Playing in Shadow

by Lesley Davis

  Scarlet gasped. Then she kissed Bryce, pulled back to stare at her, then kissed her again just as soundly. “I love you too.”

  Bryce had never heard anything sound so sweet.

  “Excuse me. You two are aware you’re in the middle of a hospital waiting room, right?” Monica’s voice stopped Scarlet from drawing Bryce closer still. Bryce buried her face in Scarlet’s neck. So much for declaring her love at the right moment and in a more romantic setting.

  “She loves me,” Scarlet announced. Everyone in the room let out a cheer, a quiet one in deference for where they were. She settled back in her chair a little more appropriately, tugging Bryce closer to her. “We’ll talk more about this later, away from prying eyes.” She shot Monica a meaningful stare.

  Elton just waved them on. “Please, continue. I think we’re going to be here a while. I’ll take whatever entertainment I can get.” He looked mournfully over to where Kayleigh sat. “Wish I’d thought to carry my 3DS today. I could have challenged Kayleigh to Super Smash Brothers.”

  Bryce felt Scarlet’s fingers tangling in her hair. She gently rubbed at Bryce’s scalp, easing away some of her embarrassment and sending delicious shivers down her spine.

  “I like you better without the hat,” Scarlet whispered against her temple, pressing a soft kiss there.

  “If you keep doing that I won’t ever put it back on,” Bryce said.

  “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

  *

  It was another hour later, at 9:50 p.m. when Trent finally came through the doors with the biggest grin on her face Bryce had ever seen.

  Everyone shot to their feet.

  “Well?” Elton demanded.

  “Juliet gave birth to a healthy baby girl half an hour ago,” she announced.

  Elton pounced on her. He hugged her tightly and lifted her off the ground in his joy. “Hey, Mama!” He let her go after a big kiss and another hug so she could be hugged by her tearful in-laws and a very excited Kayleigh.

  “Can I see her?” Kayleigh asked, hanging off Trent’s side.

  “You can. I’m taking you and your parents back in with me so you get to meet her first and then everyone else can come in. It’s a two at a time rule, but we’re sneaking you in ninja style, squirt.” Trent hugged Kayleigh to her.

  Trent received her hug from Monica and Scarlet. Then she came to Bryce.

  Bryce looked up at the serious face that regarded her.

  “If you hadn’t have driven them here, things might not have turned out so good. The baby had somehow turned into the wrong position, which is why Juliet was hurting so much. The doctors needed to get the baby back on track as soon as possible, and you gave them that time.” Trent reached out and took Bryce’s face gently in her large hands and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I can’t ever thank you enough for getting both of my girls here safely.” She released Bryce, and Bryce saw tears glistening in Trent’s eyes.

  Trent leaned forward slightly, the conversation for them alone. “I’ve had my own share of nightmares and fears, Bryce. Thank you for forcing yours aside and getting in that car for them.” Trent held a hand out. Bryce took it and felt the tremors between them but couldn’t say who was shaking the most. “I won’t forget what you did. After Uncle Elton and Aunt Monica have seen their new niece, I’ll come get you and Scarlet. I know Juliet wants to see you. She’s been worrying about you.”

  Bryce laughed softly, wondering why she wasn’t in the least bit surprised. “She had much more important things to be thinking about.”

  Trent held up her hand. It looked swollen and red. “Well, in between her crushing my hand in a lethal death grip.” She shot a look over her shoulder at Elton’s loud intake of breath. “Don’t worry. I can still game. In between that and the birth and whatever else has been going on, she was worried about you so you need to come see her and put her mind at rest.”

  Bryce nodded, knowing she was blushing under Trent’s undivided attention.

  Trent rubbed her hands together excitedly. “Okay, grandparents and Aunty Kayleigh. If you’d care to follow me, you have a gorgeous new family member to wrestle out of her mommy’s arms to cuddle.” She led them out, Kayleigh dancing excitedly around her like a pup.

  Scarlet wrapped her arms around Bryce’s waist. “You’ve just gotten yourself a friend for life. And you know Juliet thinks you’re awesome anyway.” She squeezed her gently. “Welcome to the gamers, gardeners, and Goths gang, Bryce. You’re going to fit right in.”

