“I’m sorry.”
“Me, too.” Brant focused on Tori again. “But none of it has anything to do with you. I’m not trying to repeat history. I’m not trying to make up for what happened with Tiffany. My feelings for you have nothing to do with Tiffany.”
Could she trust Brant’s feelings for her? She closed her eyes again.
“I love you, Tori.” He took her hand in his. “And I love that baby girl down the hall because she’s part of you. But I wanted to marry you even when you were planning to give her up. Because I love you—with or without your daughter.”
Resist. She had to resist him. “Did Lane and Natalie seem okay?”
“They were great.”
“I’m so glad she’s pregnant and they’re planning to adopt Desiree’s baby. They’ll be great parents.”
“You’ll be a great mom, too.”
The door opened and a nurse entered holding the baby. Aunt Loretta and Jenna followed. “Can I hold her?” Brant asked.
The nurse looked past him and he turned back to Tori.
She nodded.
“Now, be sure and support her head.” Aunt Loretta passed the tiny bundle to him.
“How long’s it been since you ate, Aunt Loretta? I’m worried about your blood sugar.” Tori could barely take her eyes off Brant and her daughter.
“Are you diabetic?” Concern coated Jenna’s words.
“Hypoglycemic. But I’m fine.”
“Jenna, will you take her to the cafeteria and make sure she eats?”
“I’m on it.” Jenna opened the door.
Aunt Loretta blew out a heavy sigh, but followed.
“Take your time.” Brant slipped his finger into the baby’s hand. “What’s your name, beautiful?”
“Lorraine Jana Eaton. After the two women who’ve supported me through everything, but unique for her.”
“A beautiful name for a beautiful princess.” Brant hummed a tune and two-stepped around the room in grand swoops. Totally enchanted with her daughter. “She’s gonna be a fiesty redhead just like her momma.”
God had tried to give her the gift of this man. A man who loved her. And obviously loved Lorraine. It was time to forget the past and take the gift.
“Brant?”
“Hmm?”
“Is that offer you made still out there?”
“What offer is that?” His attention never left Lorraine’s face as he continued his dance.
“Your proposal?”
His dance came to an abrupt halt and his gaze caught hers. “Most definitely.”
“I’d like to marry you.”
“You would?” A slow grin pulled at his mouth. He approached her bed and bent closer to capture her lips. With Lorraine nestled between them, he teased Tori with a tender kiss. She curled her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. The caress of his lips deepened and he kissed her right out of her socks.
A wail rose up between them.
Brant jerked away and jostled Lorraine. “Sorry, little lady, I didn’t mean to mash you, but your momma just made my day.”
“I think she’s hungry.”
“Oh, where’s her bottle? I can feed her.”
“Um.” Tori’s face heated. “I don’t think you’re equipped for that.”
Brant’s face turned purple. “Oh. Um, yeah, I’ll get out of here.” He handed Lorraine over and backed toward the door. “But, you’re not gonna change your mind again, are you?”
“After that kiss—not on your life.”
“Hmm. I didn’t know it was that powerful. I’ll have to remember that.” He grinned and with an exaggerated swagger, he left the room.
* * *
The church was decorated with pink roses, yards of tulle, ribbon and lace. Family and friends smiled their approval and support as Tori entered the sanctuary. Holding six-week-old Lorraine, Brant waited at the front of the church.
Her satin dress and his dove-gray tux were straight from the dream she’d had a few months back. Just like her dream. Except he faced her. And nothing could ruin this dream. It wasn’t a dream. It was her reality.
And the perfect day for their wedding—Thanksgiving. So much to be thankful for.
Yesterday, the judge had finalized adoption proceedings making Brant Lorraine’s father. In every sense of the word. The perfect wedding gift. The perfect wedding. Followed by a honeymoon in Cancún—a present from Garrett and Jenna—along with a nanny for the trip since Tori couldn’t even imagine leaving Lorraine at home.
Her business was up and running and she’d found a great manager. In a month, they’d leave for Brant’s three-month tour with Garrett. The future blinded her with promise.
She stopped at Brant’s side and slipped her fingers into the crook of his arm. His bicep resonated with both strength and gentleness. Brant kissed her cheek and then ever so gently brushed his lips across Lorraine’s forehead.
Tori buried her nose in her daughter’s downy hair. All of this had happened while Brant was looking for his rodeo break. Instead, God had given Tori and Lorraine a break—the blessing of Brant’s love. And their rodeo family.
* * * * *
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ISBN-13: 9781460345207
Rodeo Family
Copyright © 2015 by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
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