And Baby Makes Three by Dahlia Rose Page A

admit it. I was jealous as hell to see them there.”
    Brody grinned. “Yeah?”
    “Don’t get too cocky. You’re my baby’s father,” she snapped.
    He rubbed her belly. “Is that the only reason?” Marie smiled and felt her anger evaporate. Impulsively, she leaned forward and kissed his forehead. “No, you’re my man and if I was taller or had longer nails I would scratch their eyes out. I did consider climbing them like a coconut tree and going for the eyes.” Brody tilted his head back and roared with laughter. “See, this is why I love you. You are so vocal, you say exactly what you’re thinking.” His words shocked her and started a warm feeling in her chest that seemed to expand outward. “You said you love me.” Brody kissed her nose. “Because I do, silly.”
    “You don’t have to say that just because I’m having your kid. I mean, we’ve had sex a few times and—”
    “Would you just quit it?” Brody chuckled. “I know you. I can talk to you about anything. Hell, I think you’re freaking gorgeous and if it wasn’t for the fact that we may hurt the baby, I’d be jumping your bones.”
    “We wouldn’t hurt the baby.” She winked. “We can have some goodie-goodie time. You are my Texas bronco but I can’t ride you. But we can do it in other ways.”
    “Are you sure? I don’t want to hurt lil’ guy in there,” Brody said doubtfully.
    “I’m a nurse. Trust me, I’m sure.” Marie smiled and then asked, “So, do you want to move in with me?”
    He sat back on his haunches and pretended to consider the question. “I don’t know because I am not sure how you feel for me.”
    “You know how I feel about you, nut.” She threw a napkin at his head.
    He pulled her close and kissed her until her head began to swim.
    Brody pulled back and stared into her eyes. “No, I want to hear you say it.
    Let’s put it this way. I need to hear it.”
    “I love you, Brody, and as long as you keep on the straight path and don’t hurt me, I won’t have to scalp your ass.” A slow grin spread across his face. “That’s my girl.”
    “So, if we’re moving in together, we need to make a plan to encompass your stuff and my stuff.” Marie yawned. “We can make a list and go from there.”
    Brody leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “Right now we’re going to get you into bed.” 
    “Geez, tell a guy you love him and the first thing he wants to do is get you into bed,” she grumbled. “It’s not even nine.”
    “Well, baby boy is sleepy, so mommy needs to go to bed as well,” Brody said as he walked her up the stairs. “Is ice cream all you had for dinner?”
    “It’s all I wanted,” she replied.
    “Nope, shower and climb into bed. I’ll bring you grilled cheese and tomato soup,” Brody said.
    She turned to look at him when she got to the bedroom door. Marie was suddenly unsure about this, about everything. Lord, she was scared of another relationship failure.
    “Are you sure we can do this?” she asked uncertainly.
    He covered the small distance between them quickly and pulled her into his arms. “Darlin’, there is nothing we can’t handle together. Do you hear me, sweetheart?”
    “Okay,” she whispered.
    “Now go shower, put on warm pajamas and get into bed. I’ll be up soon,” Brody said and kissed her gently.
    She stepped inside the bedroom and closed the door, leaning against the cool wood for a moment. The thing she had promised would never happen again after Charlie had—her heart belonged to Brody lock and stock. But then Marie didn’t expect she would be sharing her home and a child with him either. As she undressed and got under the hot spray of water, a smile tugged at her lips. Charlie was a mistake. She mistook charm for love and anger for affection. It would be different with Brody.
    Like he said, together they could conquer anything.

Chapter Five
    That weekend they began his move into her house and shopped for baby furniture and clothes. Brody