Page 74 of Teton Sunrise

The woman’s eyes narrowed on Alex before she glared at Evie. “I don’t know what’s going on here. Where is Mr. Richardson?”

“Probably still lying in the dirt outside,” Alex said loudly over the baby’s cries. “I ain’t leaving this room, but I suggest you do.”

Evie’s hand grabbed for his arm. “Alex, I have to tell you—”

“Your infant requires his first feeding.” The woman’s face turned red, and she puffed out her cheeks. She marched toward the bed, and Alex straightened to his full height. She held out the bundle, and Evie reached for it with trembling arms. Alex’s brows scrunched together, his mind struggling for comprehension.

The woman stepped back, her hands on her hips. “This is outrageous,” she screeched, glaring at Alex. “This man can’t be in here while you feed your child.”

The blood drained from Alex’s head, down his arms and chest and into his legs, and seemed to ooze right into the floorboards. He stepped back for fear that he might fall on his unsteady legs.

Evie’s child?

Alex swallowed. He gaped at Evie. His mind went numb. She cooed at the little infant, whose cries had lessened in her arms. She fumbled with the buttons on her nightdress, and Alex stood rooted to the spot.

“Mrs. Kirk, may I have some privacy?” she said, glancing up briefly. Then her eyes met Alex’s.

“Well, I never . . . “ the woman huffed, and wheeled around. “Mr. Lewis and Mr. Richardson will hear about this.” She stormed from the room.

Alex’s eyes remained fixed on the baby, and on Evie. She parted the nightgown, exposing first her shoulder then her breast, which was fuller than what he remembered. The baby latched on to her nipple after several unsuccessful tries, and Evie continued her soft coos. Then she glanced up at him, and smiled wearily. If this was Evie’s baby, then . . . He counted back the months in his head. A force greater than a horse’s kick to the gut jolted him.

“Sit, Alex,” she whispered. “Come and meet your son.”

Alex stared at her. He swallowed repeatedly, trying to force down the hard lump that had formed in his throat. His heart pounded in his ears.

“My son?” He barely produced a sound. His mouth went dry, and his chest tightened. He stared at the dark-haired infant at Evie’s breast, and warmth flooded his chest, wrapping around him like a warm cocoon.

“I hadn’t told you. I’m so sorry, Alex. I should have told you right away when I suspected, but I waited. That’s the reason I left the cabin that morning. I wanted to find mint for my unsettled stomach.”

Alex eased himself onto the mattress. His eyes never left the tiny human in Evie’s arms. He had a son. And he’d missed all those months of watching Evie swell with a baby growing inside her. What if he’d never found out she was alive? The thought sickened him, and a new wave of anger at Henry slammed his gut.

“Henry showed up, and that’s when the earth started shaking that day,” Evie continued. He grabbed me and we ran.” Fresh tears spilled from her eyes, and her gaze lifted to him. “He threatened me, Alex. I had no choice but to do what he wanted. I was afraid for our baby.”

“I thought you were buried under a pile of rocks up on the mountain.” He ran a shaky hand over his face, trying to disguise the crack in his voice.

Evelyn gripped his arm. “I’m sorry, Alex. I should have stayed at the cabin that day. I should have told you I was with child. Please forgive me.”

“Forgive you?” Alex’s eyes widened, and he sucked in a deep breath. He cupped her face in his palm, and she leaned into his touch. “Evie. There is nothing to forgive. I’m sorry I failed to protect you. I should never have left you alone that day.” His thumb swiped at the tears running down her cheek. “I love you. You’re alive, and safe, and . . . the mother of my son.” He glanced at the baby, a soft smile forming on his face. He still couldn’t comprehend that he was now a father. Forgotten were the months of bitter cold and hardship as he forged his way over impenetrable mountains. Love for his son and the baby’s mother flowed freely through him like a river during spring thaw. He would endure it all again, and more, if he had to.

He touched a tentative finger to the baby’s head, surprised at the softness of his skin, and the downy feeling of his hair. Leaning forward, he touched his lips to Evie’s mouth. Then he pulled back, a sudden thought nagging at him.

“Are you . . . married to Charlie?” His eyes sought hers for the truth, afraid of what her answer would be.

Wide-eyed, Evie quickly shook her head. “No. I refused to marry him until after the baby was born. Henry told everyone in town that Charlie and I were wed to keep up appearances after I told them I was with child.” She paused, and reached for his hand. Alex held his breath and waited for her to continue.

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