She heard him roll into the dark room. She was so tired she didn’t even move when the bed dipped. Then he pulled her into his arms. His hands did their usual dance over her, he claimed he’d never get over checking if she was safe. One large warm hand spread protectively over her abdomen. God yes, that had been what she was missing. The feeling of being safe in his arms.

“How’s my battle buddy?”

“Good. I’ll get up in a few minutes.”

“Take all the time you need.” Something about his voice made her turn to look at him. Yep. Giant grin he was not bothering to hide.

“You figured it out.”

“I am a PI. And you suck at being sneaky.”

“I buried the box in the garbage.”

“I could still read the end of it. So when were you going to tell me?”

“I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow afternoon. I was waiting until I was sure.”

“I’m going with you.”

She didn’t bother to disagree, it wouldn’t have done any good and truthfully, she wanted him there. None of that stopped her from rolling her eyes at him. “Shit. I mean if you want... I’d like to be there.” This was a new side of him. Where she had learned to be braver and ask for what she wanted, he was learning to ask instead of order. A small change but baby steps could get you to the same place. She turned in his arms to face him and he snuggled her in tighter. She kissed him then.

“I’d love for you to be there. I have an appointment scheduled for the shrink too. I can take anti-depressants while I’m pregnant but they may need to change what kind and how much.” If possible he smiled even wider.

“That’s my girl. I love it when you’re working the battle plan. Are you scared?” The words were whispered as he nuzzled her ear.

She almost laughed in his face. “No, what have I got to be scared of? I’m old, never had a kid, and on medication. It isn’t like there is some lunatic trying to kill me. Really there is no reason to be worried at all. On top of that, I’ve got a man—“

“Husband. You are getting a husband. I’m marrying the hell out of you. You can decide whether or not to take my name but you are going to be my wife.” Okay, sometimes he still needed a gentle push in the right direction.

“Jameson, most guys ask when they want to marry a woman. You know, give her a chance to say no.”

“Most guys are idiots. I’m not letting you get away.” At her look, he let out a huff and tucked her under his chin for a second. She could feel his heart start pounding. Feel him gathering his courage. “Fine.” He swallowed hard. “Candy, will you marry me?” Simple words that terrified him. The man was holding his breath and nearly vibrating waiting for her answer. After everything, this is what he was afraid of?

“I love you, Jameson Mahoney Jameson.” Good Lord, he still hadn’t exhaled. “And yes, I would be honored to share your name.” He released his breath in a whoosh that warmed the top of her head. “But...”

“This, is why I give orders. Go ahead, I’m listening.”

“I am not naming our sons after you. One double barreled Jameson is enough, two of you and I don’t know what I’d do.” She kissed his chin and got a kiss in response that made her insides gooey.

His eyes narrowed and she could see the wheels turning. When he smiled again she knew she was in trouble. “Hey, I can live with a daughter named Jameson. I may be a dumb old fashioned grunt but that doesn’t mean I can’t raise a daughter to take after me. She’ll be as tough as me but as smart and pretty as her mother.”

“You are awful.”

“You love me.”

“I do.”

“I love you too. Always and forever, sweetheart. Until the day I die. But since I’m not dead yet, we can, ugh, still fool around, right?”

“Yes.”

“Good, ‘cause the thought of you carrying my kid makes me want to pound my chest and all kinds of hot.” He started kissing away the buttons on her blouse. His lips were warm and sure against her skin.

“Mmm, maybe you aren’t so awful after all. Hmm, a daughter like you? She’ll have all the boys chasing her.” His head popped up and the look in his eyes was pure protective papa. She couldn’t help it and started laughing.

“Dammit. Now I’m gonna have to put both of you in bubble wrap.”