the naked tango at this point, but if you want, I’ll put you on the email list for further notifications.”
Jared gave Damien a tight smile. “Welcome to my life.”
My brother chuckled. “Good luck, brother.”
The evening stretched on with the usual football games and hijinks, although rubbing my pregnant sister’s achy back was a new addition as she complained about Braxton Hicks contractions.
As I was gathering my things to leave with Jared and the baby, my mother pulled me aside to give me a doggy bag of leftovers.
On top of the tin of mashed potatoes was a condom.
A peal of hysterical laughter rang out. It took me a second to realize it was mine.
“Just in case you aren’t prepared, mija.”
I sighed. “I haven’t been a virgin for years. I know how to take care of myself. Also, seriously, chill out. He’s your boss. Stop giving me a complex, okay?”
“I’m not trying to. I just want you to be careful. You think you’re indestructible, but no one is, especially in matters of the heart.”
“Hardly. And he won’t be indestructible either if Daddy keeps eyeballing him.”
My mother waved that off. “You let me handle your father. He trusts my judgement.”
“And now you’re overjoyed about Jared and I after years of giving us grief?”
“I did no such thing. You’re my precious baby,” she framed my face in her hands, “and no one will ever be good enough for you. I suppose the sheriff is a better candidate than most, even if he’s a much older man.”
I rolled my eyes. “Nine years isn’t much older, especially if you factor in most men’s basic immaturity. Besides, you basically told us to hop on the table and get the deed done.”
“Well, it is a day of giving thanks.”
I blinked. Blinked again. “Did the mothership body-snatch you when I wasn’t looking?”
But she didn’t smile. “I know you’ve been hurt. But I know even more that he’s who you want.”
I lowered my gaze to the condom inside the bag. Little did she know I had no intention of using one. “Yes,” I said quietly. “He’s the only one I want. He has been for a very long time.”
“Are you ready to be a mother?”
God, how often would I have to hear stuff like this? Each time burned like acid.
“I’m ready to be with him, in whatever form that takes. Sami’s part of the picture. She’s part of him. So,” I took a deep breath, “I guess she’s part of me too.”
“Bee.”
I wasn’t surprised he was standing behind me. Or that my mother slid away as if we’d never had our conversation at all.
For once, he didn’t make a joke or wisecrack, just adjusted his hold on Samantha in her carseat as he leaned over to kiss me gently on the lips. That was still so new and wonderful, somehow even more so with the babbling baby between us.
He cupped my cheek as we drew apart. “I never wanted anyone but you.”
Twelve
I couldn’t speak.
“I swear, Bee. If I could go back—”
“No. Don’t say that.” Heat burned behind my eyes as I skimmed my fingers over Sami’s rosy cheek. Her nickname was new, but it fit. All of this fit so well, the edges sliding into place as if they’d just needed a nudge. “If you could go back, you’d do the same thing again because otherwise, you wouldn’t have her.”
No matter how many times he claimed to wish I was her biological mother, that wasn’t possible for more than one reason. Samantha’s existence was a blessing.
And maybe someday, I’d stop feeling less than every time I wished I could’ve taken that faceless woman’s place.
His Adam’s apple bobbed, and he leaned down to press his lips to mine once more. “Thank you.”
I needed desperately to lighten this moment. It was lovely and long overdue, but the weight on my chest wasn’t conducive to orgasms aplenty.
“Your thanks isn’t necessary, but I’m open to being repaid with your tongue.” I gave his tie a tug before I took the car seat from him and headed out the door onto the porch.
The night was frosty with a sprinkle of stars among the dark clouds overhead. I made it to the Jeep before Jared lightly bumped his hips against me and pressed a kiss onto my bare shoulder. “Where’s your jacket?”
“Home. Forgot it.”
Shamelessly, he slid his big hands up to cover my breasts. I shuddered. My nipples might as well have been skewers right now. “I’ll keep you warm. But take this anyway.” He draped