Page 21 of Blake Marshall Says He Needs Me

Blake had been the only one of Sheldon’s family members who had met me before the accident. It had been awkward and hard walking into the funeral back then.

I logically knew I wasn’t to blame for Sheldon’s death, but even I wrestled with not blaming myself in those dark moments. If Sheldon hadn’t called me when he did, he would still be here.

Hell, things would be so different.

Blake and I would be different.

We would maybe even be together like Shelby and Wilder were.

Instead, we were here.

“It’s my turn with that little baby,” Shelby insisted. She lifted Clara out of Wilder’s arms and cradled her to her chest. “I need all of the baby cuddles I can get.”

Wilder put his arm around Shelby’s shoulders, and together, they oh’d and ah’d over Clara.

“Ah, has anyone seen Missy and Charlie?” I asked.

Blake hitched his chin to the stairs. “Charlie said they were going to sneak upstairs for a nap.”

“Oh,” I laughed. “That must be why they wanted us to come over tonight. Free babysitting.”

“Uh, are you guys good with Clara?” Blake asked Shelby and Wilder.

Shelby waved her hand at Blake. “Shoo. Clara is spending time with her favorite aunt and uncle.”

“Hey,” I called. “She can’t have a favorite already.”

“Oh, but yes, she does,” Shelby cooed. “Auntie Shelby and Uncle Wilder are your favorites, aren’t they?”

“Eh, Uncle Blake bought her a kickass stroller, so you might want to up your game if you want to be the favorite around here.”

“Clara will not fall for your bribing,” Shelby muttered.

Blake hitched his chin to me.

I pointed my finger in my chest and looked around.

“You think we can talk for a minute, Shannon?” Blake asked.

“Oh, uh, what?” That is not at all what I thought would happen tonight. I was actually surprised Blake had stayed after bringing Missy, Charlie, and Clara home.

Blake pointed to the backyard and headed out the backdoor.

Shelby looked up. “Did he just ask to talk to you?”

“Stay out of it,” Wilder grunted.

Shelby pouted out her bottom lip. “I’m just asking if I heard Blake correctly.”

Wilder laughed. “Right, babe. If you’re having hearing problems, maybe we should get you some hearing aids.”

I set my drink down and hoisted myself out of the chair. “If I’m not back in five minutes, call the police because Blake buried me in the backyard.”

“Stop,” Shelby laughed. “Maybe you two can bury the past.”

I quirked my lips and shrugged. That didn’t seem likely, but I wouldn’t figure out what he wanted unless I got my butt out there.

“Good luck,” Shelby called.

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