Johnathan sat quietly through their conversations, and Dakota was so proud of him. She knew he liked being included in grown-up things.

  Eventually, Beau excused them for the night and went up to shower.

  Dakota gave Debra another hug. “Thanks again for everything.”

  She helped Johnathan to bed, then went upstairs.

  Beau was still in the bathroom, and she quickly changed into her emerald-green teddy and put on a faint mist of perfume.

  A moment later, Beau walked in. He grinned and tossed his clothes on the bed. “You smell wonderful. Give me a kiss.”

  She slid her arms around his neck and gave him a slow, sensual kiss. When she drew back, she said, “That’s all you get before I brush my teeth.”

  He chuckled. “Hurry back, then.”

  She actually did try to hurry, but then she winced in pain. Her legs and butt still hurt. Not to mention her lower back.

  As she crawled into bed, Beau said, “I’ll bet you’re still sore, aren’t you?”

  She nodded. “Yep. I found that out when I tried to jog to the bathroom.”

  He handed her two ibuprofen from the bedside table and a glass of water. “Take these.”

  After she’d swallowed them, he said, “I figured you’d be hurting tonight. That’s why I thought I might give you a rubdown. Nothing fancy, but I think it’ll make you feel better.”

  “Really?” That sounded amazing.

  “Sure. Just turn over, honey.”

  When she was on her stomach, he began to rub her back. After a moment, he said, “Why don’t you take your nightie off? And, don’t worry, I’m not getting any ideas.”

  She grinned. “You know, I wouldn’t mind if you got ideas.”

  He chuckled. “You need your rest tonight, sweetheart. Trust me. You’ll be even sorer tomorrow.”

  He helped her take it off, and she returned to her stomach. His hands were amazing, rubbing her with just enough strength to loosen her tight muscles but not hard enough to hurt. She lost herself in the wonderful feeling, relaxing more and more.

  His lips brushed her shoulder blade in a gentle kiss, and she sighed. He whispered, “Go to sleep, sweetheart. Rest now.”

  She gave herself over then, burrowing deep into the sensations he created. Her last coherent thought was, I could love this man.

  Chapter Ten

  A week later, Beau walked into the house late in the afternoon, elated at the outcome of Cat’s ophthalmology appointment. After a thorough examination and various tests, the doctor had told him that Cat had a good chance of using her vision for basic life skills. He’d fitted her for glasses, which should arrive in a few weeks. Beau smiled, imagining his tiny daughter wearing them.

  Cat was exhausted and getting fussy. He dropped her diaper bag on the couch and headed into the kitchen to make her a bottle.

  As soon as he sat down to rock her, she quieted, grabbing the bottle and sucking greedily, giving soft little grunts of satisfaction with each gulp.

  He cuddled her to him as a burst of love so strong it took his breath away surged through him. Being Cat’s father meant everything to him.

  He bent and kissed her forehead. “I love you, little one. Daddy loves you.”

  Closing his eyes, he took a moment and said a silent prayer of thanks.

  When the bottle was empty, Cat spit it out. Her eyelids drooped, and she gave a deep sigh.

  He continued to rock her, and in minutes, she was asleep. She really needed the rest after the stressful afternoon she’d had at the doctor’s office.

  After putting her in her crib, he went in to start something for supper.

  While browning his hamburger patty, he called Dakota. When she answered, he said, “I have amazing news.”

  “From Cat’s doctor? Tell me!”

  He filled her in on Cat’s prognosis and Dakota said, “That’s wonderful, Beau. I’m so happy for you.” After a pause, she said, “Now, when the doctor said that she’d have good vision for life skills, does that mean that she won’t be able to read?”

  Beau sighed. “She won’t be able to read like you and I will. She’ll be a braille reader. That’s great to know now, so that her teacher for the visually impaired can begin pre-braille activities as Cat grows. Her teacher told me that she’d begin training her tactile skills when she’s preschool age. She’ll need very sensitive fingertips.”

