A Christmas Baby Surprise: Reclaimed by the Rancher

by Catherine Mann

  She wrapped her legs tighter around him, her heels digging into his ass. She kissed him, fiercely, deeply, taking his hoarse shout of completion into her mouth, aftershocks rippling through her again and again.

  Their first time together.

  Or rather her first time with him.

  That thought threatened to steal the bliss still shimmering through her.

  As she held him, their bodies slick with sweat, she knew. They’d done this before. She knew him, not in a concrete memory, but in an elusive feeling she wanted to grasp and hold on to but couldn’t quite reach.

  However she knew, this man was her husband.

  Nine

  Peace settled inside him like a whisper, like the breeze coming in off the ocean. Alaina had pulled on his polo shirt to keep out the night chill. It looked right on her. She pressed herself against him, head resting on his shoulder. Her soft arms draped over his bare chest. The downy blanket closed them in together, cocooning them in that peace.

  Except with that peace came the reminder that he still hadn’t told her everything about the state of their marriage before the accident. They’d moved to another level here and he couldn’t keep hiding the facts from her for much longer under the excuse of protecting her or rebuilding their family.

  She had always been a strong, independent woman. That hadn’t changed. He could feel the restlessness in her to regain her life. He owed it to her to do everything he could to help. And he would. He resolved to give her—them—the foundation, the memory, of a beautiful Christmas together, and then just before New Year’s he could tell her everything he could about their past. Hopefully she, too, would see that the New Year offered a new beginning, symbolically and literally.

  At first, keeping Alaina had been about re-establishing their family at all costs, but as he learned new things about her and realized the mistakes he’d made that had contributed to their discord, he knew he didn’t just want the family. He wanted her. He wanted them. Together. In love.

  He’d do anything to keep her with him like this. He hadn’t realized how broken they’d been before. But tonight—tonight they’d connected as they had when they were just falling in love.

  A new conviction overtook him. Porter wanted to help ease her memories back. He was not afraid of her leaving. Of her wanting a life without him. They fit. They were a team.

  A family.

  “What was our first time together like?” Alaina’s voice carried on the wind.

  Porter took a deep breath. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather remember that on your own and not have my words tangled up in those memories?”

  She looked up her chest at him, her blue eyes still hazy with passion. “I want to hear how you remember us.”

  “Okay, then.” His hand settled on the soft curve of her hip. “I’ll do my best to set the stage for you. I came to your apartment for dinner. You swore you could make the best steak and stuffed mushrooms. I brought a bottle of wine. You were in a bright green dress. Red lipstick. Your hair was curled. We ate. And you were right.” Paused to kiss her. He never wanted to stop kissing her.

  He whispered in her ear, “Best steak and stuffed mushrooms ever. And then.” He nipped down her neck again, tasting the mix of sea salt and sweat. “The rest is history.”

  A breathy sigh escaped her lips a second before she angled to press her mouth to his. “Let’s make history again.”

  He growled his approval.

  Her hands slid around his waist and shifted on his lap. He spanned her waist and brought her closer. She wriggled against his erection, sending a fresh jolt of desire through him. The scent of her shampoo, the salty air and their lovemaking combined into a heady aphrodisiac.

  The blanket, in addition to the dark, gave them an air of privacy. And even though all the boats were too far away for anyone to see them, there was also a sexiness to being out in the open this way with her, under the stars. Sex between them had always been good, even with the stress of the fertility treatments, but there was a freedom between them now.

  A new connection tonight.

  Her hands skimmed across his bare chest, her head falling back to expose the curve of her neck, encouraging him wordlessly. He didn’t need more of an invitation to make the most of this chance to be with her again.

  He slipped his hands under the shirt—his shirt on her, the cotton warm from her body. Her silky smooth skin called to him, enticed him to explore further. He skimmed up to cup her breasts, circling his thumbs over her nipples as he kissed the curve of her neck. Her low moan of excitement encouraged him to continue. He stroked down her side, tucking his fingers into her panties, the string along her hip a fragile barrier that gave way with a twist and snap.

  Humming her approval, she made fast work of unzipping his jeans. He swept away her underwear, the scrap of satin almost as soft as her skin. The moist heat of her pressed against him. He’d never wanted her—or anyone—more than at this moment. She was everything, his every fantasy come to life. She was... Alaina.

  Resting her hands on his shoulders, she raised up, then lowered herself onto him, taking him inside her. Exactly where he wanted to be for as long as possible. A challenge with her hips rolling against him in an arousing wriggle.

  He cupped her bottom and brought her closer still, thrusting up as she threaded her fingers through his hair, tugging slightly. Her husky sighs drove him crazy with wanting her, drove all thoughts of their past away until only the present mattered.

  And hell yeah, he knew he was making excuses to be with her even with secrets between them. But right then, he didn’t care.

  The wind blew her hair forward and around his face, as if binding them more closely. The silky strands teased his senses. Everything about her was sensual. Her hair, yes, even her hair turned him on, drove him closer to the edge until he bit back the urge to come, waiting for her. Touching her and stroking her until her breath hitched in that way he knew meant she was close, so close. And then her orgasm massaged him over the edge to his own release. Their groans tangled up, tossed around in the wind like her hair.

