Page 45 of Cruel Salvation

“Yes, we’re together.”

A whoop went up and suddenly she was surrounded by hugs and warmth, and it felt good to bask in the love she was receiving from her friends. She’d never been one to show her emotions outwardly, but she loved hard and would die for these women.

“I’m so happy for you guys. Damon has been like a dog with two dicks since he put in the offer on the barn, and now I know why.”

“Actually, it might be something else, but can we eat first?”

“Oh my God, yes. I’m starving. I could literally eat the arm off a cow.”

Charlie spluttered on her wine at Aoife’s comment. “Cows don’t have arms.”

Aoife waved her away. “You know what I meant.”

“What does it say about me that I actually did?”

“That you’re as crackpot as the rest of us?”

Snow shook her head like she was dealing with a group of children. “How did my life go so wrong.”

“Oh, yeah, your life is horrible. You have a sexy judge in your bed every night, a cute niece who’s like walking sunshine, and baby Florence who’s going to take over the world with her smile and sass.”

Snow grinned. “Yeah, I do have a pretty great life.”

“And you get to shoot people for a living.”

“True.”

“Okay, grab a plate. I’m not your servant.”

Lotus grabbed a heaped plate and took it to the table, a smile on her face knowing Damon had cooked it because he didn’t want her eating processed junk.

“What’s the grin for?”

Lotus glanced at Charlie, who was watching her as if she knew all her secrets and, to be fair, she probably did. Keeping any kind of secret when your friends were spies and secret agents was impossible. It was why she’d agreed to tell the girls tonight when Damon was telling his brother. “No reason.”

“Uh-huh.”

Charlie let it go as they ate and caught up on life things, like Fleur’s piano exam, Aoife’s cravings, Duchess’s plans for a herb garden, and Peyton’s wedding preparations. It was fun and just what she needed, and for the first time, she didn’t feel like an outsider.

“Shall we do dessert in the living room? I need to undo these jeans.” Charlie popped her top button and sighed. “Seriously, that man of yours can cook.”

An untamed feeling of happiness filled her chest at the words, as well as pride. Damon was a man any woman would be proud to call her own, but no other woman did. He’d made it very clear he wanted only her and yet, in the background, there was still the slight niggle that it wouldn’t last, that life would throw another curve ball and he’d be snatched away from her too.

“Yeah, he can.”

Duchess put her arm around Lotus’ shoulders affectionately as they walked into the living room.

As soon as everyone was settled on the couch or chairs, Lotus took a deep breath and addressed her friends nervously. “I have something important to tell you all,” Lotus began. “I wanted you guys to know before anyone else...” She paused and looked around the room at her people, each one of these women had stepped up for her at one time or another and she loved them fiercely. “I’m pregnant.”

“Called it!” Aoife held up her hand for Peyton to slap.

“Oh my God, I’m going to be an aunty!” Duchess declared as she launched herself at Lotus and pulled her into a tight hug.

“This is good news, right?”

Lotus pulled away to answer Charlie’s question. “It was shocking, terrifying news, and I won’t lie and tell you I haven’t had a lot of wobbles or doubts, but I’ve decided I want this baby. I never, ever imagined myself having a child. It was just never on my radar and, honestly, I’m not sure how good I’ll be at it, but I know I want to try, and Damon will be one hell of a dad.”

Val gripped her hand and squeezed. “Oh, sweetheart, you’re going to be the best mum.”