The Child Between Them by Helen Lacey

Author:Helen Lacey [Lacey, Helen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HJL Imprints
Published: 2018-04-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“Oh, he’s so adorable,” Holly gushed as she stared at the sleeping infant resting in Joley Garrigan’s arms.

They were in the living room, sitting on opposite sofas, drinking tea that Deidre had made before the housekeeper disappeared and left them to their conversation.

“He is when he’s asleep,” Joley said and smiled. “He has a good set of lungs on him though.” The other woman, a tall and attractive blond, regarded her curiously. “So, I’m guessing that Marshall has no idea that you’re in love with him?”

Holly gasped and stared at her. “Um…well…”

Joley shrugged. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”

The truth tumbled from her lips. “Stupid man has no clue.”

Joley laughed. “Give him some time to get used to the idea.”

“If I even hinted at the notion he’d run a mile.”

The other woman didn’t disagree. “It’s hard for him, I guess,” she said and motioned to the portrait above the fireplace. “Lynette was a huge part of his life for a long time.”

“I know,” she said stiffly. “She was perfect.”

Joley gave a knowing smile. “Well, I wouldn’t say that. I became good friends with her before she passed away. In fact, we were here the day before she died. We all knew, of course, that any day could be her last, but I don’t think anyone really expected her to go when she did. I don’t think Marshall has recovered from what happened that day. I mean, one moment she was talking to him, the next she was gone.” Joley sighed heavily. “Such a terrible shock.”

Holly’s insides crunched. As much as she was angry and confused and had resigned herself to hating him forever, she couldn’t help but feel a tug of compassion and sympathy for all he’d endured. Still, that didn’t give him the right to mess with her feelings. And her body. She still couldn’t believe what had transpired between them the night before, on the very sofa she now sat on. He has all the sensitivity of a rock. And she was stupidly weak for giving in every time he touched her. But no more. She needed to show some gumption and stop swooning every time he kissed her. She had to. Or soon he’d figure out that she was in love with him. And that could never happen. Because then he’d feel sorry for her.

“He hasn’t talked about that day,” she said quietly.

“Have you asked him?” Joley suggested.

Holly shook her head. “He’d think I was intruding on his feelings.”

Joley shrugged. “You’re having his baby,” she said gently. “That gives you a free pass when it comes to his feelings. And you love him…I’d say you have every right to know what’s going on in here,” she said and touched her temple.

Except it wasn’t his head she wanted. It was his heart.

“It’s complicated,” she said and sighed. “And really, we’re trying to work out how to get along for the sake of the baby.”

Joley nodded. “I think he’ll make a wonderful father. He’s a good man.

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