  “That’s so interesting. I think it’s great that you finally know what’s ahead of you. I know how worried you’ve been.”

  “I really have. The doctor said that Cat would still want to use a cane for safety’s sake, but that the vision she has will be very useful for getting around. He also said that her type of vision would open a lot of doors for her that people who are completely blind might not have access to.”

  “I’m so happy for you and Cat. The future’s so bright for her now,” Dakota said.

  “I feel like that too.”

  “I’m glad you called. I’ve been on pins and needles while I waited for you to get home,” she said.

  He sighed and rubbed his forehead, feeling the tension from the long afternoon. “I miss you. How about I come over after I feed Cat? She’s asleep right now. This afternoon took everything out of her.”

  “I’d love that. Come for a beer and bring Cat’s walker. We’ll sit out on the back porch, okay?”

  “Sounds great.”

  He finished cooking the patty, then called his parents and filled them in. They were thrilled and asked about Dakota and Johnathan before he hung up. Then he called Landon and got his voicemail, so he left him a message.

  As he put together his hamburger, he called Carson. He’d saved him for last because he wanted to talk to him about more than the doctor’s visit.

  “Hey, Beau, how’s it going?” Carson said when he answered.

  “I had Cat’s ophthalmologist appointment today, and it went really well.”

  “That’s awesome, bro! Tell me what happened.”

  Beau brought him up to speed. “I’m so relieved. I was worried when we walked into the office that I’d get bad news. Now I know Cat’ll be okay. Her world’s going to be so much easier than it could have been.”

  “It’s awesome that she can see bright colors. That’s amazing, Beau.”

  “Right? Her world won’t be gray and dreary. I’m just so damn happy.”

  “So, how’s Dakota doing? And Johnathan? Is he okay?” Carson asked.

  Beau sat at the kitchen table and took a bite of his burger before answering. “They’re doing fine. I’m going over there after I feed Cat dinner. It’s like, if I don’t see Dakota every day, I miss her like crazy.”

  “No kidding?”

  “I’m serious, brother. I’m beginning to think she’s the one,” he said quietly before taking another bite.

  “Wow. I could tell you all were pretty tight when you were up here at the ranch, but man, it’s that serious, huh?”

  “For me it is, yeah,” Beau said, feeling more sure every time he said it.

  “Well, if it means anything, I really liked her. She’s a super nice person, and I really admire her for what she chooses to do for a living. It takes someone special to do what she does.”

  “That’s what I think too.” He took another bite and thought about all the things that made Dakota special. “She’s good and kind—not to mention beautiful—and we laugh together all the time. I like her spirit. She’s no pushover.”

  Carson chuckled. “You’ve convinced me. She’s amazing.”

  “She really is.” He took another bite and chewed thoughtfully. “We haven’t known each other all that long—several months, I guess—but it seems like so much longer.”

  “Beau, I’m so glad you’ve found someone. Nobody ever deserved it more than you, brother.”

  “Thanks, Carson. How about you? Have you met anybody else?”

  “Me? Not at all. I haven’t gone anywhere. I’ve been sticking close to home since Jill left.” He paused. “I don’t know. I guess I’m just not ready to get out there yet, if you know what I mean.”

  “I’m sorry you’re still feeling down. Hang in there. You’ll feel better eventually. Don’t rush it.”

  “Thanks, brother. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  Beau finished the last bite of his burger and threw the paper plate in the trash. Then he rinsed his iced tea glass and put it in the dishwasher. With a sigh, he went ahead and washed the skillet. There was no point in letting it sit in the sink.

  After that, he grabbed a beer from the fridge and took the baby monitor out onto the back porch. He could see the tops of Dakota’s trees over the privacy fence. His bare yard contained a single ash tree that hadn’t been taken care of. He’d been watering it since he’d moved in, though, and it was looking better.

  He leaned back in his chair and sipped his cold longneck. Dakota would have finished cooking dinner. She and Johnathan were probably nearly finished eating. He couldn’t wait to see her.

