Page 39 of Bewitched

“I asked about your sisters because I know how important they are to you, and if you introduce me, then I know you’re taking this seriously. Since you have no plans to, that means I have to change your mind.”

She lifted a leg of fried chicken and she waved it at him. “My mind isn’t easily changed.”

He tapped his chicken leg against hers. “Not a problem, honey. We have been arguing about this for days, and I will continue for thirty years if that’s what it takes. I’m your damn boyfriend whether you like it or not.”

Watching him take a big bite of chicken and smile was sort of endearing. Nothing she seemed to do fazed him a bit. Announce a baby—no problem. Introduce him to her mama and daddy—piece-o-cake. Confirm that she didn’t think he’d be here next week—please! Glancing over, she noticed his satisfied expression…like everything was going according to plan. Smirking, she shook her head. And then looked at him again. What the hell was his plan, anyway?

***

Paige wiped her mouth and smiled. “That cupcake was divine. I should make some this afternoon.”

“Honey, we’d better start sharing your baked goods with the neighbors. The counters are full and I’m doing my best, but I don’t seem to be making any headway.”

“Cupcakes are small.” Stretching out her legs, she tipped her face to the sun and wondered what she was in for with a boy. The confidence she had felt earlier when she thought it was a girl had been slipping away since she found there were no ballet shoes in her future. “What were you like when you were little?”

“If you ask my mama, she’ll tell you that I was a perfect angel wrapped up in a devil’s cape. I had more energy than sense, and I think I ran from the time I woke up till I fell into bed at night. It was lucky for everyone that I grew up on a ranch. My oldest brother, Adam, who lives in California, is the calm one out of the four of us. My other two brothers, Cassidy and Drew, are just like me. I think that’s why they stayed on the ranch.”

“Oh…”

“Are you worried about what you’re in for with our son?”

Rubbing her hand along her skirt, she nodded. “Yes, a little. I had everything mapped out in my mind when I found out I was pregnant because I assumed I was going to get a mini-me.” Looking him up and down, she shuddered. “What the hell am I going to do with the Tasmanian devil?”

“Same thing my mama did. Love him, feed him, and let him go.” He gave her a quick kiss and grinned. “This would be the part of the conversation when I tell you that having me around would be a really good idea.” Holding up his hands, he shook his head. “But I’m not. Because I’m selfish enough to want you to want me because you can’t stand the idea of being without me. Not because I’m the father of the wild boy living in our home.”

“Blake, I want the same damn thing. The cow is out of the barn, and I’m never going to have the chance to see if you would like me…all on my own. Right now, it just feels like you’re doing everything you can to make me fall for you so you have a place in your son’s life.”

Lifting her hand, he kissed it. “Since neither of us is ever going to know for sure; we’re going to have to trust that what we see is what we get. When I opened my eyes this morning and you were sleeping in my arms, with your head resting against my heart—I knew. I wanted to wake up every morning with you in my arms. Baby or no baby.” Rubbing his hand over her stomach, he winked. “My boy is just giving you extra incentive to keep me around until you feel the same way about me.”

“When are you leaving for Lubbock?”

“Okay, I see we’re moving on…I have three more weeks before I’m due back in San Diego. I would like to spend as much time with you as I can. I was hoping you would come to Lubbock with me and meet my family. My folks can’t wait to meet you, and Mama told me she has a bunch of things for you.”

“You want to spend three more weeks together?” she asked.

“Yes, Paige. Don’t make it sound like I’m suggesting electric shock therapy. We seem to be doing okay together. Are you tired of me already and counting the minutes until you can get rid of me?”

“Well…no. I just had no idea.” Patting his leg, she tried to decide how she felt about three more weeks together. Thinking back over the last couple of days, she realized he was easy to be around. In fact, she enjoyed his company. A lot.

Which made her realize that what he’d said earlier was true. The elephant between them was of her making. She had been avoiding facing her real fear…attachment.

What would happen after three weeks when she had become attached to him and he went back to his life? She’d be here alone. Every day they spent together would make the day he left all that more heartbreaking. She wasn’t immune to him, and pretending was becoming more and more difficult.

Let him in or keep him out? Neither answer was a good one. “Let’s go take a walk around. I need to let my food settle so I can have an ice cream later. Now that I know that I’m growing a big boy, the gloves are coming off. I’m not holding back anymore.”

“I had no idea there was any holding back happening.”

“Blake, do you value your life?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t ever say something like that again.”

“Got it.” She watched him lean over and dig something out of the basket. When he sat up, he held a small red box.

“What do you have there?” she asked.

“Seems like a good time to give you a present.” Handing it to her, he waited with a hopeful smile on his handsome face.

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