Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,87

and soon have Knox strapped to my chest.

Downstairs, I decide to clean up, Knox snoozing away as if this is a normal occurrence. Once I finish with the living room, I head into the kitchen, thinking I could make dinner for Ridge, but his cupboards are that of a bachelor for sure. He has the base for the car seat in his truck, so going to the store is out.

Digging a little deeper in the freezer, I find some frozen lasagna and garlic bread. That will have to do. I break the lasagna into little pieces, spray the bottom of the Crock-Pot I happened to find with non-stick spray, and add the pieces of lasagna. I don’t know what time he’ll be back, so this will ensure it cooks and stays warm for him.

Dinner established, I decide to go sit in the gazebo. I grab my purse and pull out my e-reader and phone then remember seeing a smaller diaper bag in the bottom of Knox’s closet so I run upstairs and get it. I toss my things in, adding a blanket, bottle, and binky for Knox—not that we’re going to be far, but being prepared is just me. I guess Ridge and I have that in common. I slide into my shoes and decide I should write Ridge a note on the dry erase board on the fridge, in case I don’t hear him come home.

Daddy,

Kendall took me down to the pond.

Love,

Knox

I giggle when I read the note. I’m sure Ridge will get a kick out of it too. I grab the small diaper bag I just packed and head to the gazebo.

It blocks us from the sun, and there’s a small warm breeze once we’re settled onto the wooden bench. Peeking down at Knox, he’s still snoozing away. I take a minute to just close my eyes and let the breeze blow through my hair. It’s so peaceful here.

I feel lips press against my forehead, causing my eyes to pop open.

“Hey, Sleeping Beauty,” Ridge says softly.

I smile. “Hey, get everything taken care of?”

“Yeah, I’ve been back for about ten minutes or so.”

“Did you see my note?” I hope he wasn’t worried.

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, only to have the wind whip it right back out. “I’ve been watching you sleep.”

“Creeper.” I smile.

“Beautiful,” he murmurs, bending to kiss me.

I blush. “What time is it?”

“After seven. Let’s get you two inside.” He stands and offers me his hand. Once he pulls me up, he grabs the diaper bag and we walk back to the house, arms wrapped around each other. “You made dinner,” he says, closing the door behind us.

“Well, not really. I put frozen lasagna in the Crock-Pot. It was slim-pickings and you had the base of the car seat, so I was kind of stuck.” Not that he would’ve wanted me driving around town with his son.

“We need to get you one,” he says casually.

“One what?”

“A base for his car seat.”

Okay then. I guess I got my answer. “I just need to put the garlic bread in the oven, and it’ll be ready in about ten minutes.”

“I got it. You want me to take him?”

“No, he probably needs changed, and he hasn’t eaten since the diner. I took a bottle with us down to the pond, but he never woke up to eat.”

“Where did you find that thing?” He points to my chest.

“In the bottom of his closet. I gave him a bath so you wouldn’t have to, and I was looking for the clothes hamper and just happened to find this.”

“Little man has all the luck.” He smiles.

“Oh, yeah, and what makes you say that?”

“He got to sleep on your chest all afternoon.”

Again, I feel the heat creep across my cheeks.

“Charmer.”

“I speak the truth.” He winks.

I manage to get Knox out of the wrap without harming either one of us. As soon as I do, he starts to fuss and I know he’s hungry. A quick diaper change and he’s having dinner.

“I can feed him,” Ridge says, looking over at me from the back of the couch.

“It’s fine, Ridge. I don’t mind helping. This little guy is easy to fall for.”

“Oh, yeah? And what about his daddy?”

“Jury’s still out,” I tease.

He laughs and kisses the top of my head. “It’s ready. I’ll bring plates in here. What do you want to drink?”

“Just water.”

I insist on Ridge eating before me while Knox finishes his bottle. The two of them play on the floor while