by Lea Hart
“Those big chubby cheeks are all me,” Paige said.
Turning, he looked at the woman who had given him everything he’d had no idea he wanted. Leaning his head against hers, he whispered, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She rested her hand on his face, then kissed him. “Isn’t she perfect?”
They both looked at the monitor as the baby kicked its legs and moved around. “Absolutely. By the way, the constant energy, that’s all me.”
“Ideally, the baby is going to let us confirm the Bennett winning streak,” Paige said.
Squeezing her hand, he gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Remember, she’s not dating until she’s thirty.”
The tech cleared her throat and smiled at them. “The baby turned over, and we’re getting a good view. It looks like you two are having a…boy.”
Paige sat up and leaned toward the machine. “Are you sure? A boy!”
The tech ran the paddle over the area in question and then drew a circle around it. “Definitely a boy.”
Collapsing back, Paige laughed. “My goodness, Blake, what have you done?”
Staring at the screen, he was immobilized. His brain froze as he stared at the irrefutable evidence. He was going to have a son. Paige’s hand moved across his cheek, and he turned to look at her. “A boy?”
“Yes. Are you okay?”
Scrubbing his hand over his face, he grinned. “I’m not going to jail.” Sitting back and pressing his hands behind his head, he let out a breath. “I’m not going to lie, I was worried. I figured when boys started coming around, I was going to be hard-pressed not to harm them.”
“Lord, you have lost your mind,” Paige responded.
“Maybe,” he muttered. It all made perfect sense to him, and he’d explain right after his brain started working again.
The tech moved the paddle around and continued taking measurements. Minutes later, several pictures were printed. “First pictures of baby Bennett,” she said with a smile.
“Baby Carmichael,” Blake said. “Better add my name to the chart.” Paige glanced over with an arched eyebrow. “The father’s name should be on the chart,” he said simply.
The only sound in the room was the tech clearing her throat as she finished up. “We’re done. Let’s get you cleaned up, and I’ll send the doctor in to discuss the results.”
“Thank you,” Paige said, as she began wiping the gel off her stomach. Once she was done, she pulled her shirt down and sat up. “Can we get a digital copy of the ultrasound sent to us?”
“I’ve made a copy and sent it to the email on file. Once we get Dad’s information, we’ll send him a copy as well.”
“That would be great,” Paige said.
Blake stood up as the tech gathered her things. “Thank you for everything.” He watched the woman walk out and took Paige’s hand. “Baby boy. I hope your mama still likes me after she gets the news.”
“A healthy baby is all that matters.”
He was about to respond when the doctor bustled in. “Good afternoon, Paige.” He stopped abruptly and looked at Blake. “Hello. I’m Dr. Nelson.”
This is…my…uh, well, he’s the…baby’s father, Blake Carmichael,” Paige finally managed to get out.
Blake smiled and shook the doctor’s hand. What the hell was that? Why was introducing him so hard? He sat down next to Paige again and studied her. Some things needed to be settled. That was clear. First, she gave him a funny look about the baby’s last name, and now she didn’t know how to introduce him.
Holding Paige’s hand, he listened to the information the doctor was sharing. Another thing he was going to settle was his damn title. He sure as hell was a lot more than a baby daddy. Didn’t he at least merit the title of boyfriend?
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Friday, April 14
Paige stood next to Blake’s SUV and tried to see what he was pulling out of the back. He’d been on some mysterious errand earlier and hadn’t given her a clue.
Here they were at the Arboretum and Botanical Garden and she had no idea what he’d planned. Leaning back, she looked again and was rewarded with a view of Blake’s broad back. His nickname, Boulder, was dead-on because she couldn’t get a darn clue what he was up to. “Does my surprise include food?”
“I value my life. Of course there’s food,” he called out.
Leaning against the car, she glanced around and noticed it wasn’t very busy. It seemed Friday afternoon was the time to come. She’d last been here for a friend’s wedding, and she was looking forward to walking around without the crowds.
“Ready when you are,” he said.
Paige looked over and saw that Blake held a basket. “Are you taking me on a picnic?”
“Sure am. This place was listed as one of the top ten romantic spots in Dallas. It was either this or a gondola ride. Maybe we can do that tomorrow. I figure we don’t have all that much time to date before the baby comes, so we should do as much as we can.”
“My goodness, that’s so sweet.” Taking his arm, she gave him a squeeze. “I haven’t been on a picnic in forever.”
“I read the sunken garden is a good spot. Should I grab a map, or do you know how to get there?”
“I vaguely remember. Let’s grab a map just in case.” They took one from a kiosk, studied it, and then agreed on which way to go. “They have a great concert series in the summer on the lawn that overlooks the lake. My sister Penny comes with her husband and kids.”
“When am I going to meet the famous sisters? I thought they would’ve stopped by already.”
“I told them to give me some room while we spend time together. I don’t have any plans to introduce you this time around. Maybe if you come back for a visit, we can do it then.”
As they walked along the path, Paige pointed out how pretty the tulips blooming along the border looked. It was an inane attempt to distract him from the subject of his role in her life, but it was all she could come up with. They had been discussing it endlessly for the last couple of days and hadn’t come to an agreement. Round and round they went with no treaty in sight.
