Page 28 of The Bride's Desire

“So, the time we had … you know.”

He smiled. “We made love. I know I could have planned it better, but I must admit I wanted to do it again and again, but maybe try a bed next time.”

Naomi smiled. Her hands started to shake. “Well…”

Joe rolled his eyes. “Just come out with it.”

“The time we made love … we made a baby.”

She watched his face go blank and felt her stomach cramp from anxiety. A few minutes before, she had been hopeful they were going to try, but now, the way he looked told her it might be too much for him to take.

Chapter Sixteen

Joe felt a buzzing start in his head as he tried to come to grips with what she said.

A baby? Holy shit. Just from that one time. He almost snorted. Of course, it only took one time.

He was thinking about all that needed to be done and then looked at her face. He could tell he had screwed up again when tears filled her eyes.

She sniffed. “It’s okay. I was planning on moving to town. That way, you can see the baby whenever you want. I also thought if you would be okay with having me around, I’d come and clean once a week and make you some meals.”

She stopped abruptly when he held out his hand.

“Come here.”

She inhaled and shuddered before she walked over to him.

He gripped her hips and brought her in between his spread legs. “I don’t want you to move anywhere. I want you here very much. I’m surprised, but I’m in no way upset about the child. In fact, the more I think about it, the more excited I get.” He thought back to what his mother had said. “My mother knows?”

Naomi nodded. “I think so.”

“How?”

“I got a pregnancy test at the drugstore. The clerk asked me some questions, and I just said it was for a friend. But then she saw me with you in the diner.”

“I wondered what that was about. I’ve known Ginger for a long time, and I can guarantee most of the people in town know we’re having a baby.”

There was a long pause, and then his grin grew. “We’re having a baby.”

Naomi started to relax and nodded. “Yes.”

“I’m trying to think back to see how far along you are.”

“I think I’m over eight weeks along.”

“That’s about right,” he said. He pulled her against his chest and held her tightly.

“Are you sure about this? I don’t want to pressure you into anything.”

He smiled at her gently “Sweetheart, I’m absolutely thrilled. I’ve wanted a family for a long time.”

“I’m glad.”

“We’ll get married as soon as we can.”

“Wait. What? No, we don’t have to do that…”

He cupped her face in his hands. “Yes, we do. I want this child to come into the world the right way. With both his mother and father together. Besides, do you really think the town won’t say anything? That’s not to mention my mother.”

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