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Trent listened to the tiny grunts and snuffles the baby in her arms was making. Elton had his chin resting on her shoulder as he peered down at the little girl.

  “Oh my God, she’s beautiful,” he breathed, reaching out with a finger to touch her tiny little hand and gasping when his finger was grasped. “Ooooh,” he sighed. “Gimme that baby right this second.”

  Trent settled her in his arms and Elton rocked her gently. Trent just grinned as he sniffed loudly. Elton really was a gentle giant.

  Monica sat on the hospital bed next to Juliet who, to Trent’s eyes, looked radiant even after all she’d been through.

  “Don’t you dare start getting broody, Elton Simons,” Monica said, narrowing her eyes at him as he made cooing noises at the child in his arms.

  “But she’s so pretty,” Elton said. “And look, she has fuzzy ducky hair.”

  “She’s got Juliet’s blond hair at the moment.” Trent gently smoothed the decidedly wispy hair down. “And her gorgeous blue eyes, and even her chin. She’s a mini-Jule.”

  Monica already had a hold of the baby and was cuddling into Juliet. “So, really, how are you feeling?”

  “Achy, exhausted, and a little freaked by what could have happened. The baby was in the right position up until my water broke. The doctor tried to get her turned around, but she kept flipping back. They nearly had to perform an emergency C-section. Thankfully, they did the delivery with forceps instead. But none of that matters now. I am so happy I can’t even begin to explain it. And look at that face.” She pointed at Trent who smiled right back at her. “It was worth every excruciating pain to see Trent that happy.”

  Elton reluctantly released the baby back to Trent. She cuddled her close, kissing her forehead gently and checking and rechecking ten tiny fingers, ten tiny toes. The baby was in a little white onesie, artfully decorated with little yellow ducklings. She yawned and stretched in Trent’s hold. Trent couldn’t tear her eyes away; she didn’t want to miss a second.

  “So, I’m guessing that, seeing as you had her naturally, she won’t be keeping the name Newt?” Monica hinted not so subtly.

  Juliet laughed. “No. No matter how much Trent really hoped she’d get to keep that up.”

  Trent just cradled the sleeping baby and smiled. She already knew the baby’s name. She’d been thrilled when Juliet had agreed to it, and they’d kept it to themselves ever since. She nodded to Juliet to do the revealing.

  “Well, you know her middle name had to be Quinn to follow the Sullivan family tradition.” Juliet looked at Monica who nodded.

  Elton, however, stared directly at Trent with widening eyes. “Dude,” he said under his breath. “Oh no, you didn’t?” He whipped his head back to listen to Juliet again.

  “So we decided on Harley,” Juliet said proudly.

  Elton and Monica both stared at Trent. Elton in awe, Monica much more suspiciously.

  “Juliet, you do know…” Monica began, but Juliet just nodded.

  “Yes, I know exactly where Trent got the name from, but it’s perfect for our daughter. She’s our little Harley Quinn Sullivan-Williams.”

  Elton bowed his head at Trent. “You are the undisputed master.”

  Trent held the baby up. Harley blinked sleepily at her mama’s voice. “Harley, say hi to your godparents.”

  Monica squealed at the surprise and hugged Juliet. Elton wrapped his arm around Trent’s shoulder and planted a kiss on the top of her head in t
hanks. He looked down at Harley seriously.

  “Harley, just so you know, your mama is probably going to say you can’t date any boy or girl until you’re thirty. As your newly appointed godparent, I’m here to say you’ll be at least sixty and I’m holding power of veto if it’s felt they are still not good enough for you.” He kissed her chubby cheek sweetly. “FYI.”

  Juliet chuckled and beckoned Trent over to her. “Monica, go get Scarlet and Bryce in here. Scarlet always has that camera of hers with her. I want some pictures of me with both my girls before I succumb to sleep.”

  Monica left with a kiss to Juliet’s cheek, and Elton followed her with promises they’d pop back in once everyone had left.

  Left alone for a while, Trent transferred the baby into Juliet’s arms. The baby yawned and squeaked. Trent felt her heart melt.

