LITMIR.BIZ

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to grow up to be a sneaky politician making backroom deals,” Lou predicted.

      Wade chuckled. “Or a smart lawyer like her mama,” he suggested. “A weaker man would have brought her a kitten first thing tomorrow, but I know how she operates. I’ve also heard the no-pet rule about a thousand times with the older kids.”

      Lou sank down on the edge of the sofa and for an instant he could see the exhaustion on her face. He frowned and scooted closer, then handed the baby over to his sister. He gave her a sideways glance as she instinctively rubbed her knuckles over Jason’s soft-as-silk cheek and seemed to relax.

      “You okay, sis?”

      “Just trying to juggle too many balls in the air. What was I thinking having all these kids and trying to have a career, too?”

      “You were thinking what an incredible mom you’d be, what fabulous children you and Zack would have and that you’d always have backup from me.”

      She managed a weary smile at that. “You are a godsend,” she agreed. “Having you here for a couple of hours when I first get home from the office really helps me to hang on to my sanity. The kids adore you and I have some breathing room to get civilized before Zack walks in the door. Believe me, my husband appreciates that.”

      “Hanging out with your kids works for me, too,” Wade said quietly. “Especially now.”

      Lou reached over and gave his shoulder a squeeze. “You’re so blasted cheerful and easygoing ninety-nine percent of the time, sometimes I forget that your life hasn’t exactly been a bed of roses the past couple of years.”

      “Don’t go there,” he pleaded. “Talking about Kayla and the baby... I’m just not up for it.”

      “It’s been two years,” Lou said quietly, ignoring his plea. “I know losing your wife and your baby tore you up, Wade, but you’ve never talked about it. Bottling up all that pain can’t be good.”

      He gave her a wry look. “I come by it naturally. Johnsons don’t talk about their feelings. Isn’t that the lesson we learned from Dad? After Mom left, he never mentioned her again. We weren’t supposed to, either.”

      “And we both know how that ate him alive,” Lou said. “I won’t let you follow in his footsteps. If you don’t want to talk to me, then talk to someone else.”

      “A professional? Not likely.”

      “Do you plan to hold on to the pain for the rest of your life, never go on another date, never marry and have children?” she demanded. “That would be a crying shame. You’re meant to be a dad, Wade. Ask any of my kids. They’ll give you testimonials. Well, except for Jason here, but I’m sure he’ll be on board as soon as he can talk.” She smiled at the baby, who’d wound his fist in a strand of her hair. “Won’t you, buddy?”

      Wade smiled at that. Seven-month-old Jason had come as an unexpected blessing, though with two older brothers and two older sisters, his arrival had been the last straw for Louise, who’d sent her husband off for a vasectomy and had her own tubes tied for good measure.

      “Save the pep talk, sis. My life’s okay these days. I’m not living like a monk.”

      Lou’s expression immediately brightened. “Really? Do tell.”

      What could he say? That he’d finally met a woman who’d caught his attention? That she hadn’t really given him the time of day? That she lived clear over in Raleigh and hadn’t been to Sand Castle Bay in weeks? That his only contact was through her meddling grandmother’s reports? Yeah, like that would reassure his sister.

      “I’ll fill you in when there’s something to tell,” he said eventually. He stood. “Now, I think I’ll take off.”

      Lou regarded him with surprise. “You’re not staying for dinner?”

      “Not tonight. I’ve been working on a new carving. I’d like to get back to it.”

      “And you can’t put that off for an hour to have some spaghetti with your family?” she inquired skeptically. “You’re not fooling me, Wade Johnson. You’re trying to get away from my prying.”

      He smiled. “Then let that be a lesson to you,” he advised. “Stop prying.”

      She stood and wrapped her arms around him. “Never. You’re my brother and I love you. It’s my job to worry about you and pester you and make sure you’re happy.”

      “I’m happy enough,” he assured her. “Stop worrying.”

      As he drove away, he spotted his brother-in-law pulling into the parking spot he’d just vacated and gave Zack a wave. Lucky son of a gun, he thought. He wondered if Zack knew what a blessing that family of his was and how much Wade envied him.

      But despite this attraction he’d felt toward Gabriella Castle, he wondered if he’d ever have the courage to risk the kind of pain he’d been through with his first marriage. Could a man even survive that kind of loss more than once in his life?

      * * *

      Since it was midday when Gabi arrived on the coast, she drove straight to Castle’s by the Sea. She knew that’s where she’d find her grandmother and, more than likely, Emily, who bit by bit was transforming the restaurant’s decor. Her efforts were progressing at a snail’s pace because their grandmother was resistant to change and because Emily was spending more and more time back in Los Angeles on a project near and dear to her heart.

      It was close to two when Gabi arrived. Since Castle’s served only breakfast and lunch, the crowd had already thinned out, and the door had been locked to keep new customers from entering after closing. Gabi walked around to the side deck, then slipped into the kitchen.

      As she’d expected, her sister was tucked in the tiny office with fabric samples. Gabi poked her head in. “Any luck on selling the idea of new upholstery for the booths?” she asked.

      A frustrated look spread across Emily’s face for just an instant, but then she was on her feet, enveloping Gabi in a hug. “A baby? How exciting!”

      Gabi blinked. “You know already?”

      “Samantha filled us in when she called last night. She thought it might be easier if you didn’t have to break the news yourself.”

      “Really?” Gabi said doubtfully. “Or was she trying to line up you and Cora Jane to be on her side?”

      “I didn’t know there were sides,” Emily said, her expression a pitiful attempt at innocence. Samantha the actress could have pulled it off, but Emily failed miserably.

      “I’m considering putting the baby up for adoption. Samantha disapproves. Does that ring any bells?”

      “She might have mentioned it,” Emily said. “But let’s not get into that now. I’m just so glad you’re here. Boone and I have news.”

      “You’ve finally set a wedding date,” Gabi guessed, knowing that had been the hot topic since before Christmas.

      Emily nodded happily. “June 2. Surprisingly, I suddenly realized that I want a traditional June wedding.” She shrugged. “Or maybe that’s what Grandmother really wants. Anyway, that’s the date. I think you and Samantha will look stunning in pastel dresses. I took that into consideration, too.”

      “You do realize I’ll be very, very pregnant by then. Are you sure the aisle will be wide enough for me?”

      “We’ll take out the pews on one side if it’s not. I’ll talk to Wade about it.”

      Gabi’s gaze narrowed at the second deliberate mention of his name in two days. “Wade?”

      “He is a master carpenter, after all,” Emily said blithely. “He pops in from time to time, looking for you, I think. Grandmother thinks so, too.”

      Gabi shook her head as she rested a hand on her very visible

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