Fifteen months later...
“Do you want to choose what’s for dinner, or shall I?” Amanda asked her husband as they walked into the kitchen of the cozy cottage built just for them.
Justin met her at the refrigerator to survey the contents. “Depends on what we’ve got planned for later,” he teased, appreciating—as did she—the intimacy their new living arrangement offered.
Amanda slid her arms around his neck. “Same thing as always, I expect.” She nestled closer.
Justin grinned and bent his head to demonstrate. “A little kissing.”
Amanda tenderly kissed him back. “A lot of cuddling.”
They sighed in unison. “And everything in between.”
They made out a little more, then, still tingling with anticipation, Amanda shook her head. “I can’t believe it’s December of our second school year already!”
Justin shook his head in wonder. “Or that you and I’ve been married nearly six months.” He paused, reflecting. “The past sixteen months have been quite a ride, haven’t they?”
Yes, they had, from the very beginning. The boys ranch had opened a year ago August, right on schedule, with Lamar, seven other boys and two house parents settling into Bunkhouse One. Amanda, Justin and a teacher specializing in learning disorders had bunked in the lodge.
The carpentry building had been completed in late fall of the initial term. And by spring they’d had the funds to add another bunkhouse, eight more kids, another set of house parents and two more full-time teachers. Now, they were planning a third bunkhouse.
“Your granddad has had a lot of great changes, too.” A.B. had sold his business and his home in San Angelo, and relocated to a condo in the Laramie Gardens senior-living center.
Amanda smiled. “Can you believe he and Miss Mim are getting married on New Year’s Eve?”
Justin sat down on a chair and pulled her down onto his lap. “I knew something was up when they both started volunteering at the ranch so much.” Granddad had helped out, teaching carpentry to the boys. Miss Mim had set up a ranch library, complete with Dewey decimal system and online catalogue.
“And let’s not forget Lamar.” Amanda’s heart brimmed with affection. “Not only has he learned to read, he’s become quite the leader.”
Justin agreed with paternal pride. “There’s no one better when it comes to showing the new kids the ropes.”
Amanda splayed her hands across his chest. “It helps a lot, having specialized teachers and a curriculum designed specifically for dyslexics.”
In fact, they had been so successful the county was talking about starting up a day program for kids with learning disabilities from stable homes, to be paid for by the school district and held in classrooms out at the ranch.
Reveling in the warmth and strength of her handsome husband, Amanda continued, “It also helps to have such a visionary at the helm of the entire ranch.”
Justin stroked a hand through her hair. “And his trusty assistant director and carpentry and culinary whiz...”
They kissed again, even more tenderly. She’d always known she loved working with her hands. Helping kids. But... “I never thought I’d enjoy being a sidekick quite so much.” She chuckled as they broke apart. “But maybe that’s because you do all the paperwork.”
Justin’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “We do make a good team.”
“One,” Amanda added mysteriously, her heart beginning to race with excitement, “that may be ready for expansion.”
Justin studied her as the wonder of her words sunk in. “You’re...?”
“Almost three months along,” she admitted, thrilling at the contentment in his blue eyes. “I found out when I went to the doctor today. I wanted to wait until we were alone to tell you.”
Justin threw back his head and laughed in triumph. He brought her close for another heartfelt hug. “This is glorious news, Mrs. McCabe.”
Amanda couldn’t stop smiling. “I think so, too.”
Happiness engulfed them as their fondest dreams began to take shape. “So what do you think?” Justin brushed the hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. “Girl or boy?”
Amanda rested a palm on the gentle slope of her tummy. “I don’t know about this one,” she enthused with a playful wink. “But I imagine before we’re done we’ll have both a son and a daughter.” At least she hoped.
Justin thought of his own family. “Or five sons.”
Not to be outdone, Amanda exclaimed, “Or five daughters!”
They stared at each other and laughed. All Amanda knew for sure was that the ranch was a roaring success. She was going to have Justin’s baby. And she had never been happier.
Justin shifted her off his lap, swung her up in his arms and strode toward the rear of the house. “Where are we going?”
“Exactly where you think.” He paused and kissed her, the love flowing freely between them. “To celebrate.”
* * * * *
Watch for the next installment in the McCabe Homecoming miniseries,
THE TEXAS CHRISTMAS GIFT, coming December 2013,
only from Harlequin American Romance!
Keep reading for an excerpt from His Forever Valentine by Marie Ferrarella