---

 

The next morning, Lila curled up on the couch in the great room, computer propped up on her lap, checking her email, while the dogs slept at the other end. After that, she’d committed to two hours of covering the interactive website. Declan had started physical therapy this past week with a nice guy named Joe and was tired from the workouts. Also, he’d showered this morning, which exhausted him. And she’d had to help. In order to distract herself from those memories, she decided to concentrate on work for a while.

In her inbox was an email from Todd Moretti. He didn’t like to use the interactive website and wanted a private counseling session. She sent him back a yes, and asked him if the day after tomorrow would work for him since she was meeting her mother for lunch again. She figured she could go into the city, see Ruth, which was planned before Dec got hurt, meet with Todd, then she could talk to Robert. The die was cast, so to speak, in her relationship with him, as she’d thrown her lot in with Declan. Robert deserved to know that.

Just as she pressed send, the doorbell rang. It wouldn’t be the family because they were heading to Gabe’s for a Sunday dinner in a few hours. Setting the machine aside, Lila crossed to the door and opened it—to find a gorgeous blonde on the porch, holding a basket full of something that smelled like sugar and cinnamon. “Hi, I’m Anabelle Mills. I work with Dec at MedStar.”

“Oh, hi. I’m his w—Lila Carrier, the girls’ mother.”

“Nice to meet you.” When Lila didn’t move, Anabelle said, “I’d, um, like to come in and see him, if that’s all right.” She held up the basket. “I brought muffins, the kind he likes in the morning.”

In the morning? In the fucking morning?

It was Lila’s turn for jealousy. She’d been under the impression that Declan wasn’t dating. He let her think that.

“Of course, come on in.”

The woman stepped into the foyer. She wore a chic pair of gray trousers and a pink blouse. She was sophisticated. She was beautiful. Lila, still in her pajama bottoms and a T-shirt, felt frumpy.

Lila gestured to the great room. “Have a seat, Anabelle. Last time I checked, he was sleeping.”

She hurried down the hall, hoping Dec wasn’t awake, hoping this woman would just go away. Easing open the door, she saw Declan turn over and smile at her. “Hi.”

“You didn’t sleep long.” Enough.

He glanced at the clock. “About an hour. Come sit.”

She arched a brow. “I can’t, you have company. A gorgeous blonde.”

His eyebrows skyrocketed. “Oh.”

“Yeah. Oh. I’ll send her in.”

Pushing himself up, he called out, “Lila, come back.”

“No, we wouldn’t want to keep Anabelle waiting.”

Biting the inside of her jaw, she went back to the great room and found Anabelle holding Dylan and Durango, cooing to them like babies. Damn, she was a nice person, too, as they were all over her clothes.

“He’s awake. I’ll show you the way.” Gently, she put the dogs on the blanket and led the other woman down the hall.

When Anabelle entered the room, and said, “Hey, handsome,” Lila quietly slipped out. She went back to her computer. But all she could think of was Declan having another woman in his life.

“This is a surprise.” That was an understatement. But he had to tread lightly here. He’d slept with this woman a few times, and had a responsibility to be sensitive to her feelings.

She crossed to the bed and kissed his forehead. “It wouldn’t be a surprise if you’d called me. I had to find out at work that you were hurt.”

“I’ve only been back from Peru a few days.”

“I suppose.” She set the basket on the nightstand.

Something in there smelled great. “Did you make these?”

She laughed, a sultry sound that he hoped Lila didn’t hear. “Hardly. But I know a wonderful bakery.”

“In any case, thanks.”

Dropping onto the chair near the bed, she touched his arm. “So, how are you?”

“I’m already sick of being in bed.”

“Are you getting PT, moving around enough?”

“Yes, Doctor. And icing the ankle. Keeping it elevated. My brother Connor did some therapy until we could get a therapist to come to the house.”

“Then you should be back in a week or two.”

“I hope so.”

Leaning forward, she was close enough so he could see she’d put on makeup. She took his hand. “I’ve missed you. It was a while since we were together even before you went to South America.”

Damn it. He was going to hurt this woman. “I have to tell you something.”

She frowned. “That doesn’t sound good.”

“I’m sorry. We won’t be spending time together anymore.”

Her brows rose in surprise. Then her face saddened. “Because of the beautiful auburn-haired woman who answered the door?”

“Yes.”

“I thought I got negative vibes from her. Your ex?”

“Uh-huh.”

“If I’d known, I wouldn’t have come.”

“I’m sorry. Things have been chaotic here.”

She stood. “Well, I’m sorry, too. This was casual between us, so no hard feelings, but I liked what we did together.”

He grinned. “I liked it, too.”

Anabelle left Declan feeling like a cad. Thankfully, not long after, the twins came in. Meli rushed to the bed and hugged him. “Morning, Daddy.”

“Did you guys just get up?”

“Uh-huh.” Meli again. “We’re going to Uncle Gabe’s house today.”

“I know.”

He noticed Morgan stood back. “Are you excited, Morgy?”

“Yeah, sure.” She looked behind her. “Who was that woman who came to see you?”

“A doctor from the place I work.”

“Do you like her?”

“She’s a nice person.”

