Page 34 of Crossing Lines

Even now, hours later, I wanted more of her. She had no idea how much I always wanted her. She was my one true desire. The reason I got up in the morning. The reason I’d opened my heart to love.

I shifted, restlessly. My leg was asleep and hurting a little. Thank God for good pain meds. Yes, I’d finally given in once we were home and settled.

The gash seemed to be healing well. I’d let Shelby check it this morning after she saw me grimacing, to make sure there was no infection setting in. That was all I needed.

Sighing, I gave in and closed my eyes again. It wouldn’t help me much since I’d laid here for hours wide awake already.

“What’s wrong?” Her sleepy morning voice made me smile.

“Nothing, baby, go back to sleep. It’s early.” She shook her head and shifted, groaning.

“When I find that psycho, I’m going to shoot him in the foot, break his other foot, nut-punch him, and beat the ever-loving fuck out of him.”

I chuckled as I reached over and turned on the lamp. She sat up, rubbing her biceps.

“Calm down. We’ll find him. I promise you can get at least one good hit in before we let Davenport have him.” Her head whipped around, and the look on her face promised murder. Before she could say anything, we were saved by the baby crying.

Stel frowned and looked at the crib. It was empty.

I chuckled. “Your dad has him. I watched him sneak in about an hour ago. I guess he thought we’d need extra sleep this morning.”

“You let him just slink in and take him?” she asked, her lips tipping up.

“Yep. Who am I to spoil his fun? He’s loving having a baby in the house. Can’t tell me any different.” She turned to look at the closed bedroom door then back to meet my gaze, her legs up and her arms laying across her knees. Her eyes went to the bedroom door again and then to her hands. I knew that look. Something was on her mind.

“What are you thinking about?”

“I want to keep the baby—Ethan.” Her words came out in a rush. “If no family is found, and we can agree to give him a home, I want to. He deserves a life of love and happiness.”

I sat up fully, propping myself against the headboard.

“I’m not opposed to doing that.” I held up a hand when she went to speak. “Let me finish, please. I’m not saying no, but I want you to really think about this baby. He’s going to be about ten months old when you have our baby. Unless the little one comes early. I work out of town, out of the States a lot of the time. I want to make sure you understand what you’re going to be left with when I’m not home. It’s a lot to take care of one baby, let alone two.”

She sat quietly for a few minutes. I was beginning to think the worst when her eyes met mine.

“I know. I’ve thought about that. I have help if I need it. Something Doc said yesterday made me stop and think. Everything happens for a reason. People come into our lives for a reason. That little boy has opened my eyes to a few things. I want to be there for him. To show him love. To teach him to tie his shoes. How to shoot, hunt…”

I chuckled. “Whoa, tiger. He’s only a few weeks old. There will be plenty of time to teach him anything you want.” I pulled her hand to my lips and kissed her palm. “I will support you and him in any and all endeavors. Just no explosives until he’s eighteen? Yeah?”

Her squeal made my ears ring. Her arms came around me, and we both groaned as our aching bodies protested the movements.

“I need to check on Ethan.” She pulled back, but I grabbed her hand.

“Your dad has him. We need to get up and get ready for the day. That shower is calling my name.” I winked at her.

A second passed before she gave me a devilish grin. “Good thing it has a bench seat in it, huh?”

“Oh yeah. Now, shift it, woman.” I swatted her ass hard as she went by me. She scowled, but she wasn’t fooling anyone; she liked it.

“Daddy,” Stella said as we walked into the kitchen. I’d helped her tend to her hand after we got out of the shower, changing the bandage. The cut across her palm was looking good. The stitches were still in place, and there was no sign of infection. In return, she’d helped me with my bandages. My thigh was a little red, but the wound looked fine. It was sore, but no more than normal. I’d have Shelby or Doc G check it in a day or so.

“Yes, princess?”

“Where’s Ethan?” She took the mug he offered. It wasn’t coffee, which was what she’d wanted but couldn’t have right now. The alternative was hot cocoa. It was hot as Hades outside, but she’d still drink it. Chocolate was as good as caffeine, sort of.

“In the family room with Carter.” She brought my mug with her and walked down the small hall and into the family room. She leaned against the doorframe and watched her brother. He had Ethan laying against his shoulder, his hand patting the baby’s back.

“How much did he eat?”

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