Page 20 of Silver Linings
“Oh, yeah,” she rushed to say. “Just pregnancy hormones going crazy. I’m fine. Don’t even know what brought the tears on.”
Gia looked at her, disbelief written all over her face.
“I bet I know. That idiot brother of mine and his plan to trap you in a loveless marriage. You know you can say no to him, Lil, and we’ll still make sure you and the baby are safe. Officially or not, you’ve always been a part of our family. I know I have bestie and favorite auntie status on lock, but that doesn’t mean I’d ever let you or the baby suffer. When Gunner leaves, you can just stay here permanently. Besties living together and raising the baby! You don’t have to put yourself in this situation.”
“What situation is that, Gia?”
“Cut the shit, Lily. I know you’ve loved Gunner since we were kids. What he’s asking of you, knowing he’d never give his heart to you, it’s cruel. He’s always been closed off to the possibility of love, and it’s not fair to you or your baby.”
“That part might not be fair, but what he’s offering us is more than I’m worth. To know the baby would grow up with a father-figure to look up to, not some drunk who we’d need to hide from… I can’t explain how that has given me hope for the first time since I found out about the baby. I should have left James a long time ago. I shouldn’t have let him anywhere near me, but I can’t regret it, because it brought me Sprout. Your brother is a good man, and I need his help. One day, when he finally finds someone who breaks down his walls and steals his heart, I won’t fight him about going our separate ways so he can be happy. He deserves that. Especially after everything he’s about to do for me.”
“Maybe you can be that person for him. Maybe he just needs some time to see that.”
“I don’t think so, Gia. This is just an arrangement in his eyes. And that’s okay. I’ll just need to remind my heart about that every now and again.”
“I’m so sorry, Lil.”
“It is what it is.” Lily shrugged as she made her way out to the living room. There was a mess of blankets and old magazines she’d been meaning to sort through for Jules. Right then seemed as good a time as any. Maybe she’d be able to avoid seeing Gunner until she had a better control over her emotions.
She miscalculated the distance between her body and the couch, and as her leg hit the frame, the TV remote fell off the edge and onto the floor. Getting the dropped remote was fine. It was getting back up that proved to be difficult. Lily winced, letting out a sharp gasp as she felt herself tipping to the side. Her balance was terrible now that Sprout had gotten so big. She should have just sat herself down on the floor. Warm, firm hands wrapped around her waist, steadying her.
“Sit down. Right now,” he growled, and she felt the immediate sting of tears welling in her eyes.
“Do not yell at me.” She tried to pull her body away from his. So much for avoiding him. “I’m fine. Just not the best with having to bend down.”
“Fuck, Lil, I didn’t mean to sound that gruff, it’s just that the doctor said?—”
“I know exactly what the doctor said, Gunner. I was there, remember? The one with the bands around my big belly, listening to my baby’s heartbeat,” she snapped back.
“I’m just trying to look out for you.”
“Don’t. I can look out for myself. I asked for your help last night. Trust that I’ll ask for it again if I truly need it.” She moved her hands to her back and began massaging away the pain that was growing between her hips.
“You’re in pain.”
“I have a baby the size of an Easter ham with a bowling ball sized head pressing down on my cervix and kicking the hell out of my lungs right now. Yeah, I’m in pain. It’s fine. Nothing I didn’t sign up for.”
“Please. Just rest for a minute.” His eyes held nothing but concern in them, and she hated that. Why wouldn’t he just keep his distance? Why did he have to make it extra difficult for her by being so sweet and attentive?
“You’re effectively my boss. You, of all people, should want me to work. You know? To do the things you and your sister are actually paying me to do.”
“I’d rather have you stop being so damn stubborn for a minute and sit. That way, I could talk about becoming your husband.”
Lily rolled her eyes. “Why? You’ve already told Gia and your mother that we’re getting married. I haven’t even said yes, Gunner!”
Forcing Gunner into a marriage of convenience was going to shatter her heart into a million pieces, but she also knew that was the best way to keep her baby safe from James and his parents. Once Gunner was on the birth certificate as the baby’s father, the whole Callahan family would have to leave her alone. “I understand last night was stressful, but you’re supposed to be cool under pressure, aren’t you? Don’t they teach that to you in the Navy?”
“Pregnant Lily Bennett is a thousand times more stressful than any target I had to take care of in the SEALs.”
Tears swelled in her eyes and she bit her bottom lip as his words washed over her. There it was. He was telling her exactly how he saw her and the baby. And she knew it would never change.
“Sorry I’m such a burden, Gunner.”
Fuck. He saw the exact moment his words knocked the light out of Lily’s eyes. He’d only meant to be a little playful with her, but clearly, he’d messed up big time. “Lil, I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Of course not.” He watched as she batted away a tear. “Please move so I can get back to work.”
“No. I’m not moving until you sit and put your feet up for a few minutes.”