Forged in Steele (KGI #7)(82)

He was dark. Dark eyes, dark hair, dark expression. Very somber. While Skylar was a lot lighter. Blond-haired, blue-eyed with paler skin that looked only barely kissed by the sun. And she had a lot of blond hair. It looked to be naturally curly but not too kinky. It fell in soft waves and layers over her shoulders and down her back.

The two introduced themselves and informed Maren that they’d heard a lot about her. She was immediately at ease with Skylar but wasn’t sure about Edge until he very gently took her hand and then leaned in to kiss one cheek and then the other in greeting. For some reason, the gesture moved her and emotion knotted her throat.

Rio and Grace were the last to offer their congratulations and hugs, and by the time they made it to where Maren and Steele stood, she was sagging from standing so long and smiling and talking to people.

“Thanks again for facilitating my return to civilization, Rio,” Maren said after he and Grace had given her hugs.

Rio smiled, his arm looped around Grace’s waist. “You’re welcome, Doc. Anytime. You’ve saved our asses enough times.”

“Maren, you haven’t met Elizabeth yet.” Grace turned and motioned to the girl who was now sitting next to Rusty, staring down and smiling at one of the babies. “Elizabeth, I want you to meet Dr. Scofield, honey. Come see.”

“I’ve heard so much about her,” Maren said softly. “I hope she’s doing okay now.”

Rio’s gaze followed his adopted daughter all the way over, and Maren could see the fierce protective light in his eyes as well as the warmth and love for both his daughter and his wife.

Soon this would all be hers too. She’d watched Sam and Sophie with Charlotte. Now Ethan and Rachel with the babies. And finally Rio and Grace with Elizabeth. It was beautiful to see the love that shone like a beacon in their every look and touch. She craved the same.

Her hand went to her belly and then Steele’s hand crept over hers, giving it a little squeeze as if to tell her he understood the direction of her thoughts.

“She’s doing wonderfully,” Grace said, a note of pride in her voice. “She’s had some bad days, don’t get me wrong. But Rio and I love her and she loves us. Honey, this is Dr. Scofield, a very good friend of ours.”

Elizabeth smiled shyly at Maren and extended her hand. Maren took it, smiling back at the girl.

“I’m very happy to meet you, Elizabeth.”

“Thank you. I’m pleased to meet you too.”

“Congratulations, man,” Rio said in a sincere voice. “Maren is a terrific woman. You’re lucky to have her.”

Maren’s face immediately flamed at the assumption Rio had made. He acted as though Maren and Steele were a slam-dunk. A thing. An item. Practically married.

She sneaked a peek up at Steele to gauge his reaction, but all he did was tighten his grasp around her waist, anchoring her more firmly underneath his shoulder, and then he said, “I am very lucky. I was afraid I’d never get her back. You can be certain I’m not letting her out of my sight again.”

She had no doubt he did it for her. He didn’t at all look comfortable with saying what he’d said. But he also sounded sincere. Uncomfortable but sincere. Her heart melted a little more over the idea that he gave her what he thought she needed when he’d rather cut out his tongue than talk about anything remotely personal in front of others.

Sophie leaned in, putting her hand on Maren’s arm. “We women are going to steal Maren for a bit, Steele. I’ll have her back before we eat.”

Steele reluctantly lowered his arm, freeing her from his hold. He let his hand slide down her arm until it got to her hand. He caught it and squeezed a moment before letting her completely loose.

She sent him a smile she hoped contained all the love that she’d witnessed in his gaze earlier. And judging by the way he looked at her now, she must have been successful.

CHAPTER 31

“WHAT’S between you and Maren?” Sam asked bluntly.

Steele turned toward Sam’s voice, his brows furrowed at the forcefulness of Sam’s question. Then he gazed around to see if others were close enough to hear. He and Sam were off the deck, down the steps and on the lesser patio that was between the dock and the main deck, where the others were still eating and talking.

“I think it’s obvious what’s between us,” Steele said in a dry voice.

Sam pursed his lips and glanced up to where Maren was surrounded by the Kelly women, laughing and having a good time.

“Maren is a very good friend of mine. I cherish her friendship a lot. She’s one of the dearest friends I have. It goes way beyond a professional relationship. She’s like a sister to me without all the pesky qualities of a real sister.”

The corner of Steele’s mouth quirked up. “You warning me off your ‘sister’?”

Sam shook his head. “No, but I don’t want her hurt either. She’s a good woman, Steele. The best. She’s helped a lot of people.”

“What exactly is it you think I’m going to do to her?” Steele asked in exasperation.

He didn’t want to be having this conversation. Period. Maren was his business. His relationship with Maren was his business. Their child was definitely his business. And none of those were anyone else’s concern but his. He didn’t give a damn what Sam considered her. She was his. Whatever Sam had felt like doing for her in the past, he could just drop it now, because Steele was taking over.