  Each ripple of his release rolled through him like waves along the water, one after the other. Elemental. So damn perfect, all the more so because she sighed her bliss against his neck.

  Cradling her to him, he reclined back onto the deck, holding her, the blanket still secured around them. He drew in ragged breaths of ocean air, his heart hammering in his chest.

  Alaina sagged back until they lay side by side with a deep exhale. “Porter, it’s not fair that you know exactly what I want and I know so little about what turns you on.”

  “So little?” He laughed. “Trust me—your instincts are spot-on.”

  “Hmmm... Maybe I’m remembering things on a subconscious level.”

  Her words chilled him into silence for an instant before he said, “Like what?”

  “Nothing specific really.” She linked hands with him. “Just impressions. A sense of knowing you.”

  He squeezed her hand. “I like the sound of that. We’re still married underneath everything that’s happened.”

  She just made that hmmm noise again and let the silence settle.

  He rolled onto his side, propping his head on his hand. “Should we turn in?”

  She traced his bottom lip. “I want to sleep here with you on the boat, but I can’t leave Thomas overnight. Even knowing he’s just there on shore—”

  Porter kissed her fingertips. Drew her close. “I understand and I agree. Let’s go see our son.”

  He wanted their focus to be on their family, their future, and Thomas was an important part of what would bind them together even after she regained her memories. If Porter could give Alaina the perfect family Christmas, she would understand why he wanted their family to remain intact, why he’d waited to tell her the t
ruth about their tumultuous past. She’d understand, and she’d forgive him so they could create a happy, stable family environment for their son.

  Or at least he thought she would forgive him. The trouble with Alaina’s amnesia, however, was that she wasn’t the same woman he’d once known.

  * * *

  The moon glow washed the beach in a pale silver light, softening the edges of their mansion like a watercolor image. Alaina took it in, seeing a beauty in the place she’d missed before. This might not be her personal pick of a home, but there was a blessing in having access to this kind of magnificent landscape and a peaceful escape where she could recover.

  She curled in a tight ball, hugging her knees, wrapped in a blanket on the hammock. The light breeze rocked her back and forth, keeping time with the crash of the waves.

  She’d come out here after they’d checked on Thomas while Porter went to scavenge for food. She’d brought a laptop with her to watch the disc he’d made, filled with images of their home. Such a thoughtful gesture.

  And the more she glanced at the photographs of her life, the more she was excited for the return trip to Tallahassee. For life with Porter and Thomas. For her shot at having a family.

  She looked up from the laptop, glancing at the house next door, Sage’s home. Could the woman’s comment about another man visiting be trusted? Was there a hidden agenda in her statement?

  Or could there have been another man? Alaina didn’t feel as if she ever could have been the sort to cheat on her husband but what did she really know about their marriage?

  A burn started along her skin as she thought of her stalker ex-boyfriend from long ago. Could he have been lurking around again after so many years? Porter hadn’t mentioned him, but perhaps she should bring up the subject of Douglas and simply ask that they look into his whereabouts.

  An outline of an approaching figure took shape out of the misty night. Her eyes adjusted from the glare of the laptop to the darkness of the moonlit beach and she recognized her husband. Sagging with relief, she closed her laptop and set it aside to focus on this renewed connection with Porter. He strode down the bluff, sure-footed, a pizza in one hand, baby monitor in the other.

  His smile widened as he placed the box on the Adirondack chair and sat next to her on the hammock.

  “You’re the only woman I ever met who would rather be romanced with deep-dish pizza than the offer of lobster.” Porter passed her a slice.

  Steam oozed off the cheese—the scent of tomatoes, garlic and oregano dancing around her. She blew cool air on her slice, eager to dive in. “The videos you put together of the Tallahassee house were very thoughtful. I haven’t gotten to watch them all, but I took a quick peek and I like the house.”

  “I’m glad. We’ll be celebrating New Year’s there with our son.”

  “And your mom?”

  “She won’t be with us. I’m still not sure why she’s here.” Even in the muted light, she could see his eyes darken at the mention of his mother. His mouth went tight.

  In the deepest part of her core, Alaina wanted to set her family right. Her whole family, which included Courtney, too.

  “She loves you. She wants to see your child.” She set the plate of pizza down and ran a comforting hand down his back.

  “Our child. You’re a good mother, Alaina.” He kissed her forehead.

  “Thank you. These definitely aren’t the easiest of circumstances to become a first-time parent.” She looked down at her slice of pizza. “Your mother said I used to volunteer in the NICU, back when we were trying to conceive.”

  “You did. You were so generous and brave to do that. Like I said, you’re a born mother.”

  She’d tried to envision herself in the hospital holding babies. Had volunteering helped ease the ache inside her over not being able to become pregnant? Or had it deepened her sense of loss?

  “Your mother and I may be different, but that doesn’t mean she loves you any less than I love Thomas.”

