Page 21 of Having the Dragon's Baby

Julia pulled her in for a hug. "Oh, I know I hardly know you, but we are so glad Marcus found someone." She pulled back, smiling at her. "Just remember, if he ever insists he’s right, you can always call me."

Rachel laughed, feeling herself relax.

Julia joined the conversation, and Rachel laughed at everything she said. Julia proceeded to tell her about the time Marcus super glued his hands together, trying to prove he was stronger than the rest of the boys. She told her he was afraid of water until, finally, when he was eight, a friend of his pushed him into the river.

Julia told her all the cute, funny baby stories, even the ones Marcus would likely be mortified to have her hear. But Julia said to keep that between them.

After a while, Rachel spotted Marcus coming into the cafe and waved at him. He smiled at her, and then his eyes became worried when he saw his mother sitting with her. "Well, I see you met Rachel."

"Where have you been hiding her?" his mother asked, looking at him with a loving expression. "She's simply amazing. I like her."

Rachel smiled, looking at Marcus, who looked like he'd had a rough morning. She could imagine he needed relaxation.

He gave his mother a kiss and seated himself next to her. Most of the girls had gone, and it was really just Rachel and his mother now. And it was a little past noon, so lunch was right around the corner.

"How was your meeting?" she asked, knitting her hands together in her lap.

He sighed. "It was a lot, but I'd much rather not talk about work at the table."

He looked at his mother, and she nodded. "Yes, that’s always been a rule of mine. I didn't like when his father brought work home."

She smiled, liking the idea.

"Oh," Julia said. “I have to get going. I have an appointment with Dr. Lue."

Julia stood, still smiling. "It was great meeting you, Rachel. Until next time."

"Have you had lunch?" Marcus asked after his mother left.

She shook her head. Her breakfast was light, so she could eat again.

"Well, how about I make lunch for you back at the house?" he asked, pulling himself up and extending an arm out to her. "I promise it will be fun." He gave her a wink, and she understood what was going through his mind.

She took his hand, allowing him to lead her. It wasn't a far walk, and she enjoyed having his hand to hold. She leaned into his arm, basking in the moment. She thought back to the babies and felt that tug once more. She desperately wanted little ones to shower with love.

"I'm sorry I was gone most of the morning," Marcus said.

She gave him a gentle grin back. "I was fine. I watched the children in the nursery before Sasha ran into me. I looked like a stalker, but I was grateful she didn't point that out."

He snorted, his shoulders shaking. "I'm sure it wasn't like that, but thanks for the picture."

"I had a good morning talking with some of the girls."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that."

"And you?" she asked, looking at him. "We aren't at the table anymore."

He frowned and looked at her. "We can talk about that over lunch."

Her stomach dipped at the idea, but she tried not to let it show on her face. She instead gave him a nod as they arrived at his house.

They headed inside, straight for the kitchen. Marcus pulled out bread and a bunch of items from the fridge. She grabbed a knife and started slicing up tomatoes and cheese. They worked alongside each other really well. She made the sandwiches while he made a small salad and grabbed a picnic basket off the top of the fridge.

She laughed. "Where did you get that? And better question, why do you have that?"

He blushed. "Believe it or not, occasionally, I like a little picnic away from home."

She stepped into his space, placing her hands on his chest. "Well, it's nice to know you have a soft, sweet side."

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