Even though it was dark, the slight change in Evan’s expression, when he called her Miss Stone, was hard to miss. Leah’s own expression sobered. “It still bothers you, doesn’t it?” It hadn’t been that long since their fight over the marriage issue. She supposed it was silly of her to have thought the issue was completely behind them. Her question was vague and not at all the response intended for what he actually said, but she was sure Evan would know what she was asking about.
Snorting a laugh, Leah swatted at his shoulder. “We do, but I don’t think it’d be very enjoyable for Bea. I think she’s uncomfortable around pregnant chicks.” She didn’t fault the other woman for it, and even went so far as to avoid the subject whenever they had a conversation. She shrugged. “So that little fantasy of yours will just have to stay a fantasy.”
“The days of you falling on your own knife are over, thank Elliot.” She grinned a little. At least she certainly hoped they were. One of the things she feared most now was losing Evan like Rae had lost Elliot.
“It’s a good wish.” Leah smiled approvingly. “When you think about it, it’s not all that surprising that our first year here has been mostly shitty. We’re just settling in, working out the kinks in this new society.” She shrugged a shoulder. “I’m not known for my optimism, but our second year has to be better than this first one.” And that was all there was to it.
Shifting to one side, Leah lifted one leg over the wall and let it dangle. She straightened up and patted the space in front of her. “Sit. I’ve got something else for you. And then we can go back inside where it’s warmer.”