stood with his hands folded across his chest. He honestly looked super intimidating, but Lily knew Corrine wouldn’t back down. She never saw anyone as a threat. Only as a pawn to bend to her will.

“Hello? Do you understand what I’m asking you?” She paused, looking between Lily and Gunner. “Oh god, Lily. Don’t tell me whoever this is doesn’t speak English. You know how the Captain and I feel about that.”

“Corrine, that’s quite enough. You heard him well enough to use what he said as an insult against me when you walked in here.” Corrine had the decency to look somewhat taken aback by Lily’s observation. “You shouldn’t be here. I’ve left James. We aren’t getting married, and until he gets himself some help, I won’t let him be around the baby.”

“You did what?”

“You heard me.” Lily squeezed her eyes shut as a pain built in her back. “I’m sorry, but your son needs help and I can’t seem to get through to him.”