  “Thank you.” She brushed her lips over Juliet’s temple.

  “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” Juliet traced Harley’s soft cheeks and watched as her little lips pursed.

  “She’ll need feeding again soon,” Trent said. “And that’s your gig.” She had decided that there was nothing more beautiful than seeing Juliet with Harley snuggled by her breast.

  “Hey, Harley. Your mommies love you so much,” Juliet said and tucked herself deeper into Trent’s side. She rested her head on Trent’s chest. “How’s your hand, babe?”

  “Still game worthy, no thanks to you, Crusher!” Trent said. “Who knew you had such a strong grip.”

  “All the better to hold on to you with.”

  “Sweetheart, you’ve had me in the palm of your hand from the first moment we met.”

  “And Harley will have you wrapped around each one of her tiny fingers.” Juliet nudged a little hand, and Harley closed her fingers around Juliet’s.

  “Like mother like daughter,” Trent said. Her heart was so full of joy and happiness and love she could barely contain it. “Thank you for making my family complete.”

  “Our own little family.” Juliet leaned back in Trent’s arms and kissed her tenderly then kissed the baby’s head. Harley cooed then opened her eyes to their stares.

  Trent felt her heart expand so much she wondered if her chest could hold it in. Little blue eyes searched for her as Trent called her name softly. God help me, she’s every inch her mother’s child.

  Juliet chuckled softly. “You are seriously screwed, Mama Bear.”

  Trent sighed. “Happily.”

  *

  Three weeks after Harley was born, Elton threw a party to welcome her into the extended family. It promised to be a lively occasion that ran all day. Family and friends were all invited and a barbeque had been promised.

  Scarlet finished putting on her earrings and checked herself one last time in the mirror. Casual attire had been the order of the day. Monica’s explanation still made Scarlet smile.

  “That’s because it will all start out normal enough, but you’re getting a gathering predominantly of gamers. Sooner or later, someone will break out the Wii remotes and everyone will be playing baseball. There’s no point getting your Goth on around geeks.”

  Scarlet had chosen black jeans with her usual band T-shirt to complement. She was searching for her shoes when Bryce walked by.

  “I’ll drive us if that’s okay?” Bryce said as she finished buttoning up a pale blue shirt over faded blue jeans.

  Scarlet didn’t hesitate; she simply selected a different pair of shoes. “Great, that means I can go for the higher heels.” She caught Bryce’s grin as she slipped into the lethal looking spikes. Scarlet had learned not to comment when Bryce worked up the courage to get in a car voluntarily. A great deal of the time, Bryce still bused it to and from places. When she did make the decision, she preferred driving over being a passenger. Scarlet soon realized that as long as she kept up a running commentary while Bryce drove and the car was never left silent, Bryce was managing to cope. It explained the drive to the hospital with Juliet. There had been constant chattering, and Scarlet had never taken her hand off Bryce. It wasn’t very often Bryce offered to drive, and after a night fraught with nightmares, she was often set back again but at least she was trying. Scarlet couldn’t have been prouder of her.

  *

  People took up space in every inch of Elton’s home. Most had spilled out into the garden and were congregating around the barbeque pit where Zoe’s father had taken roost. When Scarlet and Bryce arrived just after eleven a.m., Scarlet had to squeeze past the loiterers in the hallway already drinking beer. She pushed her way into the living room. Head and shoulders above everyone else, Elton saw her and waved them over to where Juliet sat cradling Harley. Scarlet made a beeline for her. Holding tight to Bryce’s hand, she tugged her along with her.

  “Hey, you two,” Juliet greeted them, accepting kisses with her usual sunny smile.

  Scarlet’s eyes fell on Harley. “Oh my God, she’s already grown more.”

  Juliet shifted Harley in her arms. Harley blinked at them all and sucked on her thumb.

  “She found her thumb today. It’s her new favorite thing.” Trent came up behind them and hip-checked Elton out of the way. She set a plate of food down beside Juliet. She then gave Scarlet a hopeful look.

  Scarlet grinned at her and waved her camera bag. “Like I’d miss documenting this event.”