  “Like I said, you’re generous. She wasn’t very nice to you when we got married.”

  “Why was that?” She’d gathered that much. Pieced it together from her conversations with her mother-in-law. But Alaina wondered if that even mattered now. The introduction of their child reminded Alaina that there was more at stake in this family than petty fights.

  “I was never really sure and you didn’t bad-mouth her so I never found out.”

  Alaina nodded, wondering if the animosity had just been a misunderstanding. And realizing that her mother-in-law had never intentionally sabotaged them. She’d kept her reservations about Alaina to herself. And there was something to be said for that. “She must not have bad-mouthed me, either, or you would know what the problem was.”

  “I hadn’t thought about that.”

  “I just think it is something to consider. And besides, your mom and I are fine now. We have a fresh start. And she wants to be a part of the family—a part of our lives. Part of Thomas’s life. I can feel it.” A gust of wind pushed the ends of her hair into her eyes. She removed a ponytail holder from her wrist and piled her hair on top of her head in a messy bun.

  “Oh, yeah. She wants to be part of the family. But only when it suits her.” Bitterness dripped from his words. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply.

  She picked up his hand in hers and twined their fingers together. “So...what should we get your mom for Christmas? And should we think of a neutral gift for her tax-attorney boyfriend? You know, just in case he is here. I’d hate for him to have nothing to open up if he spends Christmas with us.”

  Porter’s jaw tightened and he dropped her hand. “I’m cold, aren’t you?”

  “Not terribly. Not with you and this blanket.” She tried to catch his eye. To get him to stay and talk to her. To calm down and let her in. They could work through this together if he would only open up.

  Was this something that used to happen in the past? Were these the kinds of arguments they’d had before?

  “I think it’s time to go inside. We have a big day tomorrow. Lots of wrapping to do. We don’t want to get sick.” He started to gather the remains of the pizza and dishes. He kissed her forehead again, then he started for the beach house, retreating into the dark space between the beach and the mansion.

  Leaving her with a cold feeling in her stomach no blanket could insulate.

  * * *

  Of all the times for his temper to explode, this was probably the worst one imaginable.

  Porter had sought sanctuary in his office. Tried to lose himself in work. To cool down. To figure out why he had got so angry with Alaina.

  He knew he’d been unreasonable. And he was afraid he’d blown his second chance with her. Maybe she’d see he wasn’t worthy of her love and time. Maybe this would be the trigger that brought all of her memories rushing back. But not the good memories. The dark ones. All of their fights.

  Without even realizing it, he’d bumped over from his spreadsheet and projections charts to the internet. He’d begun to scour his normal stockpile of online shopping websites. Looking for a gift for his mother. Alaina was right. He needed to figure something out.

  And not just a gift for his mom. Also how to fix the space he’d placed between him and his wife. Again. Had he been too selfish keeping their past a secret? Put Alaina at too much of a disadvantage by not sharing the darker parts of their marriage?

  A knock pulled his attention to the door, and damn, how ironic, there his mother stood.

  “Good evening, Porter. I was just thinking about what I should get Thomas for Christmas. Now, I know you and Alaina just finished your big shopping trip, but I thought we’d compare lists.”

  Now his mother was ready to play Santa? After all these years of virtually ignoring the holidays? Not that he begrudged his son the presents by any
means, but he also didn’t want Thomas to expect something from Courtney only to have her go back to her old ways later. Porter pursed his lips. Felt them turn white with tension.

  “Clothes would be fine.” It came out like a bark. “Or set away money for his college education. Whatever you want.”

  Courtney nodded, straightening her green silk scarf as she stepped deeper into the room. “This place reminds me so much of that Christmas we spent in the Keys when you were younger. Do you remember?”

  “I do. But I think the beach house is closer to the house you rented the Christmas we went to Virginia Beach.”

  “Sometimes the places run together for me. I never liked to repeat holiday locations. Too depressing.” A sad sort of smile set on her mouth.

  Old habits died hard. When was the last time he and Alaina had spent a holiday in Tallahassee? He could have brought them home. To start their lives together in the space they’d cocreated. But instead, he’d fled and brought them here. Maybe there were some similarities between him and his mother after all.

  “So are you serious about this guy?” Porter asked, shutting down his computer for the night.

  Courtney shook her head. “No. I’m done with the search for my forever love. After your father left me...well, I’m not sure I’ve ever been the same. I loved him. I really did. But then he left and I was pregnant...” Her voice trailed off. She stared at her son with shining eyes.

  “Mom...I’m sorry.” A pang ricocheted through his heart. He’d had no idea she’d ever felt that way about anyone.

  “Oh, honey. Don’t look at me like that. I know things haven’t been perfect for us. But I’m so glad that this was the path of my life. It gave you to me, and I’ve never once regretted it,” she said, wrapping him in a hug.

  It wasn’t a particularly tight hug, but it wasn’t one of those air hugs that she normally gave. From his mom, this was a lot.

  He’d been so focused on his experience of childhood, on what she’d lacked as a mother, that he’d failed to see she was every bit as damaged as he was by the guy who’d bailed on them.