Page 10 of The Cowboy's Unlikely Love

She stepped back, grinning broadly. “Colt, you’re amazing. Car seats are so expensive. I was wondering how in the world I was going to be able to afford one.” She felt warm and excited and happier than she’d been in a long, long time. “I’ll get the pail, since you’re carrying the car seat. Come on in.”

He followed her to the nursery, and they set his gifts inside. Her nesting instincts went into overdrive as she gazed at the new additions to the baby’s room.

He touched her shoulder. “I have one more surprise out in my truck.”

“Oh, Colt. This is too much,” she said feeling tears well in her eyes.

“No, not at all. And besides, this one’s a loan. It’s a rocking chair, and my momma said that you can use it as long as you need it, but that she wants it back when I have babies of my own.” He laughed sheepishly and rolled his eyes.

“That’s so sweet of her, Colt.” She wiped the tears from her eyes. “How will I ever thank you?”

He drew his brows together. “Taylor, you don’t have to thank me. I’m glad to help. I want you to have everything you need to take care of your baby boy.”

She bit her lip and then slipped her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his chest. “Colt, you really are a good man. I’m sorry I doubted you.”

***

Colt slipped his armsaround her, feeling a little awkward because of the distance her belly made between them. But she felt good, sweet, and kind—and so very vulnerable. He had to make sure she didn’t get hurt, physically or emotionally.

When she stepped back, he said, “I’ll go get that chair. Where would you like it?”

She drew her brows together and glanced around the room. “I’m not sure whether to put it in here or in the living room. What do you think?”

He pursed his lips. “I think maybe the living room. You and your aunt will both be caring for little Thaddeus, won’t you?”

She cracked up. “I amnotnaming my baby Thaddeus.”

He grinned.

“But I think you’re right. We’ll spend more time rocking him in the living room than the nursery.”

He nodded. “I’ll be right back.”

When he returned, Taylor and her aunt had made room for the rocking chair next to the couch. He set it down there and said, “That looks real nice.”

“It’s beautiful, Colt. It’s oak, isn’t it?” Shannon asked.

“Yes, it is.”

“I love the beautiful carving,” Taylor said. “It’s gorgeous, Colt. Thank you so much.” She sat down in it and pushed off with her feet. It rocked smoothly on the old wooden floor. “Oh, this is wonderful. The baby’s going to love it.”

The loving way she stroked the curved arm of the chair sent warmth rushing through him. His heart swelled with an emotion that he couldn’t name, but it was fine and good, and it made him happy.

“I’d better get on back,” he said.

Taylor’s brows rose in surprise. “You can’t stay for dinner?”

“Not tonight, but thanks for the invite.” He tipped his hat. “You let me know if you catch sight of that truck, okay?”

“For sure, I will. Thank you, Colt.”

He headed for the door. More than anything, he wanted to think about that feeling. He had promises to keep. Promises to protect Taylor—and that meant not just from the brown-truck guy, but from himself, too.

***

Colt knocked on Shannon’sdoor right after lunch the following Friday. He’d come to terms with his previous emotional reaction and had decided that it was partly that he was starting to truly care for Taylor, as well as admiring her and wanting her to have the best in life.

Shannon answered the door. “Hi, Colt. What brings you to my doorstep?” She smiled and motioned him inside.

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