Page 59 of Irish Rose
“All right enough to throw me out. She told me she could use a couple of days without my hovering over her.”
“That’s nonsense and I know it, but I’m grateful to both of you.” She looked beyond his shoulder to her husband. “He needs his friends now.”
“How about you?”
She gave a quick laugh and a shake of her head. “Oh, he doesn’t seem to need me.”
“I don’t believe that, but it isn’t what I meant. How are you holding up?”
“I’m tough enough to get through a few rough spots yet.”
“You’re a bit pale,” he murmured, then took her chin in his hand. “More than a bit.”
“I’m fine, really. Could use a bit more sleep, that’s all.” Then she swayed against him. Before she could pull herself back, he was settling her into a seat.
“Just sit back. I’ll get Burke.”
“No.” She gripped his hand and held hard. “I’ll be all right in a second. I just need to close my eyes.”
“Erin, if you’re ill—”
“I’m not ill.” She laughed and unconsciously laid a hand on the child that was growing inside her. “I promise you.”
He lifted his brow as he studied her. “Then congratulations.”
Erin opened her eyes slowly. “You’re a sharp one.”
“I’ve been through it a few times.” He stroked her hand until a hint of color returned to her face. “How does Burke feel about starting a family?”
“He doesn’t know.” Steadier, she sat up and was relieved to see Burke’s back was still to them. “He has enough to worry about right now.”
“Don’t you think this would more than balance the scales?”
“No.” Letting out a sigh, she faced Travis again. “No, I don’t, because I’m not sure he wants children at all. And right now he doesn’t want anything more than for me to leave him alone.”
“You’re underestimating him.”
“You’re his friend.”
“And yours.”
“Then stand up with him until this is over. Let me tell him about the baby when the time’s right.”
“All right. If you promise to take better care of yourself.”
She smiled and kissed his cheek. “After tomorrow, I’ll sleep for a week.”
“Travis.” Burke slipped under the rail. “I didn’t expect to see you down here.”
“Hate to miss a Derby. How are things going?”
Burke glanced over his shoulder to where the horse was being walked and cooled. “The colt’s in top form. You can say we’re both ready to put things right.”
“The investigation?”
“Slow.” That was true, at least of the official one. His own was moving quite a bit faster. Now that Travis was here, he would have someone he could trust to listen to his theory. Though he wore his tinted glasses, Erin felt his eyes on her. With a nod of acknowledgment, she rose.
“I’ll leave you to discuss business.”
