Page 73 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 4

I took his mouth in a long, wet kiss. “I love you for coming to check on me.” I nibbled on his bottom lip. “I love you for being so forgiving.” I slid my tongue briefly into his mouth to tease him. “I just love you, Memphis.”

“Prove it,” he growled wantonly, pressed me up against the door and kissed me until I forgot my own name.

Then he let me prove it, all night long.

Traditions be damned.

Episode 109

Chickens and Ducks

SUMMER

I tiptoed back to bed and climbed in quietly after having checked on TJ by phone in the other room. Savannah and Erik had a full day of fun planned for my little boy, which meant I had a free day with Jack.

My little boy.

I still couldn’t believe it.

Lifting my left hand I stared at the simple gold band. As of last night, when I’d said, “I do,” to Jack in the most magical evening of my life, I also became mother to a two-year-old boy.

Motherhood wasn’t originally the first thing on my agenda when I entered the auction, but I’m not mad or sad about it in the least. I’ve always wanted a house filled with children. Did I think I’d be getting married and taking on the parenting of a toddler within the same month I put myself up for auction? No I did not. Yet I was totally okay with it. I loved Jack. I loved TJ. I loved his whole chosen family. Everything felt so natural.

Including the arm that just wrapped around my waist as Jack rolled over and snuggled against my side, his lips pressed against the ball of my shoulder.

“Mmm…where did you go?” he mumbled, his eyes still closed.

“I used the restroom and then called Savannah to check on TJ.”

He smiled against my skin. “And?”

“And he’s perfect. Having a good time with his aunt and uncle. They have a whole day planned, and TJ’s in good spirits.”

He hummed against my skin. “Already checking up on our boy.”

I cuddled closer and sighed dreamily. “It’s like a switch was flicked on for me. Suddenly I became someone’s mother. And of course, I know I’m never going to replace Ellen, and we’ll make sure to share his parents’ memory often, but when I really think about it, I’m his new mom.”

“You are. How does it feel?” He kissed my arm again and nuzzled his forehead against me.

“It feels…” I thought about it for a bit, getting my thoughts together. “It feels like I’m on a roller coaster. There are highs and lows, twists and turns, scary drops, and the pinnacle of excitement, all rolled into one experience. But I’m loving the ride and looking forward to where it takes me.”

He chuckled. “That’s a good analogy. I’m terrified but know that, with you by my side, anything is possible.”

“Awwww, you’re being sweet again.” I rolled onto my side so I could face him. Our noses were about six inches from one another.

Jack opened his sleepy eyes. “Hi, wife,” he whispered.

“Good morning, husband,” I said with a cheesy grin.

“I know we’re supposed to spend the day making love and enjoying our first full day as husband and wife, but there are some things we need to talk about too.” He yawned and stretched, displaying that sexy as sin body. I watched avidly as the sheet slid down his sculpted chest, over his bricklike abdominals and down toward the V at his hip bones. That V made smart girls stupid. My mouth watered as I tried to focus on what he’d said.

“Hmmmm,” I reached out and petted that fine chest I could now touch whenever I wanted. “Let me guess. You want to discuss where we should go when we leave this snowy paradise?”

He turned back to the side and cupped my cheek. “Exactly. I want to do what’s best for you and TJ but there’s a lot to consider.”

“Like your job, my job, and our families?” I supplied helpfully.

“Yeah.” He let the word out in a sigh.

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