“No, I mean like her. As a girlfriend?”

Not anymore . “No, honey.”

Morgan’s face brightened. “Oh, good.” She came fully inside and hugged Declan. After some conversation, Morgan slid off the bed. “Come on Mel, let’s get dressed for the party.”

With kisses for him on each cheek, they scooted out.

Huh. Hopes had been raised by Lila’s presence in the house. The twins seemed happy about her staying here, but was Maggie getting the same vibes from him and Lila? They had to explain things to her in the right way.

Since it was eleven, he texted his oldest daughter.

Come see me when you can.

And back, he got, Right now. I just finished getting ready.

Within minutes, Maggie was at the door, wearing a set of long pants and top of red polka dots. She kissed his cheek, then sat next to him. And sniffed. “What are those?”

“Muffins. From the people at the hospital.”

“You’re not ready to go back to work, Dad.”

“I know. In ten days, maybe. I need more PT, and I have to build up my strength. But my boss is coming out tomorrow to talk about long-distance consulting.”

She gave him a half smile. “Going stir-crazy?”

“Getting there.” He grasped her hand. “How are you this morning?”

“I feel...lighter. Looking forward to going back to the dorm.” She smiled. “I forgot to tell you that Nate’s coming to Uncle Gabe’s.”

“You like that guy, don’t you, honey?”

“Yeah. He makes me feel normal.”

“I’m glad.”

“Don’t you have to get ready to go?”

“Nope, I showered earlier.”

“Who helped you?”

“I did it mostly by myself.” Not. “But Mom helped.”

“That’s progress.” She glanced at the clock. “I’m gonna go pack up what I need to take with me.” She stood. “Dad, don’t worry about me.”

“I told you—”

“Worrying is a dad’s job. I know. But I’m not suicidal.”

“I was assured you weren’t. Otherwise we wouldn’t let you go back to school.” Lila had told him cutting didn’t always cease right away, but Trish had advised them not to question her on that. “Promise me something, princess?”

“What?”

“If you ever feel like you’re going under again, call me or Mom.”

She kissed his cheek. “Mom already said that. I promise.”

He watched his daughter leave with renewed worry in his heart. She was better but had a long way to go. What else could they do? They couldn’t lock her away in an ivory tower. He vowed to keep close tabs on her.

Antsy, he waited for a while for Lila to come back in. Should he text her? Nah, he’d let her come to him. He slid out of bed, and hobbled with the crutches to the workout bench, under which barbells and bands were stored. He picked up a heavy weight to do some arm curls. As he lifted the barbell, his gaze caught on the bathroom, the site of quite an event this morning. His mind drifted as he did reps....

After awakening, Lila came in with coffee, which was her usual routine. They’d sat in the window recess which faced the back lawn.

“You have such a beautiful yard,” she’s commented. “I like the landscaping and flowers the former tenants put in.” The area out front and back had lost the summer blooms, but other flowers had taken their place. She pointed to the regal calla lilies planted in their own bed. The white petals were almost oval-shaped amidst the greenery on the stems. “Those are spectacular.”

“Glad you like them. Since you’ll be living here.”

He expected chiding. Instead, she said, “Pretty confident, aren’t you?”

“Yep.”

“Don’t tease anymore. I’ve got to talk to Robert.”

“All right. One thing you have to do for me, though. I need a shower.”

Her brows furrowed. “Why didn’t you ask your brother when he was here yesterday?”

He gave her a knowing look.

“Well, I guess it won’t be anything I haven’t seen before.”

“Not in three years.”

She sighed.

He sighed. “Best we remember that parting, sweetheart. So it doesn’t happen again.”

“Come on, I’ll help. And stay quiet so the girls don’t hear us.”

“I’ve heard that one before.”

“Hush.”

The sexual innuendo followed them to the bathroom.

Once inside, Declan took off his shirt. She stared at his chest. “You can touch, you know.”

She started to reach for him, then drew her hand back. “What do you need help with?”

“Setting the water temperature. And washing.”

“Like hell. You can wash yourself.”

“Shit. Then help me get my shorts off and put the plastic bag over my foot.”

He yanked at his shorts and briefs, pushing both to his knees. Then he sat on the toilet, and she knelt in front of him. Jasmine and lemon scents rose up to meet him, and he kissed her hair. “Just like old times,” he whispered.

“It was always good, Dec. No matter which way we did it.” Her voice was hoarse. With arousal?

“Want to give this a go?”

She seemed as if she was deciding. “No. Not yet.”

His cock rose to attention. “Fuck it, Lila, that’s just from what you said.”

Her laugh was beautiful. “All right, stand up.”

“I’m already up.”

“Wise guy.”

“I’ll help you slide onto the stool in the stall.”

He stood and his anatomy bumped up against her. She managed to get him onto the stool, handed him soap and a washcloth then went to the end of the long stall and started the water. Before she closed the glass door, he said, “Sure you don’t want to join me?”

“You know very well I do.”

He grabbed her hand, getting water on the floor. Her skin was soft, but he noticed goose bumps on her arm. “Are you turned on, too?”

“What do you think?”

“Ha!”

The shower door shut a little too hard.

“Wait in here for me.”

