Page 74 of Mistletoe and Mischief

“Yes, well...” Mack looked away and cleared his throat. “I might’ve led the nurse to believe that Noelle and I are...related.”

Mary Jo burst out laughing. “Mack, you didn’t!”

“I did. And I have to say that as soon as I settled her in my arms, Noelle calmed down, stopped crying and looked straight up at me.”

“You brought her into the world, after all.” She probably didn’t need to remind Mack of that; nevertheless, she wanted him to know she hadn’t forgotten what he’d done for her.

The night before, she’d told her brothers that she would never have managed if not for Mack, and that was true. He’d been her salvation. She wanted to tell him all this, but the right words escaped her. Besides, she wasn’t sure she could say what was in her heart without getting teary-eyed and emotional.

“I’m so glad you stopped by... I was going to write you and Brandon and thank you for everything.”

“It’s our job.” Those had been Brandon’s words, too, and in his case, she assumed they were true. But Mack... Dismissing her appreciation like that—it hurt. Not wanting him to see how his offhand comment had upset her, she stared down at the sheet, twisting it nervously.

Mack stood and reached for her hand, entwining their fingers.

“Let me explain,” he said. “Itispart of what we agreed to do when we accepted the job with the fire department.” He paused for a moment. “But the call from you wasn’t an ordinary one.”

“How so?” she asked and looked up, meeting his eyes.

“I’ve never delivered a baby before.”

“I know. Me, neither,” she said and they smiled at each other.

“It was one of the highlights of my life, being there with you and Noelle.”

“Mine, too—I mean, you being there.”

“Thank you.” His words were low and filled with intent. He leaned forward and braced his forehead against hers. “If it’s okay with you...”

“What?” she prodded.

“I’d like to see Noelle sometime.”

“See her?”

“See both of you.”

“Both of us,” she repeated, afraid she was beginning to sound like an echo.

“As long as it’s okay with you,” he said again.

She nodded, trying not to act too excited. “If you want.”

“I want to very much.”

“I’ll be back in Seattle,” she said.

“I don’t mind the drive.”

“Or you could take the ferry.”

“Yes.” Mack seemed just as eager to visit as she was to have him come by. “When?”

She wanted him there as soon as possible. “The doctor said he’d release Noelle and me this afternoon. My brothers are picking us up at three.”

“Is tomorrow too soon?” he asked.

Mary Jo was convinced the happiness that flowed through her must have shone from her eyes. She didn’t think she could hide it if she tried. “That would be good,” she said shyly.

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