Page 25 of The Duke's Surprise Heir

“Good idea,” Sean replied. “Anything else?”

“Be careful,” Edward warned. “Illegal arms dealers aren’t known for their sweet, fluffy, personalities.”

The men laughed then they moved on to more minor issues before ending the call.

Macie stared out at the grey skies, but she didn’t see the trees or the pastures with the beautiful horses munching on grass. She didn’t smell the fragrant lemon and ginger herbal tea or even notice the heat emanating from the mug in her hands.

Her thoughts were completely focused on last night. She’d slept deeply and had woken up feeling wonderful. Better than she had in so long, she’d actually forgotten what it was like to wake up without the immediate fog of sleep deprivation.

Edward had woken up with Kyle in the middle of the night and fed him a bottle, put on a fresh diaper, then rocked their son back to sleep. Edward had even woken up this morning when Kyle had demanded attention. Macie had no idea what time either event had occurred because she’d been sound asleep.

Edward had selflessly taken care of Kyle. There hadn’t been any complaints. No grumblings. No questions about what to do. He’d just figured it out.

Yes, she was amazed he’d done that. And yes, she realized how silly it was to be impressed that a man, any man, had done exactly what was needed to care for a child without instruction – other than watching videos online. Every woman who had given birth to a baby had done exactly the same and none of them received accolades for their efforts. But when a father does the same thing that a mother accomplishes every day, everyone is amazed and impressed.

It was yet another aspect of the gender inequality that was rampant in their world. However, knowing this intellectually didn’t negate her gratitude for the extra sleep. Edward had simply figured out how to care for their son, exactly as she’d been doing for the past three months.

“Not the issue!” she whispered to herself, then wiped the window when her warm breath caused condensation to form on the chilled glass.

“What’s not the issue?” Edward asked.

Macie spun around, startled. Her free hand flew to her chest as if the gesture could somehow slow down her heart. “How long have you been behind me?”

Edward moved closer, finally without Kyle in his arms since the little man was napping in his new bassinet. “Long enough to see the worry in your eyes,” he admitted, then bent down to lightly brush his lips against hers.

Macie closed her eyes, all the better to savor that kiss. Not just the kiss, but the silent message behind the sweet gesture.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked.

“Like a…” she stopped, glancing at the bassinet in the corner of the room, then turning back to him with a grimace. “I was going to say ‘like a baby’, but I’ve come to understand over the past three months that babies don’t sleep very well.”

Edward laughed, nodding his head in understanding. “I agree.” He eyed Macie again. “But you slept well?”

She smiled and looked down at her tea. “Yes. I feel much better.” When she looked up at him, she tried to see the fatigue in his eyes. “I’ll get up with Kyle tonight.”

He shrugged and Macie wondered why this conversation felt so…awkward. After last night, she’d been hoping, stupidly apparently, that they could maybe make something work between them.

But she was reminded of his caution a year ago about how he didn’t “do” relationships. Something about his parents and…yeah, she felt the same way. His parents had been brutal to each other and…well, neither she nor Edward had good role models growing up.

Perhaps that’s what was going through his mind? Maybe he was remembering his parents or…maybe he was trying to pull back because he didn’t want more than just one night?

The man was completely confusing!

“I usually only sleep four or five hours a night, so there’s no need to disturb your sleep.” He shifted slightly, which told Macie that he felt the awkwardness as well. “Besides, I really enjoy spending time with him. The darkness is so peaceful and he’s cute at night. I like the nighttime feedings.”

Macie’s jaw literally dropped at this statement. After a long moment, she shook her head. “Said no parent…ever!” Then she laughed. “If you enjoy that time with Kyle, far be it for me to take it away from you. I will enjoy the sleep until we are able to,” her voice cracked as pain slashed through her at the thought of not seeing him every day, “figure out what’s going on with the arms shipments.”

Edward stared at her. He wanted to ask her to stay forever, not just until they figured out who was shipping illegal crates of military equipment through his company.

But the sparkle in her beautiful green eyes dimmed and he knew she didn’t want that. She’d said it before they’d even made love for the first time a year ago. Hell, he’d warned her that he didn’t do long term relationships! He’d been the ass to not realize Macie was different.

“Right,” he grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked around for something to do. In that moment, he heard Kyle squawk through the small baby monitor.

“I’ll get him,” she said, and immediately turned to the small bassinet in the corner of the great room. The bassinette was small enough that they could move it around so that he was close by, but not close enough that their conversations would disturb his sleep.

“I can–”

“It’s okay,” she told him, holding up a hand as she hurried over to where Kyle was starting to wake up. “Hello, my wonderful boy!” she crooned as she bent over to scoop Kyle into her arms.

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