Page 8 of Maybe My Baby

Why couldn’t life be simple? Meeting Donovan had made her feel as if she had won the lottery. He was hot and sexy and honorable and dependable. In fact, he was perfect daddy material.

But did he want to be?

That was the question.

She dozed in his arms, holding the time of reckoning at bay with nothing more than sheer will. As long as this moment never ended, life was perfect.

THREE

DONOVAN STRETCHED AND YAWNED. “I hate to say it, Sunshine, but I’ve got to go home and get a few things ready for tomorrow.”

Sunday afternoons, Donovan met with clients at his place, either delivering finished products or brainstorming with new customers about what they wanted. When Ginny asked him once why he gave up part of his weekend, he said it was because working families shouldn’t have to take a day off when he could be flexible.

Ginny had seen him interact with his adoring public. His charisma and gentle charm were as much of a draw as his stunning creations.

“I understand,” she said. Her own business was closed on Sundays and Mondays. Tourist traffic was slow, and locals knew to come later in the week. “I have a million things to do, too.”

He leaned on his elbow and played with a lock of her hair. “Like deciding whether to take me up on my offer?”

“It’s not up to you to rescue me.”

“Did you ever thinkyoumight be rescuingme?” he said. His tone was light, but in his eyes, she saw a different message. Was it possible the man who had spent so many years as a rolling stone was looking for permanence in his personal life? He’d made that choice in choosing a home. He had planted himself in Blossom Branch.

Did he see Ginny as his partner long-term?

As much as she wanted to sayyes, a thousand times yes, it wasn’t only Donovan she had to consider now. There was also the baby.

“Don’t give up on me,” she said. “I’ll figure things out.”

He pulled her to her feet and pressed her bare body to his, cupping her butt in his two big hands. “I’d do anything in the world for you, Sunshine. All you have to do is ask.”

The naked hug almost derailed Donovan’s plan to go home. But he and Ginny resisted temptation and scooped up their clothes.

After they were both dressed, she walked him to the kitchen. “Let me give you some soup for your lunch tomorrow.” She squatted and found a plastic bowl and lid in a bottom cabinet. When she tried to stand too quickly, the room spun dizzily, and her stomach heaved. With her back to Donovan, she braced her hands on the edge of the counter, hoping he didn’t notice anything amiss.

She puttered at the sink and in a drawer. After a minute, maybe two, she was finally able to turn around. “Here you go. I put biscuits in a separate container.”

“You spoil me,” he said.

When he smiled like that, his eyes crinkled at the corners. Would her baby be a boy who looked like Donovan? Big brown eyes and a grin that melted female hearts? If so, Ginny was doomed.

“I know how you get when you’re working,” she said. “Eating peanut butter out of the jar. You need real food.”

He caught her wrist and reeled her in for a goodbye hug. “Yes, ma’am,” he said, before proceeding to destroy her with a kiss that made her heart race and ache. After a few moments, he stepped back, a look of hunger on his face. They both knew how easy it would be to tumble back in bed.

“Bye,” she said softly, wanting him to stay so badly it hurt.

His wicked smile disappeared, replaced by an inscrutable look. “Remember, I have that trade show Monday and Tuesday in Atlanta.”

“Oh, right.” Her heart sank. “I almost forgot.”

“Dinner Wednesday night?”

“I’d love to...”

This time, he really did walk to the front door. But as he opened it and stepped onto her small porch, he turned back. “Call me. Text me. I know you have a lot going on. I’m here for you, Ginny.”

Tears prickled in her throat and eyes. “Thanks,” she said, the word almost inaudible.

---