He hadn’t said that he loved her, she noticed, or that he would adopt Lulu. But recollections of his past kindness, of the way he had propped up her orphan psyche, of his patience with Jenna, ran through her head. He would soften.

When she didn’t reply, he said, “We can pretend this is another baby. Who will know the difference?”

We. Yes! He was already figuring out a way to make it possible. He had been reluctant and afraid of babies, but so were many men. She remembered the recent moments of fear when she was certain she’d have to tackle life on her own. That was over. Wade would continue to be her protector. She curled up next to Lulu, resting her head in the crook of her own elbow.

“You look pale. Have some fruit.” Wade peeled the top half of a banana and handed it to Nola. To her surprise, he passed his hand over Lulu’s chest. “She’s tiny.”

Nola sat up and fluffed two pillows to support her back and ate the banana while giving herself to the moment. They could be a family if she allowed it.

Wade sat down on the bed. “We’re going through a rough time. A marriage is like a river. When the water is low, you can see the debris at the bottom. Let the water rise again, okay? I’ll do my best, too.”

“May I use these lines?” She was no longer angry with him, only very tired.

“They’re yours, with all my love.”

“From now on, I want you to run everything by me.”

“Everything?” His breath smelled of mint. “I haven’t kept anything secret from you, but I always shielded you from the tension. There’re so many details that can drive you bonkers: a major record distributor goes bust and we lose millions in money owed us, or a silly staffer lets herself be seduced by a bodyguard, then slaps him and us with a sexual harassment suit. I never bother you with any of it. Why would I? So you, too, can get aggravated and dissipate that God-given gift of yours?”

“I don’t want to be treated like a child.”

“There is only one of you, and you can only do what you do best when you stay focused. I concentrate on what I do best and protect your energy. We’ve both been equally proficient in this partnership.”

“Maybe not all details are in the no-need-to-know category.” His tone was soft. “I’ve made countless deals these past fifteen years. That’s what good managers do; they’re the bad cops so clients can be the good guys.”

Marriages were made-to-order, she thought, yet they came with too many options and no manual. She slid down again and punched the pillow into a neck roll. She touched Lulu's cheek, then closed her eyes.