Page 22 of The Cowboy's Unlikely Love

Colt met Taylor’s gaze and smiled as he moved toward her. She untied her gown and pulled it down as he laid the fussing baby belly-first on her chest.

She cooed in a quiet voice, “Well, hello, Mr. Joshua James Benson. I’ve waited a long time to hold you. I’m Momma, and this here is Colt.” She took Colt’s hand and laid it across the baby’s back.

He patted the baby’s velvety-soft skin. “JJ, you’re adorable.”

“I love his name because Joshua and James are both biblical and, as you’ve discovered, JJ makes a great nickname,” Taylor said.

He pulled the blanket and sheet up to cover the baby and smiled. “I hate to say it, but your names are much better than mine.”

She giggled. “Thanks. I think so, too.”

Shannon said, “Honey, you were so brave. He’s a beautiful baby.”

Taylor raised her arm, and her aunt leaned in for another hug.

Taylor drowsed, JJ lying quietly on her bare chest. Colt sat on the loveseat against the wall while Shannon took the recliner.

The nurse came in an hour later and took the baby, laying him in the warmer. He immediately started to cry.

Taylor frowned and looked at Colt. “I hate this part.”

He drew her gown up to her neck and caressed her cheek. “It won’t take long, then you can hold him again.”

Shannon left for a bathroom break, and Taylor clasped his hand. When she met his gaze, her eyes were dark with emotion. “Colt, it means everything to me that I didn’t go through this alone. Of course, I knew my aunt would be here and she’s wonderful, but having you here, having your strength, means the world to me.”

He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “It was a privilege, Taylor. One that I’ll remember forever. Thank you for letting me experience JJ’s birth.” Then he whispered so that only she could hear, “I know I’m not, but I feel like his daddy now.” He smiled and caressed her cheek.

Tears came to her eyes and her lips began to tremble. “Oh, Colt...”

He swept her lips with the gentlest of kisses. “It’s okay,” he said softly. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

Chapter Six

Long after one in themorning, Taylor stroked JJ’s little forefinger as he nursed. He’d taken to breastfeeding like a champ. At eight pounds, fourteen ounces, and only nineteen inches long, he was a chubby little thing. His crystal-blue eyes made her think that the color wouldn’t change. This made her a bit sad—they would always be a reminder of the worst night of her life.

She kissed his tiny forehead, disregarding that thought. He was her little miracle; God’s gift from that night. Someone to love and hold onto—something she’d never had.

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