“Not a chance, honey. I’ve set things right with my father and I intend to do the same with you. Drove all night to see you, so I’m not about to let you go.”
Jake untied a bag from the back of his saddle and handed it to her. Looking deep into her eyes, he said softly, “Unwrap it.”
Puzzled, Cassie maneuvered an object out of the leather satchel. “It’s a…fiddle.”
With pride, Jake announced, “It’s a Cremona, Italian-made, and I’m told the best in the line. There’s a country player up in Denver with a pocketful of cash right now that has got to be wondering why on earth a crazy cowboy begged him for his fiddle in the middle of the night. But, it’s all yours, sweetheart. You’ll never have to play second fiddle again.”
“Jake, I don’t under—”
“I’ve quit the rodeo, Cassie. Gonna work the ranch with my father. Besides, can’t see tying up a calf when I’ve got me a girl like you to rope in. Gonna make you mine even if I have to hog-tie you.”
Cassie looked at him, then the fiddle. A wave of warmth spread through her body. Jake had come for her. He’d made amends with his father. But what was he saying, exactly? She wished the cowboy would simply say what was on his mind. “Jake?”
Jake took the fiddle from her hands and untied a brilliant diamond ring from one of the strings. She’d been too stunned, too jolted, by Jake and his showing up here to notice the ring of gold on the fiddle.
“You’re first in my heart, Cassie. Always will be. Baby or no baby, I want you in my life.” With slow calculation Jake slid the ring on her finger, the fit, perfect. “I love you, Cassie Munroe. I love you with all of my heart. You’ve got to believe me because I’ve never said those words to anyone. And I mean them with everything I’ve got inside.”
Cassie stared deeply into his eyes and found truth there. And love. She did believe him. Jake loved her. Joy she’d never known entered into her heart and a sense of peace enveloped her with amazing clarity. “Jake. I love you, too. So much.” Her eyes burned with unshed, happy tears. Their child, too, responded in kind. “Oh, I think the baby just kicked.”
With reverence, Jake laid his hand on her stomach and she witnessed his open expression, free of hurt and pain, perhaps for the first time in his life. “It’s a miracle, honey.”
Cassie smiled wide and stated with certainty, “Two miracles, Jake.”
Jake tipped his head sideways, his dark, loving gaze meeting hers. “You mean, because we’re getting married and having a baby?”
Cassie shook her head. “No, sweetheart. Because we’re having two babies. Twins! I just found out yesterday.”
Jake hesitated a moment, absorbing what she’d just confided. Then he let out a loud whoop of joy. “Twins?” He grabbed Cassie gently, lifting her and spinning her around, his laughter mingling with hers. “Twins,” he said again, pressing his lips to hers in a deep, soulful, passionate kiss. “Two babies at once. You’re always full of surprises. God, I love you.”
“I love you, too, Jake. But don’t forget we’ve got another five months to go.”
“That’s just fine with me, sweetheart. John T.’s been making wedding plans since the day you showed up at his door. He’ll be tickled to know we’re getting hitched and there’s two babies on the way.”
Cassie stroked Jake’s cheek softly, her heart filled with happiness for him, for all of them. “You’re finally going to have a family, Jake. John T., Lottie, the babies and me, we all love you. We’ll be your family.”
Jake kissed the soft side of her hand. “I’m a lucky man.”
Then Cassie took a mischievous tone, lifting her brows in anticipation. “And what was that you said about roping me in?”
A grin pulled at his lips. He pulled her even closer in his embrace, fitting her soft body into the groove of his hard one, leaving no doubt where his mind and body had drifted. “I’ve got enough good moves to keep you tied up for a lifetime, honey.”
ISBN: 978-1-4268-8627-0
EXPECTING THE COWBOY’S BABY
Copyright © 2003 by Charlene Swink
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