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"I wasn't counting,” Soren grumbled.

"I was,” Luca mumbled under his breath.

Soren shot him a look, and Luca only laughed.

"I've seen you walk into gunfights without blinking."

Soren folded his arms over his chest. "I preferred the gunfights."

The door opened, and Maria stepped into the hallway with a smile so wide it reached her eyes.

"Well?" Soren asked.

She laughed softly. "You can stop pacing."

His heart pounded. "Lily?"

"She's fine,” Maria insisted.

He released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"And?" he asked.

Maria stepped aside. "Go ask your wife."

Soren didn't wait for another invitation; he rushed into the room to find Lily.

The conservatory had become Lily's sanctuary. The room overflowed with sunlight, blooming orchids, half-finished canvases, and the scent of fresh paint. She stood near the largest window with her back to him. One hand rested on her stomach.

She turned as he entered, and the smile she gave him still had the power to stop his heart. "Hey."

His eyes immediately searched her face. "You scared me."

"I know." She laughed softly. "I didn't mean to."

He crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her. "Never do that again."

"I'll try not to,” she promised.

"You'd better."

She leaned into him, smiling against his chest. "I have something for you."

Soren looked down. "I assumed that's why Maria locked me out."

"She can be very bossy,” Lily agreed.

"She's learning it from Luca."

Lily laughed. "No, I think they both learned it from you."

Soren raised an eyebrow. "I have never been bossy."

She stared at him and then burst into laughter. Eventually she managed to catch her breath.

"I'm not even going to argue,” he grumbled.

"Smart decision,” she said. Lily rolled her eyes affectionately before reaching for a large canvas hidden beneath a linen sheet. "I finished it,” she breathed.