“I guess I got lucky; but I feel the same about him. I love him so much.” I smiled, letting my mind drift to memories of romantic moments Dylan and I shared together– long evening walks hand in hand, water skiing and picnicking together at the lake, driving over the border into Mexico for a day of shopping, laying in each other’s arms after making love. It was hard to believe we’d already been married over two years, now. My pulse still accelerated every time he walked into the room.
“You’re both lucky. Just a couple of great kids.” Mom’s voice broke into my thoughts and I realized she was leaving me behind as I’d daydreamed about Hunter. Tears welled in my eyes when I realized I’d called him by his alias. He was truly Dylan to me now, but Hunter was the name of the man I’d fallen in love with—the undercover cop who’d posed as a student at my high school. It just fit him so naturally. Sometimes I missed calling him that.
“Maybe I should name the baby Hunter,” I said softly, feeling the tears streak down my cheeks.
My mom turned to stare at me, shocked. “Are you crying? In the middle of Baby Town?”
I started laughing and I walked toward her. “I can’t help it. It’s these dang hormones. I swear they’re going to kill me. I cry about everything, commercials, books, television shows, the State of the Union address.”
“Oh, sweetie. All of America was crying over that!” She pursed her lips together and waved a hand to dismiss the subject. I laughed harder over the symbolic gesture indicative of her conservative nature.
“How about forgetfulness?” I asked, contemplating all the crazy changes I’d experienced so far. “Does pregnancy cause that?”
She chuckled. “It can. Some people call it “Momnesia.” They attribute it to a surge of hormones, lack of sleep, and multitasking. Have you been getting enough rest?”
Shrugging, I fingered a cute baseball outfit. “I thought I was. I’m taking some online summer courses and working at transposing songs for the music department, so it’s not like I do anything to physically get tired. But lately it seems like I keep misplacing and forgetting things.”
“Like what?”
“My car keys. I always hang them on a hook by the door to the garage, but lately they’re never there and I find them all over the place, even though I swear I made a special point to hang them up. And the other day, Dylan came home from work and asked why I’d parked out on the street. I never park on the street. I’d gone to the grocery store earlier, but I don’t remember parking there. He says I move things of his around, too.” I laughed, feeling like an idiot. “I guess I’ve finally gone nuts. It was bound to happen someday.”
Giving me a quick hug around the shoulders, she leaned her head against mine. “I don’t think you’re nuts, at all. I think you’re excited for this baby to get here and he is preoccupying most of your thoughts. That’s a good thing.”
Running a hand over my baby bump, I smiled. “I never thought it was possible to love someone so much. I mean, I haven’t even met him and already he’s such a part of me. I can’t wait to hold him and nuzzle all his tiny features.” Immediately, I started tearing up, again. “But then it all seems so unreal at other times, as if he will never really get here.”
“Spoken like a true expectant mother. Be patient and enjoy your pregnancy– and the rest you’re getting now. After this little guy is born, neither Dylan nor you will be getting much sleep.”
“Great. Now I’ll have two boys keeping me awake at night,” I grumbled, jokingly.
Mom laughed and shook her head. “I’m afraid you’re right. I don’t think that husband of yours will leave you alone much, kids or not—not that it’s a bad thing. Shall we check out now?”
Smiling, I nodded. “Yes, I think we have enough for three nurseries in our cart now, and that’s not counting the baby furniture being delivered.”
“Well, let’s go put this all together and then you’ll have something to surprise my son-in-law with.”
“Sounds like a plan.” I hooked my arm in hers, happy for the time we’d been able to spend together, as the two of us made our way to the front of the store.
***
“Surprise!” I threw the door to the nursery open and watched Dylan’s face light up. “Didn’t it turn out great?”
“Honey! This is awesome! I can’t believe you and your mom got all this done today. I hope you didn’t wear yourself out.”
“I’m tired, but I love this room. I don’t want to leave it.” I slid my hand across the pale yellow walls. “I think you painted it the perfect color. It’ll work well for a boy, and any girls we might have in the future.”
“Your idea of the having the zoo animals fits perfectly in here.”
“It does. You have to sit in the nursing rocker/recliner we bought. It’s so comfy, and it’s in easy reach of the changing table or anything I might need on the shelves.” I ushered him over to the chair and pushed him into it.
He laughed, but looked pleasantly surprised. “Oh, that is nice.” Smiling, he sank further into the chair, laying his head back.
“But that’s not the best thing. Look at this!” I opened the closet and drawers to show him the full wardrobe of clothes, baby blankets, teething toys and other paraphernalia.
“Good grief! Did you go a little crazy with the shopping today?”
“Mom bought it all! She was like a kid in a candy store, going berserk over everything. I think it’s pretty safe to say this baby is going to be spoiled rotten.”
Dylan stood and moved behind me, reaching around to place his hands on my belly. Instantly, I felt the baby flutter inside me.
“He moved! Did you feel it?”
“I did,” he replied with a smile as he kissed my neck. Turning me to face him, he knelt in front of me lifting my shirt so he could continue stroking my bare stomach. “Hey, Peanut. Daddy’s home, now.” He kissed my belly and was rewarded with another kick. Soft laughter erupted from him. “I hope that means you’re happy I’m here.” He kissed the spot again. “I sure love you and your mommy.”
