Fair Lakes Series Box Set - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,184

out my seat, his hand grazing against my spine as I lower into my chair. My body tingles in anticipation of later this evening.

“This place is beautiful,” I tell him, glancing around and checking out the ambiance.

“You’re beautiful.”

I look across the table and find his eyes focused solely on me. “You’re smooth,” I tell him, glancing over at the sleeping child. “Milo taught you well.”

Chase grins that cocky little smile and places his napkin in his lap. “He said I was a tough student, but I think he did well in his teachings. You know, for 3:00 a.m.”

“I could have helped,” I tell him as the waiter fills our water glasses.

“You needed some sleep,” he replies, taking his menu and flipping it open.

“You do too. We’re a team, right?” I ask, not bothering with my menu yet.

He sets his down and reaches for my hands across the table. I place mine in his, reveling in the feel of his warm, calloused skin against mine. “We’re a team. But sometimes, a member of the team needs to sleep. You had the first feeding last night and were exhausted. Part of being on this team is recognizing that and making sure you’re taken care of too.” He strokes his finger along my knuckles, a shiver rippling through my body.

“I like that,” I tell him, swallowing hard. “A team.”

Pulling my hand upward, he places a kiss on my knuckles. “We’re a team, Gabby. You, me, and Milo.”

My eyes burn with unshed tears, and I have no idea why. I’m not usually this much of a crier, but for some reason, his sweet, sincere words strike right through me. Or specifically, right to my heart. “Thank you.”

He smiles once more, his eyes only for me. “You’re welcome, sweet Gabrielle. Now, let’s get this date moving. I have big plans for dessert later.”

Chapter 14

Chase

“You were such a good boy,” Gabby praises Milo. We just got home from our date, and she’s right. He was the perfect angel all night.

“He takes after his daddy.” Daddy. The word still sounds foreign to me, but I don’t hate it. In fact, I’m starting to like it. I just pray that this little man really is mine. I’ve grown quite attached to him and I know Gabby has as well. I hate that Gabby isn’t his mom, but tonight something dawned on me. She is. In all the ways that matter, Gabby is his mother. She loves him, takes care of him, takes care of me.

She chuckles. “You’re handsome like your daddy,” she coos at him. She’s sitting on the couch, his carrier at her feet as she holds him in her arms. The sight has my heart restricting in my chest.

Making my way to where she sits, I crouch down to my knees and place my fingers under her chin, lifting her eyes from my son to me. “I love you.” Her eyes soften and she opens her mouth to say what I’m not sure, because I lean in and press my lips to hers. I never want her to feel obligated to say it back. However, I need her to know. I won’t ever stop telling her just like I’ll never stop loving her. Gabby is it for me.

Her phone rings, and I stand, grabbing her purse and handing it to her. I take Milo from her arms so she can answer. “Hello.” She mouths “Gwen” to me. “That’s a great idea,” she says. I take the seat next to her and rest Milo against my chest. “I’ll run it by Chase and let you know.”

“Yes. Whatever it is, yes. If it puts that smile on your face, I’m all in,” I say, not bothering to lower my voice.

She laughs. “He doesn’t even know what he’s agreeing to,” she tells her sister. “Okay. Give us a few and I’ll call you back.”

“What was that?” I ask as soon as she ends the call.

“Gwen’s taking Sophia to get her picture taken on Saturday. She invited me and Milo to go with her.”

“Don’t you have to have an appointment or something?”

“Yeah, but she’s using a private photographer who has her own studio. She pays for studio time, and the photographer said that the one-hour slot was more than enough time to shoot both babies. Especially since Milo is little. We don’t have to get him to cooperate like we do Sophia. She’s already old enough to have an attitude.” She chuckles.

“Do you think it’s a good idea?” I ask