When he finished, she helped him back to the toilet and gave him a thick towel. “I need help.”

“You can dry yourself.”

“Not my back.”

“People dry their backs all the time.”

“Please.”

Grumbling something he couldn’t make out, she took another towel and dried his back, then his hair, while he did his front. Kneeling again, she dried around his foot then took off the bag. Before she stepped away—a little slowly, he thought as if she was savoring her ministrations—she kissed his shoulder. Now that was progress....

Declan had to literally shake himself to get rid of the memory.  Finished with the light exercise, he made his way back to the bed. It was nearing eleven now, and they had to be at Gabe’s soon. She had to see him sometime.

Lila sat on Gabe’s deck, taking a breather from the family. Everybody flocked to Declan when he’d arrived at the house and she felt her heart fill with these people who knew how to love.

When the sun went behind clouds, she pulled her sweater around closer around her.

“Hi, sis.” She hadn’t heard her sister-in-law come out.

Whitney dropped down into a chaise next to her and stretched out. She was in tight leggings and a long sweatshirt that said, Secret Service.

“Hey.” Lila squeezed her hand. She herself had dressed up a bit more in nice pants and a blouse. “Feeling well?”

“I am. None of the sickness like before.”

“That’s great.”

“I wonder sometimes if how lousy I felt was a sign that the pregnancy would end.”

“I’ve never heard that.”

Whitney literally shook off the thought. “I suppose I’m searching for reasons to believe the baby’s fine. Which I do. I’m sixteen weeks along. We saw and heard the heartbeat, twice, so we’re a go.” She patted her stomach. “I wish I would show some.”

“I felt that way with Maggie.”

“How is she, Lila?”

“Better. The therapist recommended she go back to the dorms. I’m a wreck about that, but we have to trust them both.”

“She cornered me a bit ago. To let me know she was doing okay. That she wanted to be okay.”

“Your conversation with her led us to a breakthrough.” She explained how Whitney not wanting the first baby had led them to a much-needed realization. “We have to talk to Trish before we discuss it with her. But I did want her, and I think she’s beginning to believe that now.”

“I hope so.”

They watched squirrels scrounge for nuts on the lawn. One found an acorn and picked it up in his little paws. Whitney faced Lila. “Now, tell me about you and Dec.”

“He’s a devil, that one. He’s taking advantage of me staying at his house to convince me to come back to him.”

“I’m not surprised. I know he’s wanted that for a long time.”

After glancing at the French doors, she said, “Don’t share this, but I’m going to end my relationship with Robert Tuesday when I see him. I have to do that before I can commit to Dec.” Lila frowned. “I’m worried about Maggie’s reaction.”

“Then you can sneak around like Max and I did. That had its own kind of heat.”

Thinking of Declan naked in the bathroom, Lila sighed. “We don’t need any more heat.”

“Do tell.”

“Let’s just say I helped him with his shower this morning. I needed a cold one myself after that.”

Whitney laughed out loud.

“But I’m mad at him now after he got a visitor.”

“Who?”

“A gorgeous doctor from MedStar. I didn’t discuss her with him, but it was clear they’d slept together.”

“We did.” They both turned to see Declan had come out on the deck.

Lila glared at him. “You weren’t supposed to hear that.”

He went on as if she hadn’t spoken. “But it was weeks ago, and I told her I wouldn’t be seeing her anymore. I’m in love with you, Lila.”

Whitney got up. “My cue to leave. Love you, Lila.” She stopped to kiss Dec. “Don’t blow it, buddy.”

“Geez, she tells you everything, doesn’t she?”

“Yep.”

Declan hobbled over with a cane now. He was supposed to put some weight on his leg so he wasn’t using the crutches. “I’d like to hear that from you.”

“That I love myself?”

“No, that you love me.”

“Declan, I’ve never stopped loving you.”

“I know that. But I mean now. You love me now. Just say it.”

“After I talk to Robert.”

“You’re a hard woman.”

Dinner was a raucous affair. The guys started arguing about the football season underway, and took sides on the Bills. Just like old times. Nate had arrived, and he was a rabid pigskin fan, so he joined in. Mama and Pa seemed happy and Connor and Calla were over the moon, as always.

When they were done eating, Con said, “We have something to tell you all.” He grasped Deirdre’s hand. “We’re going to Casarina in six weeks so the young prince”—here he rolled his eyes—“can be born there.”

Everyone startled. Whitney looked to Deirdre.

“We’re going too,” she said, smiling.

Tony gave a broad smile. “And be guests at the palace.”

“Wow!”

“Holy cow.”

“No fair.” Meli and Morgan spoke simultaneously.

Morgan added, “We won’t be there.”

“We’re flying you all over, honey, if you can come, right afterward.” Connor loved these kids a lot. “But apparently the birth of an heir is a week-long celebration by the whole country. Calla’s dad has a right to that.”

“You’re going to live here, though, aren’t you?” Meli asked.

“Much of the year. And over there some.”

“It’s so romantic,” Morgan put in.

Nate was open-mouthed. “Somebody want to tell me what this is all about?”

“Oh, God,” Connor said grinning. “That story could fill a romance novel.”