by Judy Duarte
And that was still another reason why Caitlin couldn’t stand by and let her daughter be placed in the care of her father, a man neither of them knew.
She lit the candle on the counter, and using only the flicker of the flame and the light in the hall to see, she slowly undressed, casting off her clothing much easier than she could her cares. Then she clipped her hair up in a twist and stepped into the tub.
As she’d hoped, the water was hot enough that she had to slowly ease herself into the comforting bath.
She wasn’t sure how long she’d soaked, her head against the backrest, one leg extended, one knee bent. But it hadn’t been nearly long enough, when a knock sounded at the door.
Who could it be at this hour of the night?
Had Emily forgotten something at Mary and Gerald’s?
She climbed from the tub, dried with quick, brisk strokes and slipped on the pink terry cloth robe that hung from a hook on the bathroom door.
When she reached the entry, she peered through the peephole, but couldn’t quite make out who was standing on the porch. So she clutched the bulky lapel of her robe and asked, “Who’s there?”
“It’s me. Brett.”
Her heart skipped a beat, and her hand trembled, as she reached for the deadbolt, opened the door and let him in.
He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry if this is a bad time. I know it’s late. But I wanted to talk to you, and I didn’t want to wait until morning.”
“All right.” She closed the door behind him.
His hair was a bit scruffy, as though he’d raked his fingers through the strands several times this evening. And he wasn’t smiling. But she still found him appealing.
He wore a pair of navy blue sweatpants and a plain white T-shirt—nothing fancy. Just his nightclothes, she supposed. Yet he looked like a worn but dashing swashbuckler to her. One with a dark and dangerous secret.
“Mind if I sit?” he asked.
“Not at all.”
She followed him to the sofa and took a seat next to him. Not too close, though.
“I took some of my own advice,” he told her.
“What did you do?”
“I went to see Kelly, my ex-wife. And I asked to be a part of my son’s life.”
She knew how badly he missed his little boy. And she hoped the woman would be agreeable. “How did it go?”
“It might take a little time, since Justin doesn’t really know me and believes that her husband is his father. But she agreed to tell him the truth. She wanted to talk it over with her husband, first. Hopefully, the guy won’t change her mind.”
“I’m glad that things seem to be working out for you.” Caitlin glanced at her lap, saw that her knee had slipped out into the open. She tugged at the edge of her robe to cover herself, although the effort seemed silly, considering his sexual exploration of her body the other night.
The sweet memory continued to assault her, in spite of—or maybe because of—the fact it would never happen again.
He didn’t appear to notice her self-consciousness, as he studied the hands that rested on his thighs. Then he looked up, and his gaze sought hers like a drowning man grappling for something floating on the water. “And after I talked to Kelly, I did something else.”
His expression seemed to ask for understanding. Or maybe he wanted her support.
“What did you do?” she asked, encouraging him to continue sharing a part of himself and his day with her.
“I drove out to Riverview and visited Zack.”
Her heart dropped to her stomach, then rose up to her throat. “Why?”
“You’re asking why, rather than wanting to know what I found out?”
“Why came to mind first,” she said. “And yes. I’d like to know what you learned.”
Brett stood, unable to remain seated. He felt too confined by her gaze, by his fear of getting the words out right.
He began to pace the living room, then returned to stand before the sofa on which she sat. The scent of lilac snaked around him, making him want to pull her into his arms. But he refrained. There was a good chance, after she heard what he had to say, that she’d boot him out. Tell him to get lost and never cross her threshold again.
But he had to take the chance.
For Emily.
For her.
And, if they were ever going to have any kind of future together, for them.
“I went out to see him because you’ve gotten under my skin, even though I’ve avoided women with kids in the past. And I wanted to meet him because I’d like to help, as long as I can do it on my own terms.”
She stood and faced him, with her arms folded across her chest, her sea-green eyes turning stormy. “And just how did you expect to help?”
“I wanted to know what kind of man he used to be, what five years in prison had done to him. I also wanted to know what kind of man he is now. And more importantly, what kind of father he’ll be.”
Her eyes welled with tears, but she seemed to hold them at bay. “And what did you find out?”
“He’d been an unhappy teenager, like me, who’d rebelled and hooked up with some bad friends. But Harry Logan had spotted something in him, that same something he’d found in me. Zack was heading to the Bayside Marina to meet Harry and the other guys the night of the robbery. Hell, I might have been at the same function, I don’t know.”
She brushed a loose strand of hair from her cheek with the back of her hand. “But he was arrested for his part in an armed robbery.”
“That’s true. He caught a ride from Ray Montalvo, a young thug he’d once thought of as a friend. Zack had no idea a robbery was going down.”
“You believe that?”
“Yeah, I do. When the gunman drove away, Zack stayed behind. A guilty man wouldn’t have done that.”
One of the tears she’d been fighting slipped down her cheek, but she made no effort to wipe it away. “If he’s convinced you that he’s a good person, then he’ll probably convince the judge in family court. And then they’ll take Emily away from me.”
