Page 11 of Mountain Man Protector

“Hmm? Sorry, did I nod off?” Being with Ridge in his home, in his bed, along with days of sleepless nights, all conspired to pull me under. I snuggled deeper under the down comforter and suddenly, this felt like the safest—the only—place I wanted to be.

Since he swept me in his arms, my body had gradually released all its built-up tension, and a yawn escaped me. “Just a quick nap, then we’ll talk. Promise.”

Ridge sighed, then dropped a soft kiss on my forehead. I knew he wanted answers, and I’d give them. The last thing I remember as he stood was, “Get some sleep, love.” His whispered endearment wrapping around my heart, infusing me with warmth and a belonging I was ready to accept.

NINE

RIDGE

In the earlymorning hours with Addy wrapped around me, her small hand splayed across my chest, I gave in to the urge to caress her lower belly. A child. Our child. I knew how I felt about it. At forty-two, I’d thought perhaps I’d never know this feeling. But then Addy had surprised me with the sweetest, sexiest proposition, her smokey grey eyes and curves made just for my hands had bewitched me.

I may have made that damn pinky promise, but by the time she’d left the hotel room, I’d made my own promise. I’d find her. Pineville wasn’t so big I couldn’t locate someone who knew her. And I was right. Now I just needed my sleeping beauty to wake so I could convince her we were perfect for each other. And our bonus baby was simply the proof. I saw him or her as a blessing. I didn’t need anymore time. Addy was the one.

As the morning broke over the top of the trees, she stirred, stretching and waking up my favorite appendage. Well, it had already been half awake, but now with her soft flesh gliding against mine, taking her and cementing my place in her life battled mightily against giving her the space she needed. “Morning sunshine.”

“Mmm-hmm. Morning?! What time is it? How long was I asleep?” Panic tinged her sleep laced voice.

“About five-thirty. But you, and the baby, obviously need it.” Reluctantly, I let her go. “I’d offer you coffee, but I’m guessing that’s no longer an option or a good choice, so tell me what you feel like and I’ll get it for you.”

Hair tousled and rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Addy sat up, her back against the headboard. She tucked the comforter around her hips. “You’re being awfully calm about…the baby.”

“How was I supposed to act?” Tugging on a shirt, I tracked her eyes as they roamed over me.

“I don’t know. Maybe freaked out? I certainly was.”

“Babe, stop looking at me like that or our talk will definitely need to be delayed.” Her face bloomed with a pink blush. But she ignored my warning and nodded at my cock tenting my sweatpants.

“Well, it’s pretty hard not to look.” She rolled her eyes and grinned. That’s when I knew I had a chance with this gorgeous woman soon to be even curvier. Her belly round with my child wouldn’t be going anywhere.

Adjusting myself, I returned her grin. “Okay, I’ll try to make it behave, but only if you tell me what you need. How are you feeling?”

“How about that club soda and crackers I asked for before I passed out?”

“You got it. Stay put. Okay?”

“Promise.” As soon as she said it, she shook her head. “I know, I know. This time no pinky’s required.”

Chuckling, I moved swiftly, collected what she requested and walked back into the bedroom just as she was returning from the bathroom. “You, okay?”

With a sigh, she responded, “Ridge, you need to stop asking me that. My morning sickness is normal. Annoying, yes, since I seem to have it morning, noon, and night, but I’ve been assured I’m fine. Just need to stay hydrated.”

“I’ll try to dial it back, but I care about you, Addy. I’m going to make sure you and baby are healthy, okay?”

Tears pricked her eyes. “Okay.” She whispered. “Now, give me. My tummy is protesting and I want to have that talk before it reaches critical mass.”

“Sure thing. Here you go.” Handing over the glass and crackers, we both settled on the bed. I waited as she drank and ate. The only sounds in the room were her nibbling until she finished them all.

“Thank you. I think that will hold off the nausea for a bit. So….” Addy let out a long breath.

“So. That first night, huh?” Nerves hit me, which was new.

“Yeah, well ninety-eight percent protection against pregnancy isn’t a hundred, especially when you factor that times three.” Addy shrugged her shoulders. “So, yeah, obviously one of those swimmers escaped.”

“Well, my father always warned me about the Beauchamp super sperm. And to be fair, I’d never gone three times in one night, so the odds were against us, or I’d like to think, with us.” I shifted closer and took one of her hands in mine. “I don’t want you to think I’m not happy about this baby, Addy. Sure, I had a moment of shock, who wouldn’t? But there’s no one I’d rather be a parent with than you.”

I watched as Addy’s full lips contorted comically as she started to say something, paused, then frowned. So much emotion on that beautiful face. “I know what you’re thinking. I’ve seen what we're experiencing with West and Lauren firsthand. Minus the surprise baby. I know how I feel about you, Addy. And your being pregnant doesn’t change it, it only amplifies it.”

“How do you feel about me?” My thumb was on her pulse point along her wrist, and I felt the increase in her heartrate as I continued rubbing. Hopefully, she felt the reassurance I was pouring into that simple touch.

---