Burning Hearts: A Second Chance Secret Baby Romance

by Vivien Vale

  Margot shoots me a conspiratorial glance.

  “Well, I didn’t have to worry because Boone was there to rescue me.”

  Amelia’s eyes widen, and she looks at me.

  “And you know what, sweetie?”

  “What, Mommy?”

  “He’ll keep you safe the way he kept me safe.”

  To emphasize her words, I wrap my arms around the two of them and pull them close to my heart. All at once I know things can’t get better than this. This moment is perfection personified.

  I’ve dreamt of this moment for so long I feel like pinching myself to make sure it’s real. I can’t bear to think of something bad happening to either of them.

  Amelia snuggles her head into my chest. Margot smiles at me.

  “So, you’ve known Boone for a while,” Amelia mumbles, and I watch her eyelids flutter again.

  She says it with the wisdom little kids often display.

  Up until now, Margot had never mentioned we’ve known each other before. Being the smart kid Amelia is, she’s worked it out from the story; she’s connected the dots.

  “Mommy...” she begins, although she’s barely able to keep her eyes open.

  Margot leans over her and kisses her cheek. “Yes?”

  “Is Boone my daddy?”

  Her words grab my heart and squeeze it so tight I fear it might shatter. I feel Margot’s eyes on me. The intensity in them could melt ice. If she wants my approval, she’s got it.

  If it were up to me, I’d be standing on the tallest mountain shouting it out to the world.

  If it were up to me, everyone would know that Amelia, this wonderful little girl, is my daughter.

  But I know it’s not up to me. This is big thunder for a kid. And Margot needs to decide when and how to tell her.

  To make sure she knows I’m okay with whatever she decides, I put as much feeling into my look as I can muster. My look is meant to tell her, ‘It’s all good.’ If she doesn’t tell her now, it’s okay. There’ll be another time.

  Margot takes a deep breath, and her hand finds mine under the covers. The gentle squeeze tells me she’s made a decision.

  “Would you like him to be your daddy, princess?”

  Holy shit.

  Perfect strategy.

  Put the ball in Amelia’s court.

  Margot is the perfect parent.

  I look at her with eyes filled with adoration.

  At the same time, I hold my breath as I wait for my daughter’s answer. I won’t take it badly if she says no. I’m more bracing for my reaction if she says yes.

  It seems to take forever for Amelia to respond.

  Her eyes are nearly shut. Maybe she’s asleep already, and we won’t hear what she has to say.

  “Yes, I would,” she mumbles, and about two seconds later her breathing is slow and steady, and I know she’s asleep.

  Her words leave me jumping for joy. But since I’m in bed, and she’s snuggled into my chest and sound asleep, I don’t move a muscle.

  Instead, I watch the emotions on Margot’s face. The way she’s smiling, blowing me a kiss, and then putting her head beside herour daughter.

  Margot seems to be drifting off to sleep pretty quickly as well.

  I, on the other hand, keep my eyes open so I can look at the two most important people in my life for as long as possible.

  As I listen to their rhythmic breathing and stare at their peaceful faces, I know tonight I’m also going to sleep well. Tonight, nothing is going to disturb my world and destroy this feeling of utter contentment.

  Life doesn’t get better than this, I decide, closing my eyes.

  Chapter 32

  Margot

  I wake up on the edge of the bed, momentarily confused where I am.

  But when I open my eyes and see who I’m sharing the bed with, all is right in the world.

  Sunlight begins to filter through the cracks in the blinds, casting golden rays of light over the bedroom. I watch as one falls over Amelia’s eyes, setting her bright blonde hair aglow with light. But she scrunches her face up and rolls over, pushing her face into Boone’s chest.

  He responds in kind and curls his body slightly to cocoon her, subconsciously trying to make sure that she’s safe.

  Ever the hero, even when sleeping.

  When the quilt begins to move, I notice that even Crockett has climbed into bed with us. He must have been snuggled up by Amelia’s legs like a needy puppy. And when she moves closer to Boone, he too wants to get in on the action.

  I watch Crockett drag his chubby little body closer to my daughter, wedging himself in the middle of her and Boone, resting his head on one of her arms.

  I could never have dreamed my life could be so perfect.

  What have I done to deserve this?

  I’m tempted to roll over and join them, but I’m the kind of person who stays awake once she’s awake. I can’t help myself.

  But I can lie for a little while longer, watching my two angels as they sleep and rest up. I can’t be the only person who thought last night was intense. I bet both of them need their rest.

  I wonder what Boone’s dreaming about.

  Watching him, I get the impression that this is the first good, uninterrupted night’s sleep that Boone has gotten in days—if not weeks. It’s a relief that he’s taken the news of having a daughter and our crash-landing back into his life so easily.

  I would have felt so guilty if our presence had just continued to hurt him in any way.

  But when he thinks that no one can see him, he looks happy.

  He’s cuddling Amelia and Crockett like he is drowning and they are his last life lines. I don’t want to interrupt the three of them, and I feel my stomach begin to grumble, asking for food. Despite how intimately I got to know the pantry, I’m still not entirely sure what Boone keeps down there.

  But I’ll bet there’s something I can use to rustle up a special breakfast—as Amelia likes to call it.

  I can’t help but wonder what Boone will make of it. He doesn’t instantly strike me as the type of guy who would enjoy blueberry waffles with maple, chocolate, or—sometimes and—strawberry syrup, alongside fresh fruits styled in the shape of a face.

  Yeah, I don’t imagine he’s the kind of man who likes super sugary breakfasts, but he and I know that it’ll put a smile on Amelia’s face, so really, it’s all worth it.

