“Hey. I … erm … I don’t want to sleep alone. I know I have no right to ask you to let me hold you, but I really want to.”

“Bishop, I don’t want to argue with you, but I’m still pregnant and you’ve hated being near me.”

“I know.”

“Are you sure you can handle it?”

“I can handle it. This baby, it’s part of you, and whatever is part of you, I can handle.”

“Are you sure?” she asked.

There she goes, always caring about you. Always being considerate to your delicate sensibilities. What do you say in return? Oh, that’s right, you screw other women.

“I’m sure.” He stepped into the bedroom, closing the door behind him.

He knew his father had been spending a great deal of time with her, and not for the first time, he wondered if there was something going on.

Maybe there had been something going on from the very beginning and this whole Milly drugging thing was a smokescreen.

He shook his head.

No, he didn’t believe that.

Robin would never do anything like that.

He climbed into the bed, and she stayed perfectly still.

“I’m not going to hurt you.”

“I’m not worried about me or my baby, Bishop. I don’t want you to be upset.”

He rolled closer and lifted his hand. He hesitated to touch her stomach, but knew he had to do this. Putting his palm flat against her stomach, he smiled at her.

“See, no big deal.”

“No big deal,” she said.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“Being pregnant?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s new. It’s scary. Exciting. I’ve missed you though. I know this has been hard for you to deal with.”

“But you’re my best friend. I promised to be there for you, and I’ve been doing my own thing.”

“I don’t mind, Bishop, really, I don’t.”

“I mind. I want to be there for you, always, and I messed up.”

She touched his cheek. “You will always be my best friend.”

“It’s not too late for us?” He leaned in close and brushed his lips across hers.

She didn’t kiss him back, and when he pulled away, he saw there were tears in her eyes. “Have I missed my chance?”

“What? No, of course not. I’m just … I missed you, and I’m not wanting to ruin the moment.”

“You can’t ruin anything, Robin. I love you, and I vow to you, I will be different. I promise.”

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

With Preacher gone, Bishop was way more attentive than Robin could ever remember him being.