“What are you doing?” Jeffrey came up behind her, slipped his arms around her waist, and nuzzled her neck. “I thought you were done watching them sleep.”
“I am.” She kept her voice low so she wouldn’t wake the kids.
“She’s okay. The doctor gave her a clear bill of health weeks ago. Stop worrying.”
Her gaze landed on their little girl. They knew they wanted to name their son after Jeffrey’s father and grandfather, giving them the perfect name of Larson, both of their middle names. They hadn’t decided on a name for their daughter and had thought they had time once he came home from deployment. Their children had a timing all their own and they were unwilling to wait another day.
The birth had been rough but she hadn’t realized how bad things were until Rayleigh was born. While Larson had been ready to come into this world, kicking and screaming, she was hesitant. She fought every push and managed to wrap her umbilical cord around her neck. They almost lost her.
As the sun broke over the horizon, Wyoming and Jeffrey had been forced to watch as the doctors fought to save their daughter. It seemed like the longest minutes of her life and her complete helplessness weighed on her shoulders. Jeffrey held her hand and comforted her, as there was nothing else they could do. But as her cries joined in with Larson’s, she turned to Jeffrey with the first name that came to her. “Rayleigh. She’s our Ray of hope and Leigh because she has your fighting spirit. We’ll take your middle name, Lee, and make it Leigh since she’s a girl.”
“Come on, D wants to go over some thoughts with you before she meets with Kyle and Staci about the United Homefront Ranch site. She’s nervous and needs you to reassure her that everything is going to go smoothly.” He slipped his hand into hers and tugged her toward the door.
“She doesn’t meet with clients often, maybe…” Her words trailed off and she shook her head. “No, she’ll go and she’ll be fine. I used to want to spend all of my free time working because I enjoyed it, but you know what, there’s more to life than work.”
“I never thought I’d hear you say those words,” he teased as they stepped into the hallway.
“I guess we’ve both changed. Funny what becoming parents can do to you.” She leaned into his embrace.
“Maybe we should have some more kids then.” He kissed the top of her head. “We have a huge house to fill.”
“Not yet.” She gave him a playful swat, hitting his chest. “I know you want a bunch of kids, but let’s enjoy these two before you have me pregnant again. Plus, I’m hoping to enjoy a little more time with my husband before we’re busy with a dozen kids.”
“And that’s why I’ve asked D to babysit every Saturday night. We need some time to ourselves.”
She knew that he meant he didn’t want things to go back to the way they were before. They’d need to work on their marriage, not just work together to raise their children. They had come a long way, but if they were going to make it, they could never forget to show each other that their love was strong. “Every marriage has its ups and downs and when you’ve come through that, the union becomes stronger. We’re in this through thick and thin. I love you, Jeffrey.”
“Oh, Wyoming.” He pressed her up against the wall, dragging his hand through her hair until his fingers tangled in the strands. “My beautiful wife, I love you more than I could ever express. I’m going to spend the rest of my life proving to you that you made the right decision staying with me.”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than right here with you.” She leaned into him and allowed their lips to meet again.
About the Author
Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Marissa Dobson now resides about an hour from Washington, D.C. She’s a lady who likes to keep busy, and is always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, she believes you’re never done learning.
Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave her the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read she has always had her nose in a book. It wasn't until she was a teenager that she started writing down the stories she came up with.
Marissa is blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He’s her other half and allows her to stay home and pursue her writing. He puts up with all her quirks and listens to her brainstorm in the middle of the night.
Her writing buddy Pup Cameron, a cocker spaniel, who is always around to listen to her bounce ideas off him. He might not be able to answer, but he’s helpful in his own ways.
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Also by Marissa Dobson
Alaskan Tigers:
Tiger Time
The Tiger’s Heart
Tigress for Two
Night with a Tiger
Trusting a Tiger
Alaskan Tigers Box Set Volume One
Jinx’s Mate
Two for Protection
Bearing Secrets
Tiger Tracks
Healing the Clan
Alaskan Tigers Box Set Volume Two
Her Black Tiger
Forever Creek Shifters:
Forever’s Fight
Crimson Hollow:
Romancing the Fox
Loving the Bears
A Lion’s Chance
Swift Move
Stormkin:
Storm Queen
Reaper:
A Touch of Death
Beyond Monogamy:
Theirs to Treasure
SEALed for You:
Ace in the Hole
Explosive Passion
Operation Family
Marine for You:
Lucky Chance
Back from Hell
A Marines Second Chance
Cedar Grove Medical:
Hope’s Toy Chest
Destiny’s Wish
Leena’s Dream
Fate Series:
Snowy Fate
Sarah’s Fate
Mason’s Fate
As Fate Would Have It
Half Moon Harbor Resort:
Learning to Live
Learning What Love Is
Her Cowboy’s Heart
Half Moon Harbor Resort Volume One
Clearwater:
Winterbloom
Unexpected Forever
Losing to Win
Christmas Countdown
The Surrogate
Clearwater Romance Volume One
Small Town Doctor
Stand Alone:
SEALed Rescue
SEALed in Texas
Starting Over
Secret Valentine
Restoring Love
A Marine's Second Chance: A Marine for You/SEALed for You Crossover Novella Page 6
