Page 46 of His Surrender

Instead of continuing with whatever she was doing, she sets everything back on the counter.

A minute later, the couch cushions sink beside me.

“You’ve been staring out that window for at least ten minutes.”

I let out a huff of amusement. “Have I?”

“Mmhmm.” She tucks one leg beneath herself, angling toward me. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

She gives me a look. “The ‘nothing’ that made you forget the city’s out there?”

I glance back toward the windows. “I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”

“I figured.”

Silence settles between us. Not uncomfortable or anything. More patient.

Aubrey has a way of letting silence exist without trying to fill it.

Finally, she bumps my shoulder lightly with hers. “I’ve discovered something about you.”

“Oh?”

“When you don’t want to talk, you suddenly become fascinated by the skyline.”

A reluctant smile tugs at my mouth. “I never noticed.”

“I have.”

She folds her arms across her knees. “So …” She waits. “I’m not moving until you tell me.”

I laugh under my breath. “Is that right?”

“I’m very stubborn.”

“I can see that.”

Another quiet moment passes before I finally exhale. “Sawyer is inviting all of our friends over tomorrow night.”

She nods. “To meet Liana. That sounds nice.”

“It does.”

“But?”

I rub my palms together, searching for the right words. “I’m nervous.”

Her expression softens. “Because they’ll ask questions?”

I shake my head. “I can handle questions.”

“What then?”

I look toward the swing, where Liana sleeps peacefully, one tiny fist resting beside her cheek.

“I don’t want anyone looking at her differently.” Aubrey doesn’t interrupt. “I don’t want people feeling sorry for her.”