“Of course he’s happy. He always moves more when you’re around. I think he gets excited to hear your voice.”
Dylan stood and pulled me against him. “Then he must be like his daddy. I get excited when I hear your voice.”
Gently, his mouth descended to mine, and I sighed. My fingers naturally threaded their way into his dark silky hair and I moaned as his tongue slid inside my mouth. Kissing Dylan was the best experience ever, his full lips pressing firmly against mine as he held me. Everything about him made me feel safe—the flexing muscles of his arms, the hardness of his chest and abdomen, and his height towering over me. He seemed so strong, so invincible, so able to protect both our baby and me. I loved the way he cared for me, both in the past and in the present. There was no doubt in my mind that he would be a wonderful father.
“What about Hunter?” I asked when we broke apart, staring into his warm brown eyes flecked with caramel.
“Hunter?” he questioned, clearly not following.
“For the baby. I thought maybe Hunter Weston, after you and your dad. Of course Russ will think we chose Weston after his last name and not for your father.”
A smile creased his lips and he chuckled, continuing to stare at me as his hands stroked me softly. “Good ole Russ. What would we do without him?”
“He’s been a great friend.”
“Yes, he has. As far as the name Hunter, I don’t know, maybe. I know how much you love that name. There for a while, I thought I was going to have to start using it permanently.”
Tears floated in my eyes. “I’m sorry. I love your name, Dylan. It was just so hard to make the mental switch after calling you Hunter for so long. If you don’t like it for the baby, we can try something else. I just thought since it’s your middle name, that it would be a good way to pay tribute to you and your dad, also.”
“I love the name. And I love hearing it on your lips, so don’t ever feel bad for when you slip u
p and call me that. I also think it would be a nice tribute, but what about your dad?”
I shrugged, glancing down as I traced my finger over the large bicep peeking out from under his sleeve. “There will be other babies.”
He chuckled. “Just how many kids are you planning to have? Do we need to get a bigger house?”
Rolling my eyes, I stared at him. “We could easily have seven kids in this house right now and still have plenty of space. So, if you think we need a bigger place, we’ve got problems.”
A wicked gleam appeared in eyes. “Well, I did say I couldn’t keep my hands off you. And you never know; we could have several sets of twins or triplets in our future.”
“Bite your tongue,” I said, playfully slapping at his shoulder.
“How about you bite it for me?” Sweeping me into his arms he gave me a wink as he carried me out of the room.
Chapter Two
Dylan-
“I have a present for you.”
“You do?” Cami got up from where she was reading on the couch and came to give me a kiss. “Welcome home. Where is this present you speak of?”
I shook my head, wrapping my arms around her. “I don’t know. I think you might have to find it. Maybe a strip search is in order.”
Laughing heartily, she shoved at me. “You’d like that too much and then we’d never make it to dinner. The baby and I are starving!”
“You think you know me so well.” I grabbed her, pulling her back against me. This was my favorite part of the day—coming home and having her in my arms, again. Even though I loved my job as a firefighter/paramedic, I hated every minute I was away from her. Working with Russ was a good perk, though. Even though he was still considered a “newbie” on the team, it was nice having my best bud around with me.
“Look at me, Dylan.” Cami said waving a hand over her body. “I do know you very well. This is what happens when you come home from work and have sex with your wife nearly every day for two years.”
I grinned. “I haven’t heard you complaining.”
“Nor will you.” She smiled. “I enjoy being with you.”
Damn. I swear she made me burn hotter for her every single moment we were together. I had to force my mind back to the subject at hand. “If you know me so well, then tell me what the present is that I got for you today.”
“Flowers?”
I shook my head. “Nope.”
“Did you bring take out home?”
“Wrong again.”
“Hmmm.” She pressed her lips together. “Did you get a raise at work?”
“Maybe you should give up. I don’t think you know me well enough to guess it.”
“Whatever. You’re such a dork. Just tell me what it is.”
“How about you follow me to the garage? I left it out there.”
“Oh my gosh! You did not buy that motorcycle you’ve been talking about, did you? I swear those things scare me to death! You have to take it back, Dylan. I’d die if something happened to you on one of those things.” She was quickly working herself into hysterics, so I hurried to the door and flung it open. A small yelp filled the air and a tiny Dalmatian puppy flopped its way happily across the floor to Cami’s feet.
“You got a puppy?” Cami said, staring in shock.
“He’s the perfect dog for us, don’t you think? He goes right along with the whole firefighter image.”
Sinking down, she crooned as she stroked him and I wondered if she’d even heard a word I said.
“Hi, pretty baby. Look at you and how sweet you are?” There was some serious nuzzling going on. I could tell already that these two were going to get along famously.
“His name is Oreo.”
“Oh! I love that! It’s totally fitting for him!” she squealed with delight. “Isn’t that right, boy? Such a cute Oreo and sweet like cookies, too.” The dog was clearly eating up the attention. “Where’d you get him?” she asked. I chuckled; surprised she still remembered I was in the room. It looked like I was going to have some serious competition. Maybe I didn’t think this out very well.