Brett took her by the hand, drew her close. “Not so fast. Zack isn’t any more sure of himself as a father than I am. And he wants what’s best for his daughter. He’s willing to drop the custody issue, at least for the time being, if you’ll let him see her.”
She pulled back her hand. “How do I know she’ll be safe with him?”
“You don’t, I suppose. He’s a big hulk of a guy, Caitlin. And other than blue eyes, the color of Emily’s, he looks formidable. But I have a feeling he’ll be a real marshmallow after Emily gets a hold of him.” Brett couldn’t stifle a grin. “The poor guy will probably end up with a houseful of dogs and cats, if Emily ever brings home a stray and looks up at him with those pretty blue peepers.”
Caitlin didn’t respond right away, which he figured was a good thing. She had to be thinking about what he’d said, otherwise she would have voiced an argument.
“Zack is going to call me when he gets out,” Brett added. “And we can set up a casual meeting, maybe at Harry’s place. You’d feel safe there, wouldn’t you?”
“I…” She swallowed hard. “I guess so.”
“And you could see how he reacts with her. He admitted that he wasn’t used to kids, and I think he’d appreciate some coaching.”
“They give parenting classes at the Y,” she said.
Was she softening? Or refusing to offer the man some guidance?
“Do you hear what I’m saying, Caitlin?”
“Yes. He’s not going to try to take her away. Not yet. And he wants to spend time with her, even though he isn’t sure how to take care of her.”
Brett tilted her chin with the tip of his finger. “He was raised by his grandmother and was only six when he left her care. And according to him, that’s when his whole life went to hell. He’s very much aware of how important your relationship with Emily is. And I don’t think he’ll try to take her away. He just wants to build a relation
ship with her. Surely, you can see that.”
Her lips quivered, and her eyes filled again. “It’s still going to be hard for me to share her.”
“I gotta believe that the more people who love a child, the better.”
She nodded, but bit down upon her lip, as though willing it not to tremble.
He slipped an arm around her. “It’ll be okay, I promise.”
She leaned into his embrace. “How do you know?”
“Maybe because I have faith in Harry’s ability to spot the good in a troubled young man. And maybe because I’ve picked up a bit of that skill myself.” He rested his cheek against her hair, savored her lilac scent.
He half expected her to pull away, but she clung to him. So he relished the feel of her in his arms, the way his chest swelled to have her so close.
“And I went to visit him because I’m going to see you through this.”
“You are?” She pulled away and gazed into his eyes. “I guess I can’t ask for more than that.”
What would she say if he leveled with her, if he spilled his guts and told her he loved her, even though he couldn’t offer her the kind of family she deserved?
He opened his mouth, but for some dumb reason, the words wouldn’t come.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice whisper soft.
“For wanting things to work out for all of us?” he asked.
She drew back, her eyes catching his. “What do you mean, for all of us?”
How much clearer did he have to be?
He cupped her cheek, his thumbs drawing slow circles on her skin. “I don’t know what kind of a future we could have, honey. I’d be away from home more times than not. So I can’t provide you with the kind of Norman Rockwell family that you and Emily deserve. But I love you, Caitlin. And I’d marry you in a heartbeat, if I thought that you might someday feel the same way.”
Her lips parted, and her eyes brightened, as she raised on tiptoe and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m in love with you, too. I was just afraid to tell you.”
“Ah, Caitie.” He lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her with all the love in his battered heart.
As his tongue swept the inside of her mouth, claiming it as his own, he tasted her, savored her and the love they’d been blessed with.
Their passion soared, as their blood rushed and pheromones surged. The kiss built in intensity, until he was lost in a heady—and oh so healthy—combination of lust and love.
His hands roamed the terry cloth she wore until he felt the sash and tugged on it.
She placed her hands on his chest and slowly broke the kiss. “Let’s take this into the bedroom.”
“Good idea.” Then he stiffened, his memory tossing a bucket of cold water over him. “But we used every last condom.”
A wry smile tugged at her lips. “I…uh…was cleaning the bathroom yesterday and found one we missed.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “That’s good news. The celebration I was hoping for wouldn’t have been the same without the fireworks I plan to set off.”
Then he took her by the hand and led her into the bedroom, where she opened the nightstand drawer and pulled out a condom.
“I put it in here,” she said. “Near the bed…just in case.”
“Good idea. And I have a better one.” He slowly pulled the sash, opening the robe and allowing him a glimpse of her sweet body, a vision of what would be his for the rest of his life. “You’re beautiful, honey. And I can’t believe you’re all mine.”
“You’ve got that right, Lieutenant.” Then she tugged at the hem of his shirt, lifting it over his head. “And you’re all mine.”
Her fingers skimmed the expanse of his chest, then she tugged at the waistband of his sweats, letting him know that she wanted him as badly as he wanted her.
It was hard to believe they’d have the rest of their lives to love each other, to create a family. To make babies of their own.
“I love you,” he whispered, before kissing her again.
Caitlin opened her mouth for Brett, just as she’d opened her heart. She leaned into his erection, fanning his desire with her own.
A low groan formed in his throat, and he lifted her and carried her to the bed, where he loved her with his hands and with his kisses.
