Chapter Eighteen

Jessie’s head lolled against Chase’s shoulder as he cradled her comfortably in his arms. She hadn’t said the words; she didn’t want to speak first. But she loved this man. Completely. Thoroughly. Forever.

Suddenly, Barlow appeared in the doorway, barking excitedly. Then the dog turned abruptly and disappeared back into the living room.

“The babies. Something’s wrong.” Jessie scrambled free and ran, following the collie up the staircase toward the faint sound of crying with Chase right behind her. “Daisy? Poppy?”

“What’s wrong, sweetie? You okay?” she asked as she pushed open the door and hurried into the nursery to Daisy’s crib while Chase went toward Poppy. The canine brushed by Jessie’s legs, plodding in behind them and plopping down near the dresser.

The distressed baby’s tears streamed down her face. She wiggled her fingers toward Jessie, seeking comfort.

“C’mere, sugar.” She gathered Daisy into her arms, rubbing her back in a soothing motion.

Chase scooped up a fretful Poppy and sank into the nearest rocker. “Shhh, it’s okay, baby girl. We’re here now. Old Barlow came to your rescue.”

“Poor babies,” Jessie murmured softly. “You’ve been so upset all day, it’s no wonder you can’t sleep. Don’t worry, we’ll stay with you,” she assured them, settling into a comfortable chair.

A long time passed before Poppy calmed down enough to drift off. Chase gently returned her to the crib. Then he kissed a drowsy Daisy Jane on top of her tiny head while she rested in Jessie’s arms. “Do you want me to take her?”

”No, I’m fine, thanks.” She continued to rock the weary little girl. “She’s almost out.”

“So am I,” he admitted. “I’m going to lie on the floor here for a few minutes.” He stretched out on the plush carpet beside Poppy’s crib.

“Go on to bed. Get some sleep. It will be morning before you know it.”

“Nah, I’m good right here.”

The soft, plum-colored carpeting did look so comfortable. “I’m going to put Daisy in the crib, but stay here beside her until she drifts off. Maybe that will work.”

She tucked in the child, who immediately curled up with her thumb in her mouth, still fighting to keep her eyes open. Jessie relaxed on the floor next to the crib, rolled onto her side and prepared to wait the long stretch until the little girl dozed off. But the thick carpet was cozier than she’d expected. More than an hour later, she woke up. Everyone was sleeping soundly.

After checking the girls, she grabbed a red plaid, fleece throw from a nearby stack and covered Chase. Then she picked up another for herself, snuggling in close by his side. Barlow raised his head and looked at her quizzically.

All is well, Barlow. Back to sleep. Jessie winked. Then the dog shut his eyes again.

A contented smile curved her lips. All felt oh, so right. One evening had changed everything. Utterly amazing. Just to be here, at this moment, next to the man she loved beyond reason. She could spend the rest of her life sleeping on this floor if it was beside Chase.

He stirred in his sleep. “Jess,” he whispered in a drowsy voice, reaching for her hand.

She nestled closer. “Hmm?”

“I am so in love with you…”

Hot tears flooded her eyes. “I love you, too.”

“Good. That’s settled.” Chase brushed a warm kiss against her fingers. “Now, let’s sleep before we both die from exhaustion.” He chuckled quietly. “Just wait until we have three. They’ll outnumber us.”

Us.

She sighed sweetly. Nothing ever sounded better.