by Sable Hunter
“Sure,” Logan stood.
“Don’t go,” Jenna grabbed his hand.
Seeing the nurse’s expression, Logan gave Jenna a kiss. “I won’t go far, just down the hall to the little boy’s room. I’ll be right back.”
His smile made her beam. At this moment, Logan didn’t understand why he’d ever hesitated. As he walked away he heard her sweet voice. “That’s my fiancé. Isn’t he the sexiest man you’ve ever seen?”
Logan blushed. Only when he was out of hearing range, did it occur to him that he hadn’t mentioned the pregnancy to her. Once he’d been at her side, Jenna became his focus. He started to turn around and go back, but thought better of it. The baby wasn’t why he’d proposed. Maybe it would be better if Jenna didn’t realize he knew about their child before she did. He would never want her to think that he only wanted her with him because she was pregnant.
As he pushed open the restroom door, Logan tried to decide if this was lying. After a few moments of contemplation, he decided his original motivation still applied.
Protecting Jenna was most important.
Back in Jenna’s room, the nurse shone a small beam of light in her eyes. “How do you feel?”
“A little dizzy and sore. I took a pretty bad fall.”
“So, I heard.” She jotted something down on the chart, then fit a blood pressure cuff around Jenna’s arm. “You’re lucky. You can’t be doing things like that anymore. It’s too dangerous.”
“Well, I’m sure Logan would agree with you.” Jenna acknowledged. “Although, I did enjoy riding the bulls.”
“Well, having a baby changes a lot of things.”
Jenna stopped breathing. Had she heard right? “Baby? What baby?”
The nurse gave her a big smile. “The doctor didn’t tell you?”
“I didn’t talk to him,” Jenna said slowly. “Are you sure?”
“According to your chart and the test - yes.” She checked where the IV needle was inserted into Jenna’s arm. “That’s why you have to retire from bull riding.”
“Oh, my God! Did I hurt the baby?” Jenna felt a sense of unadulterated panic. She’d never forgive herself if she did.
The nurse patted her arm. “We’re a small clinic. We don’t have a lot of equipment, so we can’t do the tests needed to be certain. But there hasn’t been any bleeding or spotting. What you need to do is get to an OB/GYN who has an ultrasound machine.”
“I will. As soon as we get back to Texas.” Jenna nodded, her mind so full of questions that her head was swimming. Pregnant? What would Logan say? She immediately put her hand over her stomach. She was going to be a mother!
“So, that handsome hunk is your fiancé?”
Jenna looked up at the nurse as if she’d forgotten the woman was there. “Uh, yes, as of a few minutes ago.”
“Lucky, lucky girl. A man like that…and his baby!”
“Yea, I am lucky.” Right now, she was feeling all sorts of things. Elation. Amazement. Worry. How would she tell him?
“If everything looks good tomorrow, I’m sure the doctor will release you.”
“Okay.” Her eyes followed the medical professional to the door.
“Oh, look whose back.” The woman giggled and Jenna realized she was affected by Logan. Well, she couldn’t blame her. She’d always been giddy around him herself.
“How is she?” he asked, holding the door open for the nurse to step through and out into the hall.
“She’s doing great! I’m sure she’ll want to tell you the details personally.” With a wink, she left, leaving Logan to look at Jenna with speculation.
“What’s the verdict?” He came farther into the room, his eyes moving over Jenna from head to toe. She was the most beautiful thing in the world to him. How he’d ever thought he could live without her was a mystery.
Jenna swallowed, not knowing how to tell him. This would be such a shock. She still couldn’t believe it herself. She was having Logan’s baby! A smile she couldn’t contain broke out all over her face. There was no way she could be unhappy. She just hoped he felt the same way.
“Good news?” he asked, coming to her bedside.
“To me, yes.” There was no use putting it off. This affected him as much as it did her. Clutching the sheet with nervous fingers, she just said it. “I’m pregnant, Logan. And the baby is yours, I swear it.”
