Jade’s face. When he saw her sorrow turned to anger, he couldn’t blame her, even though he had not been responsible for the loss of her daughter. Lily’s arms tightened around his neck, and he gave her a soothing pat before remembering it was no longer his place to do so. But how could he give her up? Aside from the biological facts of her parentage, she was his daughter in every sense of the word.
Jade’s hand reached out again, almost tentatively, to stroke Lily’s head, and his tail instinctively brought her closer. The three of them, together like this, felt so right. Like a family. The thought sent a wave of hope through him. Was it still possible that the three of them could form a family? That neither of them would have to lose a daughter?
He raised his head to find Abby staring at them thoughtfully. Did she have the same idea? But the one he wished to discuss it with was Hrebec. His former captain was the best person to advise him on how to approach a human female.
“Lily,” he said gently, “this is your mama. Wouldn’t you like to meet her?”
“No,” came the muffled response from his neck.
The look of anguish on Jade’s face went straight to his heart.
“Lily, you could show your mama where we keep the cookies,” Abby suggested.
That actually resulted in Lily raising her head for a minute, but she looked down at Jade and shook her head. Her tiny arms went back around his neck.
“My dada.”
As much as it warmed his heart to hear her say it, he couldn’t bear the hurt in Jade’s eyes. He reluctantly started to peel away Lily’s arms, but Jade shook her head.
“I should have realized that it would take time. Forcing her will only make it worse.”
To hell with asking Hrebec’s advice. He wanted this resolved.
“Would you care to take a walk with me? With us?” he amended quickly.
“If you think I’m letting her out of my sight, you’re entirely mistaken. But I’m willing to walk with both of you.”
“We will be back shortly,” he said to Abby as Hrebec walked over to join her.
“Of course.” Abby hesitated. “Jade, I don’t want to question your instincts, but are you sure?”
“Oh, yes. She looks just like my husband.” He did not like the reminder of her former mate, but he managed to keep silent as her eyes went to the other little girl. “There weren’t any redheads in his family, and certainly not in mine. But I assume we could do genetic testing if necessary?”
“I would recommend it,” Hrebec said. “It would eliminate any doubt.”
“I want to let Elaina know.” Abby turned to Jade. “She and her mate are the ones who adopted Ginger. Mikey belongs to them as well.”
Jade tilted her head, studying the other two infants, and Abby shot him a startled look. She too had recognized the gesture.
“I’m very sure,” Jade said. “I’m fine with doing the test to make it official, but I don’t need it to know.”
“She’ll be very relieved.” Abby bit her lip as she looked at him again. “I’m sorry. I know it’s a terrible situation.”
He inclined his head, then offered his hand to Jade. Would she take it? Immense relief washed over him when she put her hand on his after a long pause.
As they started to leave, Lily suddenly raised her head.
“Bobo,” she demanded.
“Here he is,” Abby said quickly, retrieving the toy from the blanket and handing it to him.
Jade’s eyes fastened on it, then tears began flowing down her cheeks once again.
“What is it, my letari?”
“The toy…” she whispered, running a finger along the faded fur before Lily seized it. “My grandmother made it for me when I was a baby. I looked for it after Lily was taken, but I couldn’t find it.”
“It is her favorite,” he said softly.
A shaky smile appeared as she watched Lily cuddle Bobo close. “Somehow it makes me feel better to know that she had a part of my family with her all this time, comforting her.” She dashed away the tears with an impatient hand. “Let’s take that walk.”
Together they walked down to the shore of the small river. Multicolored stones in various jewel tones formed a shallow rocky beach, and Lily looked around with interest.
“Down, Dada,” she demanded.
They were so close to the water. Was it safe? He hesitated, and Jade frowned at him.
“Aren’t you going to put her down?”
“But the water is right there.”
“And there are two adults