The chances of him being here past next month were not great, no matter what he said. SEALs lived in either San Diego or Virginia, and when he was cleared for active duty, he would never be home. As much as he wanted to be involved, it probably wasn’t going to happen.
“Honey, are you pointing out the flowers because you’re trying to distract me? Tell me the truth; you don’t see me having a permanent place in your life, so you figure, why bother? I get it. I’m just the father of your child. Why should I meet your sisters? Makes sense.”
“I’ve spent a total of six days with you and I figure you’re heading out anytime, so you’re right…it doesn’t make sense.”
They turned onto the path that led toward the sunken garden, and Paige felt like going home. Would this outing be one long argument? If it was, she would prefer to be at home when it happened.
They had a challenging situation with no easy answers. They were basically strangers trying to negotiate how to be parents together.
The one thing clear was that this wasn’t some fairy tale promising a happy ending. Best case scenario, they could come to an agreement that worked for them both. Pointing east, she said, “The sunken gardens are over there. Come on. Let’s see about that picnic basket.”
“Do you want to find a bench, or would you prefer the grass?” Blake asked as he led her down a staircase to the center of the garden. “How about that bench under the tree?”
“Looks good.” She followed him, sat down on the opposite side of the bench and crossed her legs.
“Why are you sitting so far away?” Blake asked as he set the picnic basket down on the ground.
“I wanted to leave room for the elephant. Those suckers are huge, and the one following us is massive.”
Sliding over, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “The elephant can find someplace else to have lunch. I’m not ignoring
anything, Paige. I’m real clear about my intentions. I brought you out here because I want to get to know you.
“I’m going to date the mother of my son and see if we have half a chance at anything. The six days we’ve spent together prove that we have a lot in common. The chemistry between us is explosive and the sex is off the charts, so we have that going for us. Your laugh makes me happy, and when we sleep together you fit perfectly in my arms. As far as I can tell, there’s no damn elephant.”
“What was the whole sister question, then?”
He popped the picnic basket open and didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled out two plates filled with fried chicken, potato salad, and rolls. He popped off a plastic lid, handed her one plate, and took the other. “I have chocolate cupcakes in there. So leave some room.”
“Oh, look, the baby elephant is walking our way. Maybe we should save the cupcakes for her.”
“I asked about your sisters because I know how important they are to you, and if you introduce me, then I know you’re taking this seriously. Since you have no plans to, that means I have to change your mind.”
She lifted a leg of fried chicken and she waved it at him. “My mind isn’t easily changed.”
He tapped his chicken leg against hers. “Not a problem, honey. We have been arguing about this for days, and I will continue for thirty years if that’s what it takes. I’m your damn boyfriend whether you like it or not.”
Watching him take a big bite of chicken and smile was sort of endearing. Nothing she seemed to do fazed him a bit. Announce a baby—no problem. Introduce him to her mama and daddy—piece-o-cake. Confirm that she didn’t think he’d be here next week—please! Glancing over, she noticed his satisfied expression…like everything was going according to plan. Smirking, she shook her head. And then looked at him again. What the hell was his plan, anyway?
***
Paige wiped her mouth and smiled. “That cupcake was divine. I should make some this afternoon.”
“Honey, we’d better start sharing your baked goods with the neighbors. The counters are full and I’m doing my best, but I don’t seem to be making any headway.”
“Cupcakes are small.” Stretching out her legs, she tipped her face to the sun and wondered what she was in for with a boy. The confidence she had felt earlier when she thought it was a girl had been slipping away since she found there were no ballet shoes in her future. “What were you like when you were little?”
“If you ask my mama, she’ll tell you that I was a perfect angel wrapped up in a devil’s cape. I had more energy than sense, and I think I ran from the time I woke up till I fell into bed at night. It was lucky for everyone that I grew up on a ranch. My oldest brother, Adam, who lives in California, is the calm one out of the four of us. My other two brothers, Cassidy and Drew, are just like me. I think that’s why they stayed on the ranch.”
“Oh…”
“Are you worried about what you’re in for with our son?”
Rubbing her hand along her skirt, she nodded. “Yes, a little. I had everything mapped out in my mind when I found out I was pregnant because I assumed I was going to get a mini-me.” Looking him up and down, she shuddered. “What the hell am I going to do with the Tasmanian devil?”
“Same thing my mama did. Love him, feed him, and let him go.” He gave her a quick kiss and grinned. “This would be the part of the conversation when I tell you that having me around would be a really good idea.” Holding up his hands, he shook his head. “But I’m not. Because I’m selfish enough to want you to want me because you can’t stand the idea of being without me. Not because I’m the father of the wild boy living in our home.”
“Blake, I want the same damn thing. The cow is out of the barn, and I’m never going to have the chance to see if you would like me…all on my own. Right now, it just feels like you’re doing everything you can to make me fall for you so you have a place in your son’s life.”
