Page 81 of The Love Shack

“Having a baby is a big deal. Of course you wanted to think about it. That only makes sense.”

Well, Lark thought, at least one person understood her. No one else in her life had. Somehow she’d been painted as the villain, selfish, immature, dramatic—she’d heard a lot of odd insults during that difficult time, all from people she had thought cared about her. “He said if I wanted to make the decision on my own, I could deal with the consequences on my own, too.”

“Heditchedyou?”

Lark appreciated her outrage, but honesty compelled her to admit, “It was by mutual agreement. At that point, I realized we had some very big differences that I’d never considered.”

“Still...” Berkley persisted.

“My parents were hassling me, too. My friends thought I was being ridiculous and wanted me to carry on as usual.” She’d felt completely cut off from her usual support system. “I just wanted some space, a little peace and quiet to come to terms with my new reality.” Pausing, Lark rested her hand on Berkley’s shoulder and swallowed heavily. “I was home alone when the cramps started.”

Berkley reached up, their hands connecting. Ahumanconnection. Something she’d wanted so badly on that trip to the hospital. But she’d been at odds with her parents, so pride had kept her from calling them. By the time she’d let them know, the damage to the relationship had been done.

“I wasn’t very far along when they told me I’d lost the baby, but then I realized how much I’d wanted it.” Tears clouded her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she said with a sniffle and a huff. “I didn’t mean to unload on you. We’re supposed to be having fun.”

Berkley was out of her seat in the next second, flowing cape and all, and she drew Lark in for a firm, secure hug. “Don’t apologize. Just... Don’t. I’m glad you’re here and that we’re friends and we can share this stuff, the good and the bad.”

Lark gave a sniffling laugh. “The good being some really hot guys.”

“Yes, them. But also this. You doing my hair. Girl talk. All the stuff I missed out on when I was growing up. My mom was sick for so long, and once she passed away, I didn’t have anyone I was close to. Not even any casual friends. Then I met Betty, and she’s like a grandmother to me, and Lawson is just special in so many ways. Now you.” She held Lark’s shoulders and stepped back to see her face. “Thank you for telling me. For trusting me.”

Lark nodded. “I haven’t really trusted anyone in a long time.”

“Then I’m doubly flattered. I swear, I won’t make you regret it.”

“I know. I mean, I sort of sensed that from the start. You know how some people just click?”

Pleased, Berkley asked, “We’ve clicked?”

“Absolutely.” She gestured at the chair. “Let’s get back to it so I can finish your hair.” Now that she’d told Berkley everything, she surged with new energy. Sharing was a wild, invigorating activity. “I’ll blow-dry and style it before you see it, okay?”

“I can’t wait.” Berkley dutifully sat.

They continued to talk, the conversation now lighter, mostly about the guys. She made a few risqué jokes, and Berkley laughed each time. They talked about the shelter and the mama cat who’d had kittens, the town council meetings and the monthly tea group.

Many plans were made, and by the time Berkley’s hair was finished, Lark knew they’d chosen correctly. Berkley’s natural hair color complemented her skin tone and made the blue of her eyes even brighter. The subtle red streaks added a lot of depth to her hair and made it shimmer. With some trimming and shaping, her hair now fell in perfect waves to frame her face, still long enough for a ponytail when convenience was key, but easily tousled into sexy disarray.

“Well?” Berkley said.

Proud of the finished product, Lark took her hand and said, “Come on. Let’s go look in the bathroom mirror.”

Hero jumped up from where he’d been napping in a ray of sunshine on the floor and trotted after them.

At the bathroom door, Berkley braced herself with a deep breath and then stepped into the room in front of the vanity. Awe widened her eyes, and her lips parted.

Bouncing on the balls of her feet, Lark asked, “Do you like it?”

Turning her head this way and that, Berkley whispered, “Wow.”

“Gorgeous, right?”

Color rose in Berkley’s cheeks. “I can’t say I look gorgeous because that’ll sound conceited, but I feel gorgeous. My hair is beyond beautiful and Ilovethe change.”

“Way to stress me out!” They both laughed. Lark couldn’t resist fussing with Berkley’s hair, pulling a little forward, tucking a little back. “No matter what you do, those subtle red hues, and a few that are more golden, show. You look amazing, if I do say so myself.”

They were both staring at her reflection when the knock sounded on the door. A mere moment of silence ensued, then shattered as Hero broke into frenzied barking, jolting around to race to the door, which forced Berkley to hustle after him, with Lark hot on her heels.

At the kitchen doorway, Lark could see straight through to the laundry room—and the man standing at the door.

---