  He glanced at his watch. He should wake up Cat in about ten more minutes. Then he’d feed her, and they could head on over next door. That should give Dakota time to help Johnathan with his bath.

  He smiled. It all seemed so domestic. He took another swallow of beer, then heaved a contented sigh.

  When Dakota answered the door, she said, “Hello, beautiful. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you since you called.”

  He grinned. “I’m starting to like being called ‘beautiful’. Does that mean something about me?”

  She laughed. “Only that you have good self-esteem.”

  He followed her to the kitchen, where he set the diaper bag on one of the chairs. “Is Johnathan watching a movie?”

  “Of course. I told him that I’d call him later to come in for dessert.”

  “Cat and I’ll go say hi to him. Be right back.” He rapped on the door jamb and pushed the door open wider. “Hey, Johnathan, how are you, buddy?”

  Johnathan was propped up on pillows on his bed. He grinned. “Hi, Beau. Hi, Cat.”

  “Listen, I’ll see you when it’s time for dessert, okay?”

  “Okay. Bye, Beau.”

  He waved and went back to the kitchen.

  Dakota smiled and led the way outside, carrying their drinks. He followed, taking Cat’s walker with him.

  Dakota sat in the swing and handed him his beer as he settled in beside her. She tapped her wineglass against his bottle and said, “Here’s to amazing news.”

  He smiled. “And here’s to you and me.”

  Her eyes darkened as she gave him a slow smile, and he leaned over and kissed her gently. Her eyes closed, and he gave himself over to the sensuous feel of her lips.

  She sighed when he drew away. “God, I’m glad you’re here. The day seems to drag by until I see you.”

  So she felt the same way he did. “It does. I think of you all throughout my day.”

  “I wish we could do sleepovers easier.”

  “I do too,” he said. “I’d bring a playpen to your house for Cat, but visually impaired children have intense needs for routine when it comes to sleep. Any little thing can throw them off. They get their days and nights mixed up at the drop of a hat.”

  He ran his fingers through her hair, loving the feel of the silky strands. “Even visually impaired adults regularly have problems sleeping. It’s a real thing.”

  She captured his hand and brought it to her lips. “Oh, I’d never want that. We just have to make it work. Michael’s great. He’ll come anytime he’s able.”

  “I know, but it gets expensive. Even though we share the cost, we both have to think about that.”

  “You’re right. But not right now.” She drew him down and kissed him, covering every bit of his mouth with a sweeping kiss.

  He took her into his arms, pulling her close.

  She slipped her hands behind his neck and deepened the kiss.

  He moaned softly, running his hands up her back. She was so damn sexy.

  When she pulled away, she said, “God, I want you.”

  He smiled. “If only Johnathan wasn’t a wanderer.”

  She giggled. “If only.”

  They settled back in the swing, and he put his arm around her shoulders. She leaned her head against him as he kicked the swing into motion.

  Cat still played quietly in her walker, mouthing her toys and burbling baby sounds.

  The last light of the sun glazed the sky a dark purple and rose. The air was soft and full of the organic scents of the yard’s lush greenery. He sighed, contented and happy. It had been a wonderful day, and ending it with Dakota made it perfect.

  After a while, Dakota stretched and said, “I’d better let Johnathan have his dessert. I made berry cobbler. Want some? I even have vanilla ice cream to top it off.”

  He helped her to stand up. “My mouth’s already watering. I’d love some.”

  “I’ll meet you and Cat inside.”

  He picked up Cat, walker and all, and set her down on the kitchen floor.

  Johnathan came in as Dakota was putting the still-warm cobbler in the middle of the table.

  “That looks so good,” Beau said when she returned with the carton of ice cream. “Can I get the bowls?”

  “Sure. I’ll start making Johnathan’s while you do that.”

  A few minutes later, they all had their mouths full of the sweet, yet slightly tart, dessert.

  “It’s good, Dakota,” Johnathan said, his mouth full.

  She chuckled and dabbed at the corner of his lip. “I’m glad you like it. Next time, swallow before you talk, buddy.”

