Page 35 of Chasing Liberty

“Don’t even say it. We are married and I have the marriage certificate to prove it.” She couldn’t help but notice some of the light in his eyes had disappeared.

How could such a tough man be so sensitive at times?

Liberty frowned. “I am grateful that you’re a caring man. I’m just not used to being…”

“Cared for?”

“Being around someone who’s affectionate.”

“Are you going to tell me next that you want to set boundaries on how nice I’m allowed to be?”

“No.”

“TheLiberty Rose doesn’t want to set boundaries and rules?” He reached up and pressed the back of his hand against her forehead then pulled away. “You don’t feel like you have a fever. Are you sick?”

“We have an agreement. We need to both be aware of the terms,” she said firmly. A wave of wooziness washed over her, but thankfully it passed quickly.

“If you’re worried about me misinterpreting this ending up as a happily-ever-after fairytale, you don’t have to be. But, when it comes to my...” he swept his gaze around to see if anyone was within hearing distance, “ourbaby, I’m here for him or her. That includes taking care of you and making sure you eat.”

"How can this happen?"

"What do you mean?"

"How can you be so irritating?"

That same disarming grin appeared again. "It seems we might both share that trait."

She felt pleased to see the lightness back in his expression, as she appreciated the cheerful side of Wyler. His warm demeanor often made others feel looked after.

The sun was now high overhead and bearing its full afternoon heat down upon her. Being pregnant took a bit of getting used to. Everything felt intensified. From the heat to the sounds, to her raging hormones. Including how Wyler affected her. She’d read in an article that pregnant women want sex more, and they were right.

“I’m here to enjoy myself so I’m going to. I love the Harvest Picnic.”

“You actually love something?” he stated cockily.

“I’m not letting you get under my skin.” She took a step around him and when she did, she felt her legs grow weak. She stumbled and felt her body lurch forward, then strong arms caught her in a steady hold.

She lifted her chin, looking up at him.

Wyler pulled her closer, their bodies pressed together. “Whoa! You okay?” Concern etched crinkles around his eyes.

"Yes. No. I feel dizzy," she stated, uncertain if the weakness was due to the temperature or her attraction to the cowboy cradling her.

"Come on, have a seat." He gently guided her to a hay bale, offering support by wrapping his arm around her waist. As she sat down, he squatted before her, his earnest face conveying deep concern that touched her profoundly. "Stay here, I'll grab you some water and something to eat. I should've realized today might be overwhelming."

“Wyler—”

“Lower your pride some. We’re taking care of this baby together.”

She clamped her mouth shut because he was right.

He took off toward the tables and seemed to be engulfed by the crowd.

She’d always had a thing for cowboys, but Wyler made her feel an attraction that was so strong she needed to recalibrate when he was near. Growing up on a ranch, she’d always felt comfortable around cowboys. A lot of good-looking men called themselves cowboys and strutted with a confidence that a man gained through hard work. She’d been around tough guys all her life. Learned early on by watching Sam how to communicate with them. She could even tell them what to do when the need arose. She’d been taught the fine balance between being a boss and being respectful.

She heard him laugh and spotted him talking to a group of men. She automatically smiled too.

He disappeared again and she slumped her shoulders.

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