Page 43 of The Sinners Touch

Pregnant.

Marriage.

Peter snapped his fingers in front of Kade’s face, bringing him away from the brink of darkness. “No passing out. I mean this, Kade. You knocked my sister up, and you damn well will marry her.”

“But…”

“You said you loved her.”

“I do, but…”

“Then that’s the end of it. You’ll get married. I’ll call Father Joe when I leave. Two weeks should be enough time for you to get the marriage license.”

“Slow down, Peter.” Kade braved Peter’s ire. “You’re making plans for your sister. She might not want to marry me. Have you thought of that?”

Peter frowned then marched back the way they’d come. Kade stared at his retreating back, dismayed, but then took off after him. God help him, what kind of situation had he gotten himself into? His mother and grandmother would kill him.

“Angel, do you want to marry Kade?”

Peter’s harsh question hit his ears as he crossed the threshold into Angel’s room. Real smooth, Peter.

Her pale, bloodless face turned from Peter to Kade and back again. Her eyes hardened. “I don’t want to marry anyone because they feel forced into it, Peter.”

“He’s not being forced.” Peter crossed his arms. “Now, answer the question.”

“Peter, get the hell out. Your sister and I need to talk, and you’re not helping.” Kade pushed his way past Peter.

“No. I…”

“Out. Now.” Kade spread his legs, taking up his best fighting stance. “I’ll bring her home in a while.”

Peter’s lips thinned, but he nodded. He turned and walked out, his back ramrod stiff. Kade sighed and turned to face Angel.

“So, a baby, huh?”

She nodded and looked away.

He walked over and leaned into her good arm. “How far along are we?”

“About seven weeks.”

“The shower, then.” He supposed he should have known better, but he didn’t regret that afternoon at all.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought too.” She cleared her throat. “About Peter…”

“He’s just looking out for you.”

“I know, I…you don’t have to marry me, Kade,” she blurted. Her face flushed crimson, and she looked all of the nineteen years old she was in that moment. Young, vulnerable, and ashamed.

It was the last thing he wanted.

“You tell me what you want, Angel. Do you want the baby?”

“I…I was so scared when I found out, but…”

He grasped her chin and made her look at him. “Whatever you decide, Angel, I will support you. Do you want the baby?”

“Yes.” Her green eyes sparked defiance. “I know getting pregnant was never the plan, but…”

---