Page 122 of Lost Girl

“Better than raging, right? But seriously, stop beating yourself up, T. Number one, I don’t think she hates you. Does she have the right to be wary of you? As much as I’ve grown to love you, I’m going to have to say yes, she does. And two, you know how she felt about the baby, right?”

I nod.

“So then what’s with the waterworks?”

God, this is going to sound so pathetic. “I’m afraid…”

Tigerlily’s expression melts just as the teapots whistles. “Oh, honey, I think every woman is likely afraid during their first pregnancy.”

“It’s not the pregnancy. It’s the after part, being a mom,” I admit, watching her bustle about to prepare two mugs. “Kids were off the table for me. I was ready to just spend my life with Callan. What kind of mother could I ever possibly be after what I did to Wendy?”

Her flinty gaze snaps up to mine. “Stop it. Your past actions don’t dictate the future or your ability to be a mother.”

“That’s what Callan keeps telling me, but it’s like I woke up from some nightmare only to find a path of destruction I’d caused while I was checked out. I’m sick to hell with myself.”

“And you need to stop.” She walks around the counter and sets the mugs down before sliding into the stool beside me. “I think you’ve learned from your mistakes, and I also think you’re going to be a great mom.”

“Callan said that, too.” I can almost hear his voice in my head, an amorous smile drifting across my lips as I reach for one of the piping-hot mugs.

“How does he feel about this?”

Blowing the surface, I observe the billowing smoke floating away. “He was shocked, hadn’t known or heard of vampires procreating. Even Draegan didn’t know, which says a lot. But he’s excited, more than I am, that’s for sure. He’s already picked out names.”

I feel rather than see her megawatt smile. “Awww, did he really? That’s so cute. What are they?”

“He loves Lincoln Pierce for a boy and Everly Rose for a girl.” Both which I like, too, I’ll confess. I have no complaints with his choices whatsoever.

“Those are good names,” she agrees fondly. “Are you more keen on one than the other?”

“I wouldn’t say more keen, but I can so vividly picture a little Hook; it’s not even funny.” A miniature Callan, with that dark hair and those baby blues? Excuse me while I melt and my eyes burst with tiny little hearts.

“But youcanpicture a baby, yes? Which means a part of you has to be excited.” The proverbial smile of her query leaves me smiling right along with her.

“I guess you’re right, yeah.”

Her touch, gentle as ever, settles on my arm. “Everything is going to be fine, T, you’ll see. This is good. That little bean will likely help keep you in check, too.”

Keep me in check?

Wow.

It’s like the lightbulb goes off.

“You know, I hadn’t even thought of that.”

Tigerlily chuckles around a sip, cutting me a sideways glance. “Because you focus on the negative first. You’ve always been that way.”

“Good morning.” Wendy’s voice sounds on our left. Our heads turn in time to catch her approaching. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Not at all. We were just catching up,” I tell her, noting how Tigerlily stiffens just slightly.

Wendy notices, too, offering her a soft smile. “I’m just here for a glass of water. I’ll be in and out. Ignore me.”

“That’s not necessary, as long as you’re here to stay, for real this time,” Tigerlily counters, taking another sip of her tea.

Silence.

An awkward silence at that.

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