Even though he’d already been in possession of the knowledge, the way she just came out and announced it took Logan by surprise. Seeing the doubt on Jenna’s face, he thought of nothing but reassuring her. “I get you and my baby?” His face broke out in a huge smile. “I can’t think of anything more wonderful.”
His obvious joy dispelled her worry. Logan went to her and she held up her arms. “You’re truly not upset? You still want me?”
He sat on the edge of the bed and gently drew her against him. “I would say that knowing you’re carrying my child makes me want you even more.” Layering his lips across hers, he fused them together in a tender kiss. “But that would be impossible.”
Nothing he could’ve said would have been more perfect. Jenna laid her head against his chest and inhaled his familiar, beloved scent. She’d loved and wanted him for so long. “Am I dreaming? Did the fall from Bushwhacker render me senseless?”
“No, Jenna.” Logan stroked her hair. “I’m real. This is real. Close your eyes and rest. Tomorrow we’re going home.”
* * *
Jenna didn’t know why she was nervous. She’d been in Logan’s company for years – ate at the same table, celebrated holidays together, spent time together as any family’s members would. He’d welcomed her into his world, made a place for her in his home and provided her every need since she was sixteen years old. Yet in his presence today, she was so excited, she shook. “What will Earl and Louisa think?” This wasn’t the prime question on her mind, but it was a good place to start. Logan chuckled. “I told them before you awakened. I told them I had found you and that I was bringing you home to be my wife.” At Jenna’s gasp, he continued. “Neither one of them were surprised. Dad told me a while back that he’s known how we felt about each other for years and Mother surely knows, considering how I fell apart after you left.”
“You missed me.” She looked at him with such shock that he laughed.
“Yea, I became so mean and cranky that my men were ready to mutiny at the fire station.”
“I doubt that, they all think you’re grand,” Jenna murmured. She was dressed, sitting on the edge of the hospital bed, waiting to be released. When she’d awoken this morning, it had taken her a few moments to realize that the events of the day before had been real. Only Logan dozing in the uncomfortable chair next to the bed had convinced her. While he’d slept, she’d had time to think about things. Going home. Seeing a doctor. Beginning their life. But that wasn’t all. Maybe she was being silly, but all she could think about was her mother. Marilyn Travis had loved her dearly. Jenna tried to imagine what her mother would think about the things she’d done. Her mother would have loved Logan, undoubtedly. But she certainly wouldn’t have approved of the other things – like taking part in the auction…or seducing Logan.
What would she think about her pregnancy?
Jenna didn’t have to think twice about that answer – she knew. Her parents would have been thrilled, but they would have also expected her to be married. Knowing this, Jenna was trying to work up the courage to make a request of her future husband.
“Do you want some coffee?” Logan inquired, then realized it was a foolish question when she shook her head no. “Of course not, it wouldn’t be good for the baby.” Handing her a cup of water instead, he drained his own cup. He’d already drank two cups of coffee and made several phone calls checking on things. At least there hadn’t been any fires since he was gone. That was the way it usually worked, everything seemed to wait. His mind was jumping with things he needed to do. Marriage was going to change everything. Logan smiled – some things were goin
g to change for the better. Namely, his sleeping arrangements.
He was pacing the floor. Anxious to leave, she imagined. Jenna wanted to pinch herself to see if she was truly here and not in some drug induced dream. Maybe she’d died when Bushwhacker threw her and this was heaven. Logan was so handsome. Her gaze caressed his features, God had been so good to him. The planes and angles worked together to create a face any fallen angel would covet. Tall, muscular, so savagely handsome that just looking at him made her feel feminine – hungry. It was a good thing she was sitting, her knees felt weak and her heart was racing. The idea of becoming his wife made parts of her grow warm and embarrassingly damp.
As if his thoughts activated some type of inner radar, Logan could feel her watching him. There was no other person on the face of the earth he was more aware of. During the past couple of years, he’d memorized the feeling. He’d also become adept at pretending he didn’t notice. But now there was no need to ignore her or his own needs. “Want something, Jenna?” he asked with a teasing tone.
“Yes,” she answered simply. As he moved around the room, she could see the smug look on his face. He knew her so well. “I need to touch you.”
