“I want to do more,” she told Greg, not voicing her words because she was afraid she’d cry if she tried. Do more for the boys, more for Diesel. More for me.

Greg tucked her hair behind her ear, the gesture so grown-up that she blinked. “I know,” he signed. “But while they’re here, they’ll be happy. And when they leave they’ll remember you as the lady who kept them safe.”

“You grew up when I wasn’t looking.” She forced a smile. “Deacon’s done a good job raising you.”

Greg frowned, then a sad understanding crept into his expression. “Dani, you raised me. Not Deacon. He was off having a career. You kept me safe all those years with Jim and Tammy. You’re the one who missed your senior prom because I had an ear infection. You’re the one who came home every night you were in college instead of partying like the other kids. You read me stories and made sure I learned to read, too. You’re the one who checked my homework and made sure my hearing aids worked. You’re the one who went to bat for me every time I messed up. That was you.” He swallowed hard. “If I turn out good, it’s because of you.”

The sob rose in Dani’s throat and she couldn’t fight it back. There, in front of everyone, she broke down, leaning into Greg’s shoulder and crying like a child. Slowly, his arms rose to close around her and awkwardly he patted her back.

Another loud sob broke behind her. “What did he say?” Scarlett demanded tearfully from the sofa. “What did he say to make her cry like that?”

“I don’t know,” Faith said, sounding bewildered. “They were going too fast for me to follow.”

“Uh, Scar?” Kate asked carefully. “Why are you crying if you don’t know what they said?”

“I don’t know!” Scarlett wailed, sniffling loudly. “Damn pregnancy hormones.”

“Pregnancy hormones?” Faith echoed. “Oh my God. Scarlett!”

Pregnancy hormones? Grateful for the distraction, Dani pulled from Greg’s arms and patted his cheek. “Sorry,” she signed, then pointed over her shoulder where Scarlett was getting hugs, which started all the dogs barking again. “Seems like Scarlett just told everyone she’s pregnant.”

A slow grin spread over Greg’s face. “Cool.” Then he sobered. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I think I am.” I hope I am.

And she hoped she could make Diesel understand why she kept him at arm’s length. Her fear of being left alone being only one reason. Because there were a lot of other issues. Her status being the most obvious one.