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Was something going on there?
Nash smiled. Good for Damon if he was seeking happiness. He’d been without his wife for so many years, concentrating on raising his family and climbing to the top of the horse racing industry.
Nash rested a hand on Lily’s stomach. He would do the same thing for his child. Nash wanted to give his baby, and Lily, everything they deserved and more.
She’d already made plans to visit her mother this coming weekend. Nash figured while she was gone, he could have a heart-to-heart with Damon and come clean with him.
He kept telling himself he was waiting on the right opportunity. No other time would work to his benefit except while Lily was gone. He could only hurt so many people at a time without crumbling himself. And he had to remain strong or he’d never be able to fight to keep what was his.
When the first spark and boom lit up the sky, Emily squealed and jumped to her feet. “Look! Look!”
Nash watched the adorable toddler with bouncing blond curls. Her infectious laughter had everyone watching her reaction as opposed to the show in the sky.
“She is precious,” Lily said.
Cassie grinned. “Thanks. I was afraid the noise would scare her, but obviously not.”
With each colorful burst, Emily clapped or jumped up and down. Nash caught Tessa’s glance to Grant, a smile tugged at her lips and Grant’s hand came around to her stomach, as well.
Interesting. Looked as though they had their own announcement to make.
Yeah, he needed to finish revealing his identity sooner rather than later because he wanted to be part of this family with no lies hovering between them. If they would accept him after all was said and done. He also had to have a long talk with his mother. Lily wasn’t the only one who needed to share news about her pregnancy. Nash hadn’t wanted to tell his mom over the phone, either.
“I’m going to grab a bottle of water.” Lily came to her feet and looked down to him. “Want anything?”
A do-over? A chance to make this all right from the beginning? A lifetime to make it up to her?
“I’m good,” he told her. “I would’ve gotten your water for you.”
Lily laughed. “I’m perfectly capable of getting my own water.”
As she moved around him, he saw Tessa hop to her feet as well and head in Lily’s direction. Within seconds, Cassie and Linda followed.
Emily settled onto Ian’s lap and Damon turned toward the others. “Looks like our ladies have deserted us.”
The fireworks continued, the thunderous sound filling the warm night.
“I’d say Tessa is telling our news,” Grant replied with a wide grin.
“She told me this afternoon,” Damon said, his smile matching Grant’s.
Ian’s head bounced back and forth between the two men. “Well? Do I get to know what’s going on?”
“We’re having a baby, too,” Grant said.
Ian leaned over and slapped Grant on the shoulder. “That’s awesome, man. Congratulations.”
Nash nodded in agreement. “I’m happy for you guys.”
“I’m sure they’re all back there chatting about babies and pregnancies,” Damon said, leaning back on his hands. “Linda has treated my girls like her own since Rose passed. I’m sure she’s all over Tessa, asking about her eating habits and if she’s resting enough.”
“Oh, I’m making sure of it,” Grant supplied. He raked a hand through his hair and sighed. “But her emotions are all over the place.”
“Dude, they’re not going to settle down anytime soon,” Nash informed him. “Lily can go from crying to laughing in seconds.”
Ian smoothed Emily’s curls down, as they kept blowing in the wind. “Cassie has been wanting another baby,” he said. “I’m sure all this baby talk will only speed up the process. We’d discussed waiting another year.”
“My family is growing.” Damon beamed, glancing up when Linda came back and settled down next to him. “These are exciting times.”
“Indeed they are,” Linda said as she patted Damon’s leg.
Oh, yeah. Something was definitely going on there.
Cassie, Tessa and Lily came back and took their seats. Lily clutched her water bottle and leaned back against him.
Nash leaned over and patted Tessa on the arm. “Congrats on the baby.”
Tessa lit up, just like Lily did when they discussed their baby. “Thanks. I’m so excited.”
Chatter ensued as the fireworks came to an end. An hour later they were all still discussing babies, due dates, baby showers and growing families. Emily had long since fallen asleep in Ian’s arms and Nash felt a tug on his heart. He couldn’t wait to cradle his own child to sleep, to know that he was a comfort and security for someone.
