Page 245 of Labor of Love

“And the cramping?” Lothian squeezed Dante’s hand. “It was quick but very painful.”

“I would like you to stay off your feet for a while. Rest. If the cramping returns or increases, send for me immediately.” Agnes washed her hands again while Dante helped Lothian cover back up.

“I’ll see that he does, Agnes. Thank you.”

She waved Dante off and gave them both a smile. “Try to relax. Let your friend take care of you.”

Lothian nodded. “I will.”

Agnes left then, with a promise to return in a few days to check on Lothian and the babe. As soon as she was gone, Dante rounded on him.

“She was polite enough not to say anything, Lo, but I’m not.”

Lothian pulled the covers up to his chin. “What now?”

“You need to send for Ryland.”

Lothian stared at his friend, trying to come up with an argument against his plan. The truth was, though, he wanted Ryland near. Every morning he woke up and for a moment forgot the other male wasn’t beside him. He reached for him. He wished he was there right then. Would he come, after Lothian had told him off more than once?

“I don’t know, Dante.”

“Think about the baby. Agnes said it was best to have your alpha around between now and the birth as much as possible.”

Lothian sniffled. “He’s notmyalpha.”

Dante scoffed. “Only because you haven’t let him be.”

“I still don’t know anything about him.” Lothian picked at the embroidery on the blanket, unable to meet his friend’s gaze.

“That’s rubbish, Lo. You know plenty. He’s honorable and kind, hard-working, intelligent, caring. What more could you want to know?”

“About his life growing up, his family, what he wants from the future! Many things. We don’t even know if we’re compatible companions.” Lothian crossed his arms.

Dante sat in the chair beside the bed and smoothed his skirts around his legs. “More rubbish. If you weren’t so compatible with him, you wouldn’t be so scared. As for the rest,askhim. You’re not going to find out by ignoring his attempts to spend time with you.”

Lothian humphed. “I’m not scared.” He was terrified. He had felt the first stirrings of affection for Ryland during the small amount of time they’d spent together. If he was to be in his presence longer, he was sure he would fall for the noble knight.

His Ommie and Papa had loved each other to distraction, and look what had happened to them. Ommie died, and Papa couldn’t bear to live without him. The hurt he had felt waking up alone was bad enough. If he let himself love Ryland, and then lost him, he didn’t know if he would survive, either.

Dante leaned his elbows on his knees and met Lothian’s gaze. “I understand. You’ve been alone a long time. Letting someone new in is frightening. But Ryland is a good man, and he’s the father of your child. He at least deserves a chance.”

Lothian licked his lips. “I’m not alone. I have you.”

Dante sighed. “You are my dearest friend in all the world, but you know that’s not what I’m talking about. Stop being so stubborn.”

Lothian considered Dante’s words and knew he was right. His heart sped up at the prospect of reaching out to Ryland. What if the other man didn’t feel the same? Hehadleft, after all.

“Fine.” Lothian snuggled into the bed. “You may tell him to come by the house tomorrow afternoon. But I make no promises about getting along with him.”

Dante clapped. “Excellent.”

The next day, Ryland found him resting in the drawing room.

“Dante went to, um.” Ryland scanned the big room as if it could tell him something.

Lothian wondered what these walls would say if they could and was glad they were silent. He had spent too many nights crying over Ryland to want the alpha to know. Still feeling raw, he went on the defensive.

“You wanted to see me.”

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