  Beau gave Cat a little bit of the thick berry juice. She made a face, then licked her lips delightedly, so he gave her a little more.

  When they’d finished, Johnathan went back to watch TV, and Beau helped with the cleanup.

  When the kitchen was done, Beau and Dakota settled down on the couch. Cat was still happy to play in her walker.

  As she leaned against him, Dakota said, “I can’t remember when I last felt this happy.”

  He kissed her temple. “I was thinking the same thing earlier today. Doesn’t it feel like we’ve known each other forever?”

  She laughed softly. “It kind of does.” She linked her fingers with his. “I’d like to set up a time for you to meet my family soon. Is that okay with you?” She turned her head to meet his gaze.

  He was surprised to see hesitancy there. “Of course. Whenever, wherever.”

  “Why don’t we go out to dinner? I think that’ll be fun, don’t you?”

  “I do too. Just set it up. I’m game for anything.”

  She smiled. “I’ll let you know. We for sure have to work around my brother’s schedule. It’s kind of crazy.”

  “I’ll just need to schedule Janey.” He sighed. “She goes back to school in a few weeks, and I still haven’t found anyone to replace her. She’s asked around and hasn’t come up with anyone. I’ve checked at work, but so far, nobody has any suggestions. I suppose I could put Cat in day care, but with her preemie history, I hate exposing her to all those germs. I’d prefer she stayed at home.”

  After a moment, Dakota said, “I’ve been thinking about that, Beau. What if I watched Cat while you were at work? I could take her with me when I take Johnathan to his doctor’s appointments and back and forth to day hab. Anywhere Johnathan and I go, she could go too. Then you’d only need a sitter for when you go out in the evenings or on weekends. That would be a lot easier to find.”

  His jaw had dropped. “You’d care for Cat?”

  She smiled. “I’d be happy to.”

  “I’d pay you, of course,” he said, still trying to wrap his head around this amazing solution.

  “That’d be great. I could use the money.”

  He rubbed his forehead. “This is an answer to prayers, Dakota. God truly does take care of us.”

  She smiled. “He sure does. I’ve been trying to think of ways I could make extra money for months.”

  He gave her a high five. “Win-win!” He leaned his head against hers. “I’ll let Janey know that I’ve found someone. She’s really been worrying about leaving me and Cat in the lurch. She’s such a sweetheart. I was really lucky to find her.”

  “Things have a way of working out. I’m beginning to see that.”

  They sat in contented silence until Cat began to get fussy.

  Beau sighed. “I’d better get this girl home.” He tilted Dakota’s chin up and gave her a long, tender kiss.

  When she opened her eyes, she smiled. “That’ll have to hold me for a while.”

  “Yep.” He grinned. “But you can think of me naked. That should help.”

  She burst out laughing. “You’re terrible.”

  He picked up Cat and gathered up her diaper bag and walker. At the door, he turned and gave Dakota one last kiss. “Thanks for the invite. It’s awesome to have you to celebrate with.”

  She gave him an extra little kiss. “Anytime, beautiful.”

  He laughed and headed out the door.

  When he looked back as he put his key in the lock, she was still standing there. He called, “I’ll be thinking of you tonight.”

  She grinned and called out, “Naked!”

  He threw his head back and laughed. What a precious woman she was. He was a lucky man.

  Chapter Eleven

  Dakota anxiously watched the door, waiting for her parents or brother to walk in. She and Beau had arrived at Bohanan’s on the Riverwalk early to be sure they were there before everyone else arrived. The downtown restaurant was known for its steaks and seafood, so she knew that at least the food part of the evening would go perfectly.

  She turned to Beau, the corner of her mouth lifting. “Don’t worry. My parents are usually on time. And the only way my brother will be late is if he has an emergency. In that case, he’ll call me.”

  Beau reached for her hand. “I’m not worried at all—and you don’t need to be either. Dinner’s going to be great.”

  She squeezed his fingers. “I don’t know why I’m nervous. My parents will go crazy over you.”

 

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