“The Chief’s dog had puppies and he was trying to find good homes for them. I always hate leaving you here alone, so I thought this little guy might be a good companion for you. Plus, when he gets bigger he’ll be a good guard dog.”
“He’s adorable, though I’ve never potty trained a puppy before. I think cleaning up after him might make my pregnant tummy a bit queasy.”
“No worries there. He’s paper-trained. I’ll go to the store for some supplies to put in a doggy door that goes out into the backyard so he can learn to go out there and also get outside to run. And, just for you, I’ll clean up after him. He’ll need to be walked every day, though. This breed is pretty energetic.” Concerned, I stared at her, second-guessing. “Do you think you can handle this? I don’t want you to be overwhelmed. I know you get tired easily outside in this summer heat. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”
“Don’t worry. We can walk him together in the evenings you aren’t doing your night shift rotation. It’s cooler then. That way his paws won’t get burned on the concrete. We can take him to play in the park down the street. I think he’ll be a great addition to our family. I love him already.” She picked up the squirming puppy and turned toward me. “He’s definitely not a purse puppy, is he?”
Laughter escaped me. “No, he’s not; but he still looks good on you.” I took the wriggling dog from her and set him on the ground. Straightening, I pulled her into my arms. “I love you. If the dog is too much, I can take him back. I just worry about you being lonely.”
“You don’t need to. I’m not just sitting around twiddling my thumbs, you know. True, I’m not putting out fires and saving people’s lives, but between the music gig, homework, and keeping this place clean, I’m staying pretty busy.”
“I’m glad you’ve been able to work from home. I know you haven’t always felt well with this pregnancy.” I kissed the top of her head. “I simply want you to be happy and not overworked.”
“I am happy. I couldn’t have a better life.” She grinned. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”
“Good, because I can’t imagine a life any better than this, either. I love you, Cami.”
“I love you, too.” She popped up on her toes to kiss me and I squeezed her tightly to me. We both started chuckling. “That baby is really starting to come between us, you know what I mean?” I asked as she slid my hands down to her stomach.
“I’m getting pretty fat, aren’t I?” She frowned a bit.
I snorted and dragged her back to me. “There’s not an ounce of fat on you. And you’re beautiful. I love knowing that part of me is growing inside you.”
She snickered. “Does that make you feel manly?”
Grinning, I nodded. “You bet. I’m thinking of having you wear a sign that says, “My husband did this,” just so everyone knows how awesome I am.”
Rolling her eyes, she giggled. “You’re hardly the first man to get his wife pregnant.”
“True. But how many can say they did it while their wife was on birth control?”
“Probably way more than you know. Besides, that doesn’t bode well for our future birth control needs.”
I shrugged. “We can try something else, or just have a bunch of kids. I’m okay with either, really.”
“Seriously?” She seemed surprised by that comment. “As long as it’s with you, I don’t care what size family we have. I simply want us to be happy—just like we are right now.” I bent to kiss her again, only to be interrupted by loud yapping from Oreo. Glancing down to where he was hopping about at our feet, I sighed. “That’s it. The dog has to go.”
“What? Why?” Cami cried out.
“He interrupted our kissing time. That’s a no-no.”
Laughing hard, Cami playfully slapped my arm and bent to pet the dog. “I guess you’ll simply have to train him.”
“I’ve been ditched for a dog,” I grumbled
. “I’m making a new rule right now. He’s not allowed to sleep in our bed. That’s my playground.”
Cami shook her head. “You’re incorrigible, but that’s fine with me. And thank you for the gift.”
“Anything for you.”
***
Attempting to snuggle closer to Cami, I cursed at the puppy curled up between us, sound asleep. How’d the damn dog get in here? I sighed, noticing Cami’s hand was sweetly curled around the offending creature, in the dim light from the window. I couldn’t separate them now, she looked so peaceful.
Our peace was shattered in that moment as a series of tones came through the hand held radio sitting on my bedside table. “Shit,” I muttered to myself, reaching for it as the dispatcher began speaking.
“General page, general page, all engines and crew from firehouse nine. We have reports of a five alarm warehouse structure fire . . . .”
“Cami, sweetheart, I’ve got to go.” Sitting up, I leaned over and kissed her forehead.
“Be careful,” she muttered in her sleep-laden voice. “Hurry home.”
“I’ll do my best.” Jumping up, I threw on the spare uniform that I kept beside the bed every night for precisely this reason. I didn’t turn on the light, not wanting to disturb Cami anymore. The dog gave a whimper as I stepped out of the room and I turned to glance at both of them lying there one last time before shutting the door behind me.
Hurrying out to my Camaro, I jumped in and headed to the station a few blocks away. The bay doors stood wide open, indicating the departure of the on-duty crew in the first two trucks already. Several other men were pulling up in their vehicles to man the third truck.
I ran to the wall where my turnouts were hanging with my boots just below them and quickly suited up. Jumping into the driver’s seat, I fired up the engine. Russ jumped in the passenger seat beside me, and as soon as the rest of the crew was on board, I picked up the radio.
Love Page 2
