Page 90 of Island of Second Chances

“Is she hungry?” Mark popped his head in the nursery, not one minute behind her. His eyes were lined with dark circles, too. He’d gotten as little sleep as she had, insisting on doing the heavy lifting while she recovered from her C-section. He’d been on strict night duty the first six weeks as she recovered from surgery. She smiled at him.

“Maybe.” Tiffany’s cries softened as Laura cradled the baby against her shoulder. She was just the most perfect little baby, and Laura’s heart felt like it would burst every time she glanced at the little girl. “Or maybe she just wanted a snuggle.”

“That’s exactly what Daddy wants,” Mark said and grinned as he moved behind Laura and wrapped his arms around her. “Have I told you today how much I love you?”

“No,” she said.

“Daddy’s falling down on the job already,” Mark told the baby as he gave her tiny nose a playful tap. “I love you. You’ve changed my life for the better every day.”

“You’ve changed my life,” Laura said. “Look at this beautiful baby. I just…never thought this would happen for me. After the miscarriage, I just really never thought this would happen.”

Mark laughed ruefully. “You and me both. It’s all just…such a miracle.” Mark traced Tiffany’s cheek with his finger. “Can you believe she’s so perfect?”

“Nope. Can’t believe it,” Laura said and grinned.

“Well, I can. Her mother’s absolutely perfect. That’s why.” Mark hugged Laura again and lay a soft kiss on her cheek.

Tiffany grew quiet in Laura’s arms and pretty soon she could feel the deadweight of the baby asleep against her. Softly, she laid the baby in the crib, being extra careful not to rouse her. Amazingly, Tiffany stayed asleep, her tiny little mouth an open o.

“She’s got your beautiful eyelashes,” Mark said.

“And your chin,” Laura pointed out.

Mark sneaked his arm around Laura’s waist, and then he kissed her neck. “Mmm. You smell like baby powder.”

“Sexy, isn’t it?” Laura joked as Mark pulled her out of the baby’s room and softly shut the door.

“You have no idea,” he murmured. “How about I show you how sexy in the bedroom?”

“But the baby…” Laura frowned, worried.

“Is asleep,” Mark pointed out, and then he pulled Laura into his arms and kissed her deeply. His tongue probed hers, and she felt white-hot heat rush through her body.

She didn’t know if she’d ever get tired of kissing Mark. They fit together in a way she’d never imagined possible. He deepened the kiss, setting off fireworks in her brain. Suddenly, she forgot all about the baby. In that moment, Laura would do anything he asked. Anything.

“Maybe we can get working on baby number two.”

“Mark!” Laura cried, pulling away from him. Everything but that. “You can’t be serious. I just had one!”

“All I know is we make the most beautiful babies.” He grinned and then pulled her close, dancing her to the bedroom. “Why not make some more? How about four…or five?”

Now, Laura had to laugh. “No way. I don’t think I could take it.”

“Okay, then. Just three. Three more.” He tugged off her shirt and she giggled as it popped over her head.

“You’re ridiculous.” He kissed her neck and then laid a trail of kisses down to her nursing bra.

“Am I?” he asked as she lifted up his shirt, and she ran her hands down his fit, tanned chest. Then again, with him shirtless in front of her, she couldn’t quite manage a coherent thought. He gently laid her down on the bed, kissing her belly, and her mind went blank.

“All I know is, Mrs. Tanner, I want to spend the rest of my life doing just this.”

“Me, too,” she breathed as the two quietly explored each other. Sleep could come later, Laura thought. All she wanted right now was Mark’s touch.

“I love you,” she breathed.

“I love you right back,” he murmured into her ear.

* * * * *

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