Page 11 of Headed for Home

“Nope. That credit goes to my daughter.”

He freezes and holds the unnaturally still position for several seconds. “You have a kid?”

“Two actually. They’re twins.” I flutter my lashes at his dubious expression. “Deal breaker?”

Shock melts into happiness. The joy illuminating his features is nearly blinding. “Quite the opposite. Why didn’t you tell me you have children?”

“You didn’t ask,” I reply slowly.

“Well, this is fantastic. I love kids.” His voice is starting to remind me of Blippi, which I recognize from being forced to watch entirely too many episodes.

I pop my lips. “You’re straddling a fine line into unlikely territory.”

“What? Why?”

“If you have to ask…”

He waves off my unsaid meaning. “It’s not farfetched unless you make it that way.”

“Are you sure about that?” I roll my lips between my teeth to stifle a laugh.

“I’ve always wanted kids. I’ll be the coolest stepdad ever.” His claim threatens to choke me.

“Drake, just no. Stop talking,” I wheeze.

He does, but only because his attention diverts to the little boy exiting the barn. My son skips toward us as if summoned. Drake stares at him in awe, like this is the moment he’s been preparing for his entire life. The gift he’s never received is suddenly within reach.

“Don’t be creepy,” I mumble.

“Shit, sorry. It’s just that I see myself as a family man. I’m ready to be a father, but it hasn’t happened.” He clears his throat and stands straight.

“Do you usually tell women this straight from the gate?”

A blush stains his cheeks and I almost swoon. “No, this is a new development.”

“Ah.” I bob my head, the mystery of his single status still evading me. “Maybe switch up the strategy from now on. Play it cool on the ‘desperate to be a daddy’ speech until things are more serious, huh?” As if I’m qualified to give dating advice.

“The past is irrelevant.” He swats behind him to chase off the memories. “I’m concentrated on the future standing in front of me.”

My entire body flushes. “Uh-huh, yeah. You’re ready to settle down and have a family, but—”

“Exactly. Glad we’re on the same page. I already knew you were the one for me, but this is just… better than my imagination running wild.” He wags his eyebrows.

I hold up a palm. “Oh, no. Nope. We barely know each other and you’re moving at a speed I can’t follow.”

He smirks. “I’m not afraid to fight for what I want.”

“No fighting necessary,” I argue. “You’re looking to be a baby daddy—”

“Only if those babies are yours too,” he cuts in.

My emotions run in separate directions, ready to split me apart. “Let’s just pump the brakes.”

The time for smacking him with a dose of clarity ends when my kiddo cuddles against me. “Hi, Mommy.”

“Hey, monkey moo. Where’s your sister?”

“She’s teaching the kittens tricks,” he explains.

---