Page 105 of Wolf

A white tent covers the expanse of grass leading to the stage with seating on each side and an aisle for Miriam to walk down.

Flowers overflow pots strategically placed to accentuate the gold bows and matching drapes, shading the sun now beginning its descent in the sky.

I’m graced with a few weird looks that I ignore because I knew we wouldn’t have time to change before we got back and if we happen to be a little late, I can pretend we were out for a walk. All of which will be more believable if we’re in our expected garb.

Still, I feel more the reverend's daughter in my plain black skirt and white button-down shirt as the women parade past in tiny skirts and even tinier shirts.

I spy Toni across the way but freeze when she meets my gaze. For a moment, I forgot about our last encounter, and with a twinge of guilt, I avert my eyes at her cold stare. I guess I have an ever-growing list of haters which brings me no pleasure.

Mercy waltzes around the tent, touching the pretty bows and sniffing the flowers,

Thankfully, this teenage girl amuses the women, and no surprise, she wins them over with her sparkling blue eyes and kind heart. Of all of us, Mercy remains the purest and I suppose that’s because the three of us who came before her, each tried to shield her from reality.

When my neck tingles, I know it’s Wolf. I tilt my head and glance sideways, confirming his presence. His eyes skate over me before he turns away.

Rubbing my aching chest, I wonder if it's worth it to try and tell him about my condition. He must hate me. Maybe he’ll hate this poor baby too.

Thoughts of which make me dizzy, and I collapse into the nearest chair before leaning over my lap. It’s strange to say because I’ve been freaking out about this since I learned of it, but I know to my bones that the love I feel for this baby goes beyond anything I’ve ever felt before.

To think Wolf might not have the same emotions is soul-crushing.

“Lilli?” His deep baritone slides over my skin and I shiver before looking up.

“Yeah?”

Wolf’s eyes flicker and he frowns before saying, “C’mon, your sister wants to see you.”

Nodding, I stand but grab the back of the chair when dizziness assails me. Wolf raises his hand before he clenches his fist and drops it back to his side.

Stepping in front of him, I hide my hurt behind my fist and say, “Mercy.”

She’s unsure about Wolf, I see it in her eyes, but eases some when he says, “C’mon kiddo, let's go see your sister.”

Thankfully, nothing dastardly is happening in the living area and I breathe a sigh of relief as we climb the stairs and stop before Miriam’s door.

The last time I was here, I spotted Hand outside the window and rushed away only to leave altogether to save my sister. I don’t regret it, but I do wish things had worked out differently.

Wolf walks away as soon as Miriam opens the door. She’s alone inside and I push away a pang of sadness that she still hasn’t made any friends before summoning a smile.

”Mir!” Mercy shrieks and Miriam laughs, grabbing her hands. “You look like a princess.”

She does, with her pretty dark hair arranged in braids around her head and the length hanging down her back in curls. Her white satin dress ends at the floor, hugs her precious baby bump, and shows just enough cleavage to be sexy but not overdone.

With minimal makeup and shining eyes, she takes my breath away. Pulling her into a hug, I say through a throat thick with tears, “You’re so beautiful.”

”Thanks, Lil. I’m so glad you’re here.”

”There’s nowhere else I would rather be,” I say, squeezing her hand.

She leads me toward the bed, and I eye the dress laid out. It’s pale pink, strapless with a pretty bow at the waist.

“I want you to be my bridesmaid,” she says. “You too, Mercy.”

Mercy shrieks her joy, and I touch the satin before saying, “What about Mercy?”

I don’t see a dress for her and I’d rather she has the experience. She deserves these moments because they’re so infrequent anymore.

“I’ve got just the thing for Mercy,” Miriam says, pulling her to the closet.

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