Page 10 of Dagger

“I’m a doctor,” Const—Sophie informed me.

“I’m always pregnant,” Layla deadpanned, running a hand over her huge, pregnant belly and wincing.

“I can’t cook,” Cara said matter-of-factly. “And honestly, even if I could, I wouldn’t spend all day in that kitchen. Iris does it because she loves it, and that’s okay, but we don’t.”

My expression twisted curiously. “Don’t you do anything at the clubhouse? Back in the day, the kitchen was where John’s mom, Iris, and I spent most of our time. The men would stay in the bar, and we’d stay out of their way. There was alwayssomething cooking on the stove, and we usually had a bottle of cheap wine open.”

“Well, that’s not changed.” Cara smirked. “Though we’ve evolved to cocktails, too. Look, I’m not saying we don’t go into the kitchen to chat and keep Iris company, but we’re not confined there.”

“Can you imagine them trying?” Kennedy scoffed.

Layla rolled her lips inward to stop herself from laughing.

My gaze landed on her belly, and my heart clenched. “When are you due?”

She beamed. “Three days. Kennedy and Kit are getting married in two weeks. I know I won’t be able to do much, but I can attend the wedding at least.”

“I can’t believe you’re having twins,” I murmured excitedly.

“Yeah,” she confirmed. “Two boys. Bowie’s so excited, and Sunny... well, you’ve seen how happy she is. I thought new babies would lose their shine after Willow was born, but I think she’s even more excited about the twins coming.”

I don’t know why I said the following words. I didn’t even think about it. Maybe I just needed her to know how much her dad loved her.

“Stevie would be so proud of you,” I blurted out. “I see so much of him in you and your daughter. It’s like a part of him is here with us.”

“I’ve been thinking about him more lately,” she admitted softly. “It’s bittersweet. I’m finally getting the family I always wanted, but he’s not here to share it with me.”

“He’d love that you were so happy. Layla. Stevie was one of the best men I’ve ever known,” I told her. “I’d be honored if we could talk sometime. I’ve got some good stories I could tell you. Stevie and your mom were a big part of my life.”

“I’d love that,” she said quietly. “I want to tell Sunny and Willow about him, but I was young when he died, and I’m noton speaking terms with Mom, so there’s no chance of her telling me about him. We’ve got this huge family that loves them, but I don’t want my dad forgotten amongst all that, especially for my kids.”

“Do you see Kelly at all?” I asked.

She shook her head sadly. “It got to the point where I couldn’t cope being around her. I became pregnant with Sunny just after Gran died, so when she left me her house, it made sense to move in there. Mom won’t visit, and I won’t take my kids to see her. I don’t want them around someone who’s always drunk.”

“I understand,” I assured her, making a mental note to check in on Kelly as soon as I could. My friend wasn’t a bad person, but when Stevie died, she fell to pieces. I got it; the same happened to me when I thought John had been killed in action. I wasn’t about to judge Kelly for becoming depressed, even if I believed she could’ve been a better mother for Layla.

“Have you thought about your next steps?” Constance asked.

I had to remember she was called Sophie now. At the very least, I wanted her to feel comfortable around me. That wouldn’t happen if I constantly called her by the name I gave her when she was taken from me. Sophie was a pretty name, and it suited her. I had to remember she’d built her own identity, and I needed to respect that.

“My first step is to file for divorce,” I told her. “My husband ruined my life. He won’t get another second of it or me.”

“I can help you there.” Kennedy’s face took on a sly look. “Did you sign a prenup?”

“No,” I declared. “But I don’t want his money. It’s filthy.”

“You must’ve taken something into the marriage,” she prompted. “Property? Inheritances? Businesses?”

“The proceeds from my parents’ house sale were all mine,” I informed her. “And Robert’s dad left me a substantial amount in his will, but I never saw a penny. My mom also had lifeinsurance, which paid out, but it went to him. He controlled all the money.”

Kennedy got her cell out and started tapping notes. “So, we threaten to take half of his filthy money if he doesn’t give you the clean money that’s rightfully yours. His lawyer will advise him to pay out what belongs to you, if only to avoid having to give you everything youcoulddemand.” She stood from her chair and began to prowl across the room. “I’ll call my partner Scotty and explain the situation. We’ll work out the best way forward.” Her neck craned as she got to the door. “That’s if you agree for me to work your case?”

My daughter squeezed my hand and murmured, “Ned knows what she’s doing. I’d trust her with Belle’s life.”

My gaze fell to my granddaughter, fast asleep in her arms, and my heart clenched painfully.

Robert had taken everything that mattered from me, not just John and Constance, but also all the children we dreamed of having. Time was so precious, and we’d lost so much; it was heartbreaking.

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