Damn. Who could resist a siren like her? And now he didn’t have to drive himself crazy trying. “Please do.” Coming to her, he put a big hand on either side of her hips and leaned close, his lips brushing her velvet cheek.
Sparks of pleasure darted over her skin, reaching down to nerve endings she had no clue could be so sensitive. Jenna had known it would be like this. He’d always possessed incredible power over her, and now, the merest touch of those perfectly sculpted male lips could make her eyelashes flutter and her nipples throb with hopeless, helpless need.
Stepping nearer, he pushed one muscular thigh between her knees, taking hold of her hips and tugging her forward until her molten center was riding his leg. “You know, I used to dream of doing stuff like this. Having you anytime – anywhere I wanted you.”
“Logan,” she whimpered. The feel of him – hard, aroused and pressing into her aching flesh made her shiver.
“God, how did I resist you for so long?” Lifting one hand, he threaded his fingers through the dark silky waterfall of her hair, holding her still. Layering his lips across hers, he thrust his tongue between them. Instantly his senses were seared with a white-hot longing, as the woman he treasured flamed beneath his touch.
Tap. Tap. “Are you ready to leave, Miss Travis?” The doctor said as he opened the door.
Logan growled deep in his throat as he let her go, backing up and Jenna giggled. “Yes, sir. More than ready.” She gave Logan a wink that drove spikes of lust straight to his dick.
Clearing his throat, the physician took a seat. “The last check of your vitals showed everything to be normal. However…” He looked at Jenna sternly. “I want you to get checked out by your own physician as quickly as possible.”
“Will do, you don’t have to worry about that,” Logan inserted, his arms folded across his chest.
“All right.” He made some notes on the chart. “You were lucky, young lady. I recommend you refrain from riding anything more challenging than a bicycle for a while.”
“What about sex?”
Logan whirled around to look at Jenna. Her question seemed to shock the doctor as much as it did him. Seeing her serious little face asking permission to have sex with him stole Logan’s breath.
The doctor cleared his throat and put a finger up to his already loose collar. Logan wanted to smirk. He wasn’t embarrassed. Hell, he wanted to strut like a damn rooster.
“Well, Jenna,” he looked at her over his spectacles. “Even with the falls you’ve been taking, there’s no spotting. You aren’t cramping?”
“No, no cramping. I’ve had a little burning sensation when I pee, but that’s all.” Was Logan blushing? She loved it!
“I see no reason why you shouldn’t have…sex. We can’t be sure how far along you are…”
“Eleven weeks,” Logan stated flatly.
Jenna gasped. Of course he knew. He’d been there and it was the one and only time she’d had sex.
“Okay, eleven weeks.” The doctor repeated. “The baby is only about an inch and a half long and completely cushioned. If I had to decide between you riding a bull or having sex, I’d think the latter choice is definitely the wiser.”
“I second that motion,” Logan chimed in and now it was Jenna’s turn to blush.
“Well, good luck.” The older man rose and shook Logan’s hand. “You two take care and have a safe trip home.”
When he’d left, Logan gathered her things. Jenna put a hand on his arm. “Logan, I’m not ready to go back to Texas just yet.”
His eyes widened. “What the heck are you talking about, Jenna?”
Taking a deep breath, she looked into his face. “I’ll tell you, but don’t freak out on me.”
Closing his eyes for a millisecond, Logan exhaled loudly. “Sweet Cheeks, I survived watching you riding a monster bull, seeing you flying through the air like you were shot from a cannon. Nothing you say now is going to freak me out unless you’re going to tell me all of this is some kind of joke and you’re returning to the rodeo.”
“No,” Jenna answered softly. “Of course not. The rodeo isn’t my dream. You are. All of that was second choice, you’re first. Always have been.”
Logan felt his heart jump in his chest. Lord, he’d never wanted anyone or anything more than he did this woman. “What further business do you have in Oklahoma?”
Jenna crossed her fingers. “I want to get married. Now. Before we go home. Before we see your parents. Before I go to the doctor. I don't want to be single even one more day.”
