Page 32 of Storm's Mistake

Adele laughed. “Giving life, sharing your life with another. I’ve always wanted to have kids.”

“You’ll make a great mother.”

Adele pulled her hand away but there was a sadness in her eyes. “What about you and Shadow, how are things with the two of you?”

“They’re good.”

“But?”

“They’re good.”

“Come on, Lisa, you must have more to say than that.”

“They’re really good?” Lisa asked.

Adele laughed. “Okay, so that tells me they’re anything but good.”

“I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“What are you feeling?” Adele asked. “I don’t want you to tell me anything you don’t mean.”

Lisa opened her mouth and closed it. “We’re doing good.”

“Good?”

She nodded her head and nibbled her lip.

“You can’t forgive him?” Adele asked.

“It’s not that—”

“Then what is it?” Adele asked.

Lisa put her hand on her stomach, and let out a sigh. “It’s … I don’t know what it is.”

“Sure you do.”

“I may be having a son or daughter,” Lisa said.

“It’s a fifty-fifty chance.”

She chuckled. “If I forgive him and forget, does that make me a doormat? I don’t want my daughter growing up believing that I am, and that she is to be the same. What if a guy was to hurt her? I mean, I love Shadow, I do, I still do, but what I heard that day tore out my heart. I had never felt so … lost. If it’s a boy, then I don’t want him to ever treat a woman that way. I want him to always treat her with love and respect.”

“Have you ever thought that Shadow does regret what he did?” Adele said.

“I guess.”

“Maybe it is time for you two to talk about it. I get your concerns, and I know they are completely justified, and I’m right there with you.”

“But?” Lisa asked.

“But, do you think it is good for either boy or girl to grow up with parents that have a little disdain, distrust, and sadness surrounding them?”

****

Shadow stepped away from the door without making a sound. He’d snuck up on Lisa and Adele, and he was surprised to find the other woman defending him. Well, technically, not defending him, but she was giving him a chance.

Doormat. He didn’t see Lisa as a doormat. He loved her, damn it.