  Trent smiled and grabbed a handful of chips from the plate. “Elton, the natives are getting restless. Time to pick your team.”

  “Told you it would become a game-fest,” Monica grumbled from Juliet’s side. She was absently playing with Harley’s feet and pulling faces at her.

  “Let them play,” Juliet said. “I’m done being the center of attention. No one will stand a chance once Harley’s other grandma is here. Mama Simons dotes on this little girl like she’s her own.”

  “That’s because she adopted Trent years ago,” Elton said off-handedly. “And thank goodness, because little Harley here has stopped her from looking at me with hopeful eyes for a while.”

  “Besides, I want to see Bryce play.” Juliet favored Bryce with a look, and Scarlet was sure she heard a groan escape under Bryce’s breath.

  Kayleigh suddenly appeared by Scarlet’s side, making her jump. “Yes, Bryce, you’re coming on our team. We’re starting with Wii Sports.” She tugged on Bryce’s arm. “It’s been proven that playing games helps in the rehabilitation of injuries.”

  Scarlet looked down at her. Kayleigh’s smile was infectious.

  “Trent says hospitals and care homes use them on people recovering after operations and stuff.” Kayleigh pulled Bryce forward. “Your shoulder counts so you can come play. Come on!” The look she wore made Bryce groan even louder. She glared at Juliet.

  “How can I possibly stand a chance when there are two of you with that look?”

  Juliet just held Harley up. “Wait until she puts it into practice. Trent’s already a goner, and this little one hasn’t come into her full powers yet.” Juliet laughed as Bryce sighed and let herself be led away by an excited Kayleigh.

  Bryce just managed to plant a swift kiss on Scarlet’s lips as she was pulled past. Scarlet watched after them and caught sight of her father standing off to the side. She hadn’t seen him in weeks. She decided to bite the bullet so she excused herself a minute to go talk to him.

  Her father stood in front of the painting of Monica that was hung over the fireplace in Elton’s home.

  “Hey, Dad.” Scarlet had to stop herself from slipping her arm through his and resting her head on his shoulder like she usually would greet him. He didn’t take his eyes off the painting.

  “You painted this, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “It’s captivating. She’s so beautiful and you caught it all.” He turned to face her. “Just slap me the next time I suggest you take over the business.” He gestured back to the painting. “This is what you should be doing. It’s magnificent. Your mother would have been so proud of you. You’ve got her talent and m
ore besides.”

  Warmed by his praise, Scarlet stayed silent for a moment.

  He nudged her. “Just so you know, I gave Juliet some paperwork to look over for when she’s off maternity leave.”

  “You bothering a new mom now?”

  “No, I’m just getting a foot in the door with a very knowledgeable businesswoman who thinks my company might be a viable asset for her to manage one day. So when the time comes for my daughter to take control of it she’ll have someone she trusts to run it in her name. That way, she can continue to forge her own path in life and continue to paint wonderful things like this.”

  “But you’re not handing the business over for a long time yet,” Scarlet said, astonished that her dad had agreed with what she and Juliet had been working out between them. Juliet was much more suited to do the job than Scarlet could ever be. Juliet had said that once Harley was in school she’d be interested in taking on more work. Tweedy Construction was a lot more work, and Scarlet knew Juliet would be the perfect woman for the role.

  “I’ve missed you,” he said softly. “Can you forgive me for trying to hold on to you too tightly?”

  Scarlet slipped her hand into his and squeezed. “I already have.”

  “So, what’s happening now? Have you found somewhere to utilize your obvious talents?”

  Scarlet smiled at the unhidden pride in his voice. “I have a follow-up interview for a job at the new portrait studio opening here in a month. I met with its boss yesterday and he’s very eager to take me on. They want to utilize all my talents so they’ll be promoting both my photography and my painting. It’s going to be perfect for me.” Scarlet was so thankful she’d visited the photography exhibition that had been the catalyst for her leaving Tweedy Contractors. The contacts she’d made there had led to her being offered a job all but right on her doorstep.

  “And what does Bryce think about all this? Seeing as you two are apparently an item now.” He cocked his head over to where Bryce was watching a game being played.