Page 45 of Two Hearts' Accidental Heroes

He lifted his shoulders up a little further, enough to appreciate the way her beautiful body became hotter and more flushed with each powerful thrust. She absorbed his forceful penetration as he rode her and filled her, and Rick watched with satisfaction as he pushed her step by step closer to fulfillment.

Rick felt the tension inside her coil and tighten beneath him. Her thighs gripped his as he released and held. As their ragged breathing filled the air, hers was a softer sound overlaying the rasp of his own staggered breath.

She reached for him, trying to pull him down to her. Without breaking their rhythm, he shifted his hips, pressing more intimately between hers as his thrusts became deeper still.

Harder still.

Her body tightened beneath his, closing powerfully around his. The heat of her drove him on, taking him with her beyond his yearning and desire and into fulfillment.

As well as intense satisfaction

Until they fell, their hearts becoming one.

When he heard Shanna begin to cry, Rick pulled her into his arms because his own eyes were filled with tears.

“That was the most beautiful feeling I’ve ever experienced,” she said in a ragged voice.

“Ah, Shanna. It felt pretty much perfect, didn’t it?” Rick admitted hoarsely. “Like we were always meant to be.”

And for the rest of the night, Rick just held her.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Another few months later after they’d celebrated Christmas together, Rick smiled at Shanna who was seated across from him at the kitchen table. Life felt good, Rick decided. Johnny was adjusting well and had already made several friends, so he was always excited when it was time to head off to school. Rick still liked to drive him there in the morning because he felt it was important to bond with him, but Johnny would come home on his own on the bus since he knew nearly everyone now.

Grace was content as well, but she was talking about going home, happy with her open invitation to return at any time.

Rick had set up a huge home office, transferring over some of the items that he’d had at the family home. While Johnny was at school, Shanna would spend the majority of her time assisting with the casework since it was mostly associated with the trafficking ring. Since she’d insisted on being part of the investigation, Jake had arranged for Shanna to have training, and Rick had a feeling that there would be some travel involved for the two of them eventually.

But Shanna was looking nervous this morning when she was seated with Rick inside the office. They were so in sync anymore, and now that the sexual tension between them had eased, it was a little easier concentrating on work these days, Rick had realized.

“Okay, are you going to tell me what’s going on?” he asked gruffly.

Shanna closed her eyes. “I can’t believe I’m having to tell you this, because we’ve been using protection.” She grimaced. “Except that very first night, I guess.”

“You don’t mean…?”

When she nodded, Rick’s jaw dropped.

“Are you mad at me?” Shanna asked, teary-eyed.

“Mad?” Rick emphatically shook his head no. “Of course not. Shanna, that’s great. I’ve always wanted kids. Of course, it might screw up whatever plans Jake has for us, but I’m thrilled. Really.”

She gave him a rueful smile. “I can’t help thinking that this time I’m going to have a chance to do everything right.”

“Get over here,” he muttered, pulling her onto his lap. “I can’t believe you thought I’d be mad. So, do I dare bring up marriage again?”

“I’ll let you know when we’re ready,” she said.

“Okay. Just remember, once we’re hitched, it’ll be forever. I’m not going anywhere, Shanna. How are things going with your shrink?”

“Good. She wants you to come in sometime with me too.”

“Anytime, babe,” he replied, kissing her deeply. “Just let me know when.”

* * *

Jake looked at him distractedly after Rick told him the news. “She’s what?”

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