Lifting her hand, he kissed it. “Since neither of us is ever going to know for sure; we’re going to have to trust that what we see is what we get. When I opened my eyes this morning and you were sleeping in my arms, with your head resting against my heart—I knew. I wanted to wake up every morning with you in my arms. Baby or no baby.” Rubbing his hand over her stomach, he winked. “My boy is just giving you extra incentive to keep me around until you feel the same way about me.”
“When are you leaving for Lubbock?”
“Okay, I see we’re moving on…I have three more weeks before I’m due back in San Diego. I would like to spend as much time with you as I can. I was hoping you would come to Lubbock with me and meet my family. My folks can’t wait to meet you, and Mama told me she has a bunch of things for you.”
“You want to spend three more weeks together?” she asked.
“Yes, Paige. Don’t make it sound like I’m suggesting electric shock therapy. We seem to be doing okay together. Are you tired of me already and counting the minutes until you can get rid of me?”
“Well…no. I just had no idea.” Patting his leg, she tried to decide how she felt about three more weeks together. Thinking back over the last couple of days, she realized he was easy to be around. In fact, she enjoyed his company. A lot.
Which made her realize that what he’d said earlier was true. The elephant between them was of her making. She had been avoiding facing her real fear…attachment.
What would happen after three weeks when she had become attached to him and he went back to his life? She’d be here alone. Every day they spent together would make the day he left all that more heartbreaking. She wasn’t immune to him, and pretending was becoming more and more difficult.
Let him in or keep him out? Neither answer was a good one. “Let’s go take a walk around. I need to let my food settle so I can have an ice cream later. Now that I know that I’m growing a big boy, the gloves are coming off. I’m not holding back anymore.”
“I had no idea there was any holding back happening.”
“Blake, do you value your life?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t ever say something like that again.”
“Got it.” She watched him lean over and dig something out of the basket. When he sat up, he held a small red box.
“What do you have there?” she asked.
“Seems like a good time to give you a present.” Handing it to her, he waited with a hopeful smile on his handsome face.
Her heart sped up as she lifted the lid off. It was too big for a ring box, so she figured she was safe. The last thing she wanted was for him to suggest they get married. Nestled inside the box was a bracelet. Lifting it out, she saw that it had charms attached. One was a heart and the other was a little boy. Tears slipped down her face, and she wiped her cheeks quickly with the back of her hand. “Oh Blake, it’s perfect. How did you know I love charm bracelets?”
He lifted it out of her hand, placed it on her arm, and fastened it. “I gave you a heart in Jordan, and I’m giving you another one so you know I’m serious. I plan on filling this thing up for the rest of our lives.” Slipping his arm around her shoulder, he held her close. “We’re going to be something, Paige. And if it’s up to me, it’s going to be something we want to hold on to.”
Leaning into his big body, she felt the sincerity of his words. He wasn’t a man who said things he didn’t mean. He was a man of action. If he said it, he did it, and that was that.
Which meant she had a choice to make, and it wasn’t fair to either one of them if she didn’t do it quickly. Leading someone on was crappy, so either she let him in or let him go.
Blake kissed her head and lifted her hand. “Maybe I should find an ice cream charm.”
“I’m going to have a double scoop of ice cream. Prepare yourself.”
“Make it a triple. That boy of mine loves ice cream, just like his daddy.”
Standing, she turned and faced him. “Thank you for this lovely bracelet. I’ve always wanted one.” Framing his face, she
leaned in and kissed him. “You are a good man, Blake, and I’m lucky that my son will have such an amazing father.”
He pulled her into his lap and kissed her back. “Paige, I want you to be happy. Do you want that for me?”
“Of course.”
“Honey, will you just admit that I’m your boyfriend? It’s not that much to ask, considering you’re carrying my son and sleeping with me.”
Throwing her head back, she laughed. “Okay, Blake. You’re my boyfriend.”
“Give me a kiss and then I’ll leave it be.” He leaned over and waited.
Tugging him down, she gave him a good one. “Happy?”
He gave her another kiss and then winked. “Getting there. It’s taken me days to get you to admit it, so yes, it’s a start.”
“I knew you had a plan. I’m afraid that was just the first step. I’m scared to death to find out what else you have planned.”
He ran his finger over the heart that hung on the necklace he’d given her in Amaan. “Probably not going to be happy until I own your heart completely.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Hopping off his lap, she waited. “I need my ice cream now.”
“Okay.” He stood and picked up the basket. “Which way to the ice cream?”
Tugging his hand, she led him toward the stairs. “Follow me.”
“Always,” he replied as he laughed.
As they walked along the path, she finally admitted to herself that Blake wasn’t the sort of man who would be satisfied with some wimpy boyfriend title. He was a man who wanted everything. The problem was, once he had everything, would he stick around? His job was in San Diego, and he was gone for months at a time. If she did fall head over heels for him, then she was going to be alone in Texas with a baby and a broken heart while he was on the other side of the world. That’s what she was afraid of most. Once he had her heart, she wouldn’t ever get it back.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Two Weeks Later
Blake walked through the house on his way to the kitchen and enjoyed the river of satisfaction that ran through his body. He’d been adding a framed picture of Paige and him together every couple of days for the last two weeks. He had managed to place eight pictures strategically in the bookcase and felt damn proud of himself.