“You don’t want a big wedding or to get married in church?” Knowing what she’d said about how she was raised, Logan was surprised.
“No, I just want to marry you.” She shook her head. “Unless you want to wait.” Jenna studied his expression, unsure of what she’d see.
It was as if a light bulb went off in his head. As they had since the beginning, all of his protective instincts roared to the forefront. “No, the sooner you’re Mrs. Logan Gray, the happier I’ll be.”
* * *
Fairy tales can come true, Jenna realized as the gruff Justice of the Peace stood before them with a tattered New Testament in his hand. As he read the words, ‘Dearly Beloved’, to her mind he might as well have said, ‘once upon a time’. Standing beside her was all she’d ever wanted in this world – Logan Gray - and if there was ever a Cinderella in real life, it was Jenna Travis.
She wasn’t wearing white and there were no flowers. Jenna was dressed in a simple blue sheathe that she’d reserved for special occasions on the road. They hadn’t even taken time to buy a ring, that could come later. Logan had asked some questions and did a quick internet search to find out that there was no waiting time to get married in Oklahoma. A couple could tie the knot the same day as they acquired the license. So once they’d obtained the requisite piece of paper, the next step had been to find someone to marry them.
Yes, the paint might be peeling. Mr. Fry might be almost blind, he’d just read ‘awfully wedded’ instead of ‘lawfully wedded’ – causing both Logan and Jenna to bite their tongues to keep from laughing. And there was the slightest possibility that the couple pulled from the front lawn to witness their vows might have just been released from jail – none of it made a bit of difference. This was their wedding ceremony and nothing could spoil it for Jenna. To her, the only essential ingredient was the groom and he was here, exactly as she’d always dreamed.
“By the powers vested in me by the state of Oklahoma, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Jenna was trembling as Logan reached for her, pulling her into his arms. With a breathy sigh, her lips parted and Logan claimed them, tasting her sweetness. She arched against him as pleasure swamped her senses. She moved as close as she could, taking his kiss as her right and due.
>
Logan almost forgot where he was. Two tempting mounds of feminine flesh were pressed against his chest, the small hard nipples evident through the layers of clothing. He could feel them, hard little pebbles that he couldn’t wait to suck. He knew they’d melt in his mouth. God, he had lost time to make up for. Only Mr. Fry repeating an ‘ahem’ several times brought him out of an erotic stupor. “We need a hotel room,” Logan whispered as he tipped the officiant, who told them he didn’t want any money even as he held his hand out to take it.
By the time they were out of the courthouse and moving down the sidewalk, they were laughing. After a quick meal at the nicest restaurant in town, Jenna was ready for anything. She couldn’t remember ever being so happy. “This is a beautiful day,” she exclaimed. There was a nip in the air and a song in her heart.
Taking her hand, Logan led her to his truck. “Let me assist you, Mrs. Gray.”
“Whoo-hoo!” Jenna squealed, throwing herself into his arms. Tingles of excitement skated over her body as the reality of her situation soaked in. She had the most wonderful husband in the world. “I love you so much.” Instead of responding, Logan’s mouth moved over hers with full possession, his tongue dipping deep to taste her passion. She stood on tiptoe, holding on to his shoulders. If she could just melt into him, fade into him, become a part of him, Jenna would be happy. Now that she belonged to him, she could turn this wild craving into a full-fledged addiction.
His mouth slid from hers, kissing her jaw, nipping her earlobe. “Let’s get outta here. The good citizens of Ada, Oklahoma are getting an eyeful. “I’ve rented a cabin on the shores of a nearby lake, complete with a fireplace, a Jacuzzi and a hammock for two.”
“You always think of everything, don’t you?” Jenna felt like the luckiest woman in the world as she climbed into Logan’s truck and they headed through town. Built on Native American land, glimpses of Big Foot were as common in the woods surrounding the small town of Ada as Elvis sightings were in Memphis. She’d heard all the stories around the campfires on the rodeo grounds. But she had no desire to investigate anything other than how many times her new husband could make her cum. “This is our honeymoon,” she whispered, taking his hand.
