Page 92 of Enforcing the Rules

“I’m being serious.”

“Tell me you want me there.”

“Thought that’s what I was doin’.”

“Be sweet.”

He sobered. “I love you, Kate. I want you in my house and in my bed.”

“Better.” I kissed him, tears welling in my eyes at finally hearing those three words I’d longed to hear. Then I huffed out a laugh. “You need to up your romance game, honey.”

He cupped my cheek and rubbed his thumb over my lower lip. “I’ll work on that.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Utah—

I rode into the mountains with Kate cuddled against my back. My palm stroked over her thigh, and I gave her knee a squeeze. There was a spot I’d wanted to show her for a long time.

I pulled off the road and parked, then led her to the flower filled meadow that overlooked town and the river below.

“It’s beautiful here, Utah.” Kate twirled in a circle, then fell into the grass. I joined her, tossing down a blanket from my saddlebag.

“It’s peaceful up here. One of my favorite spots. I used to come to this spot to think when things got crazy.”

She went up on her elbows and took in the view. “I can see that. I get a real serene Zen-like feeling up here.”

“I’m glad we got to ride today.”

“Me, too.” She patted her stomach. “Though I don’t suppose I’ll be riding for many more months.”

I laid my head on her lap. “How are you feeling? Any morning sickness?”

It had been six weeks since she’d told me the news. We’d paid to get her out of her lease, and she’d moved in with me. She wasn’t showing yet, and we hadn’t shared the news with anyone.

I rolled, scooped an arm under her legs, and pulled her under me so I was on top of her.

She giggled and tried to wrestle me off.

I stared down at her. “Hey. Look at me. This is important.”

She settled and smiled at me. Absolutely beautiful. I’d die a happy man waking up to that smile every morning.

“I love you. Hope you know that. You comin’ into my world made everything slide into place. You’ve brought me a happiness I never thought was in the cards for me.”

“Oh, Utah.”

“There’s something else I want you to be clear on. Your father? How he treated you? I will never do what he did. Good times or bad, I will never walk out on you. I will never throw you away. Got my word. Understand?”

She nodded, and her lip trembled.

“I never want you to carry that worry.” I laid my palm on her stomach. “That goes for our child, too.”

Her eyes welled with tears.

I brushed my thumb over her cheek. “Not trying to make you cry, babe.”

She nodded and wiped her eyes. “I know. But that was so sweet, and you know I’m a big ball of emotions right now.”

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