Page 78 of Love's Hot

Then without words, he shows me how much he loves me and struggles to say. I don’t always need the words.

I know Kane loves me and that’s all that matters.

I’m his Red and he’s my Wolf.

Opposites who attract.

Love’s perfect.

Epilogue

Lilly

4 years later

IF I HAVE ONE MORE of my brothers ask me if I’m okay, need to take a break, or sit down, then I’m going to lose my cool. Kane has tried to warn them that normal Lilly temper is nothing compared to nine-months-pregnant Lilly who hates feeling helpless.

“I’m fine! What do you all not understand? This little girl inside me is just as feisty as me. She will come when she is ready.” I lower myself into the chair on the back deck of Mom and Dad’s house. All the kids are running around on the grass and I’m surrounded by family.

“Baby, I keep telling you it’s a boy. But either way, any child of ours is going to be stubborn. Just humor me and sit and relax while we get lunch organized.” Kane fusses over me, getting a footrest for me to put my very puffy swollen feet on. Whoever said a woman glows during her pregnancy hasn’t seen me. I’m bloated, with ankles that are now cankles. My hair has gone all dry and my face blotchy. This baby better be thanking me by being a good sleeper. I’m giving up all my looks to make them a healthier child.

“Sweetheart, can I get you an iced tea?” My Dad stands next to me with his hand on my shoulder, looking at me with such love. I can’t snap at him. He’s my Dad.

“Thanks, Daddy, that would be great.”

“Wow, how come you’re so nice to him?” Kane laughs at me, rubbing my feet.

“Because he didn’t put this watermelon inside me and expect me to somehow get it out. That’s all on you, Wolf. So, suck it up, big boy. Now help me up, please, I think I need to go to the toilet.” He smiles, knowing I don’t mean a word of what I’m saying. I try to stand up quickly because I can feel the pee starting, before I’m even close to the toilet.

My first step and it happens.

Fluid runs down my legs and a pain grabs me in the lower stomach and across my back.

My eyes meet my husband’s.

“Kane,” I plead to him quietly. All my sassy is gone, now pure fear in my voice.

“I’ve got you, baby. I’ve always got you.”

Everything around me is now moving fast-paced and all I can concentrate on is the pain and his voice. Trying to keep me calm.

“Remember to lean on me, baby, that’s our rule. I will protect you and our little one. I’ve got you.”

No matter the pain, my heart flutters.

This is my life.

Kane

I don’t even remember many details of the trip in the car to the hospital.

Xavier drove. Alesha talked non-stop.

Lilly screamed…loud…a lot.

The labor’s quick, and by the time we arrive on the ward it’s time for our baby to be born.

The nurses laugh at Lilly screaming at me with every swear word she can remember. Smacking my arm. Punching my chest with clenched fists and digging her nails in so hard she’s drawing blood. I don’t give a fuck what she needs to do as long as she and our baby are safe. I need this over. It’s starting to stress me out. I hate when I can’t fix things for her. I told her I’d always fix it.

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