“My ex was a nightmare. I took care of him for most of his early years. When he got older, some of the club women did it, and after that, well, I don’t really know what happened. Between you and Rebecca, I think it’s safe to say he pretty much raised himself. He’s doing a good job so far.”

“I feel so bad.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s struggling. Do you think I’m being selfish wanting to be this baby’s mother? I really want to be there for her.”

“Would you think it more selfish to give her up?”

“I don’t know.”

“I know Bishop’s my son, but you’ve got to do what you’re comfortable with. If you can’t handle this baby, then you can’t handle it, and I’ll take care of it. You can always count on me to be there for you.”

“Thank you.” She took his hand that wasn’t holding the last of his burrito. “You’ve been so kind to me.”

“Robin, you’re not a stranger to me. So, what have you been doing today?”

“I’ve been painting the nursery. Come and see.” She got to her feet and took her plate to the sink to wash it.

Preacher followed behind her, doing the same, and she waited until he finished, taking him by the hand, and leading him upstairs to their daughter’s bedroom.

“What do you think?” she asked.

She’d blended pink with the white and cream.

“It looks good. Bright.”

“I want it to be a happy room. You know, our girl to grow up surrounded by love and happiness.”

“You’ve thought a great deal about this.”

“I know you don’t want to show me, but how would you feel about drawing something on the wall? You know, for our little girl to see. She can see it when she wakes up and falls asleep.”

“You’ve never seen my artwork. You don’t even know if it’s any good.”

“Come on, it’s you, it has to be good.”

“And what makes you say that?”

“You wouldn’t have told me about it if you hadn’t been impressed.” He didn’t agree, and she put her hands together. “Please, please, let me see. It’s not for me, it’s for our little girl. Pretty please.”

“Fine. Fine. Just stop begging. Come on.”

She clapped her hands and followed him to his bedroom. He was rummaging around in the closet when she realized she sat on the very edge of his bed, and they were alone.

Don’t get any ideas.

It’s not worth even thinking about.

Robin was struck by a couple of dreams she’d been having lately. With Bishop spending more time at the club than in her bed, she was alone a great deal of the time, and her nights were confusing to her.