As they lay on top of the goose-down comforter, he hovered over her.
She stroked the light bristles of his beard, studied the passion that deepened the shade of his eyes. “I want you inside of me, where you belong.”
“I can’t think of any place I’d rather be.” Then he brushed a kiss across her brow before reaching for the condom from the top of the nightstand, where she’d left it.
When he’d protected them both, she opened for him. He entered slowly, as if prolonging the thrill of their joining, then thrust forward. She arched up, to take him as deeply as she could.
A loving rhythm built until they reached a mountainous crest that promised a breath-catching view of forever.
As a star-sparkling orgasm shot across her mind’s eye, sending her over the edge and setting off a magical climax that made her cry out, he shuddered with his own release.
They lay still for a while, wrapped in the love they’d found in each other’s arms, their hearts beating in time.
Caitlin had no idea what the future would bring, either, but she knew they could weather any storm, as long as she and Brett had each other.
Caitlin slept like a dream and, when she woke, the blanket pulled up to her chin, her back tucked lovingly against Brett’s chest, she was greeted by the sound of Emily’s giggle.
Uh-oh. They’d been caught.
Well, if Brett was going to be her husband and Emily’s father, they’d better get used to being interrupted. And they’d have to remember to put on some clothes after making love.
She opened her eyes, to find she’d been the only one in the small house sleeping.
“Okay,” Brett said to Emily. “Now that the pretty sleepyhead is awake, we can talk louder.”
“Is it really true?” Emily asked. “Is Brett going to marry us?”
Caitlin glanced over her shoulder, at the man she loved.
He shrugged, then shot her a crooked grin. “I didn’t want her to think this was just a fluke or a sleepover.”
She supposed he was right. They may as well break the news now. “Yes, honey. And from what Brett told me several different times last night, he wants to marry us as soon as possible.”
Emily clapped her hands and jumped up and down. “Goodie. Do I get to be the flower girl?”
“Of course,” she said, unable to hide a smile that had burst from her heart. Had those two already started planning the wedding? “You can even be my maid of honor, if you’d like.”
“Which one of the Barbie dolls is that?” Emily asked.
Caitlin laughed. “I think it’s Midge. But either way, you’ll be the most important member of the wedding party.”
Brett, who had propped himself up on an elbow, chuckled. “It looks like you two ladies will have to go shopping, while I make sure I won’t get deployed before the honeymoon.”
“Do you think that will happen?” Caitlin asked, pressing the edge of the sheet against her chest, so that it continued to cover her breasts.
“Probably not that soon. But will you be okay when it does?”
“Of course.” She understood the sacrifices made by military families. And she’d do her part by keeping the home fires burning. “But I’d like you to be around for a while, so I can enjoy being your wife.”
“I think I’ve got a couple of months.”
“Good. Then let’s set a date for the ceremony so we don’t waste any time together.”
“You don’t have to ask me twice. I was ready to marry you last night.” He ran a protective hand along the sheet-covered curve of her hip. “But if you don’t mind, I’d like to go to the hardware store before we apply for a license.”
“Okay.” She scrunched her
face. “But what do you plan to get there?”
“I need to get some lumber, wire, hammers, nails. On second thought, I’d better make a list. Emily and I have to build a cathouse.”
Emily’s eyes widened. “A cathouse?”
“Well, sure. If I’m moving in here with you, I can’t leave the cats alone at Greg’s. And since they can’t live inside your mommy’s house, they’ll need their own place on the patio.”
“I think a cattery is the right term,” Caitlin said with a smile.
“Can your allergies handle having the cats on the patio?” he asked.
“I’m sure, with an occasional antihistamine, I’ll be all right.”
“Mommy, after breakfast, can I go and tell Gerald and Mary that I’m going to have a daddy?”
Emily was going to have two fathers, but Caitlin would wait to explain that. “Of course, you can tell them. Why don’t you get dressed and brush your teeth. We’ll meet you in the kitchen for breakfast.”
“Okay.”
As the child dashed out of the bedroom, Caitlin turned in bed, so she could face Brett. “I guess we’d better tell her about Zack, although I’m not looking forward to it.”
“We’ll tell her she’s going to be a lucky little girl, since she’ll have two daddies who love her.”
“Do you really think she’s going to be lucky?” Caitlin asked, hoping yet not convinced that would be the case.
“I think she’ll be very fortunate—as long as we keep a positive attitude and work along with Zack.”
“You know something?” Caitlin brushed a kiss across his brow. “I feel pretty fortunate, too.”
Brett grinned from ear to ear. “Me, too.” Then he gave her a long, lingering kiss.
When Caitlin climbed from bed and picked up the robe that lay on the floor where they’d discarded it, Brett placed his hands under his head and considered the changes a marriage to Caitlin would make in his life.
For years, he’d sworn that he would never be a part of a broken family again, but that was before Caitlin and Emily had touched his heart.
As he threw off the sheets and caught a whiff of lilac mingled with the scent of their lovemaking, he realized something. This family wasn’t broken. It was coming together rather nicely, joining half siblings, parents and stepparents.