  I climb out of bed, ready to head downstairs. But before doing so, I cast one lingering look at my family—whole again.

  In the past couple of days, Boone’s gone from having no one to having a whole family—if he chooses to have it. My mind flashes back to Amelia’s question last night—she’s clearly besotted with him, and Boone clearly loves her. I’ve always known that Boone Masters would make a great father—if his parents would ever let him live in peace.

  What are they going to do when they find out?

  As if on cue, my phone begins to ring.

  I’m pouring a cup of coffee as it begins to vibrate on the counter. I let it buzz once, twice, debating whether I really want to answer it. It almost feels like talking to anyone from the outside world might break the spell we’re all living in.

  But then I realize it’s my mom, and I have to answer it. I can’t abandon her at brunch and then ignore her phone calls, too. Plus, she might be able to help me.

  “Hi, Mom. I still won’t be able to make it to brunch today.”

  My mom laughs on the other end of the phone.

  “I guessed as much. No, I was just checking in to see how everything’s going.”

  “You mean, how I’m coping being around Boone again?”

  She’s never liked to beat around the bush. Static keeps cutting through her voice, and once again, I’m not sure how long this phone call will last.

  “I just don’t want you to rush into something that could hurt you.”

  I know that my mom means well, but over the past few days, I’ve realized that being without Boone is what h
urts the most.

  “Mom, I know what I’m doing. You don’t need to worry.”

  “What does Amelia think about all of this?”

  “Amelia loves Boone, and he adores her. We’re almost like a real family.”

  “So Boone knows she’s his daughter?”

  “Yes, and I think he wants to be her dad.”

  I can practically hear the cogs in my mom’s brain ticking. After our phone call two days ago, I don’t think this is what she was hoping for.

  “I’m happy for you, honey. I really am. But I just want you to be careful. Like I said, when you come back to New York, you’re going to have a chat with your father…”

  The crackling in her voice becomes louder. I don’t think we have much time left.

  “Yes, I know, you said. But what about you, Mom? You can’t keep me in the dark like this.”

  “It’s not my place to tell you, sweetie.”

  I sigh down the phone. For a moment, I don’t care if she can hear my frustration. Why can’t my mom just be happy for me?

  “I just want you to be safe. There was a reason why Boone left New York.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, Mom. He left because of the fire department. He lost his whole team, and the survivor’s guilt just ate him up.”

  “Honey, no—” her voice begins to break and fade though the receiver, “tt-there’s more—”

  “Mom?” I raise my voice slightly and hold the phone closer to my ear. “Mom?”

  But she’s gone. The call cut out, and I’m left alone—again—wondering what it is she knows, especially about Boone and the fire department.

  What does my mom know that I don’t?

  I’m certain that Boone told me everything.

  So what does my mom know that he doesn’t?

  I try not to let what my mom said—or didn’t say—play on my mind too much as I walk down into the pantry. Now that I’m not pressed up against it, having one of the most mind-blowing orgasms of my life, I have the chance to be blown away by the amount that Boone keeps.

  I would have thought that, as a bachelor in the mountains, he’d barely keep enough food for himself. But this pantry holds enough to feed the whole town.

  Hopefully, it’ll be enough for Amelia.

  I carry the ingredients back to the kitchen. I even manage to find the unopened box of a waffle iron. I set it up and start to get the plates hot, relieved that I didn’t have to try and remember how to make pancakes instead.

  I’ve almost finished mixing the batter when I hear Boone’s heavy footsteps on the stairs. He rubs the sleep out of his eyes and runs a hand down over his beard to catch the wild, unruly hairs. I watch him as he comes around the corner.

  I dip my finger in the waffle batter, holding it out for him to taste. Boone crosses the kitchen and takes my wrist, holding it as he sucks the batter from my finger, never once breaking eye contact.

  “Good morning,” I say before he places his other hand on the counter behind me, pinning my body against the work surface.

  Then Boone kisses me.

  He holds my cheek in one hand, and I grasp onto his arms as he captures my mouth with his own. I feel myself melting into the kiss, almost wishing he’ll take it further—we have time—and then he pulls away, smirking.

  “Good morning, Margot.” Boone grabs a cup from the cupboard and begins to pour himself a cup of coffee, too. “What can I do to help?”

  “You…you can start cutting up fruits so that Mr. and Mrs. Waffle can have eyes and a nose and a mouth,” I tell him, trying to catch my breath after that kiss.

  Is he going to do that every morning?

  I could live with that.

  By the time Amelia comes down the stairs, all of the sauces and the fruits are ready, arranged on the table for her to see. She’s carrying Crockett in her arms like a newborn baby but drops him the moment she sees the bottle of maple syrup.

  Boone and I watch as her little face lights up, and she runs towards us.

  “Special breakfast!”

  “That’s right, princess. We’re having special breakfast.”

  Amelia barrels into our legs, one arm wrapped around each of us. I laugh and look at Boone.

  I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this happy.

  Chapter 33

  Boone

  “What would you guys like to do today?” Margot loads waffles on my plate.

  “I want to play outside with Crockett.” Amelia follows her statement by shoving two pieces of pancake in her mouth.

  “That sounds like a great plan. This is a beautiful area, and I’d like to get some more photographs.” Margot’s nibbling on a piece of bacon as she looks contemplatively out the window. “It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day.”

  “Well, I know some great places I can show you guys. And you’re going to love all the wildlife and scenic views for your photos.” I can’t help adding, “These waffles are really delicious. I’m so glad we had enough flour.”

  Margot’s head pops up as I say this, and her face flushes red.

  “Yes, that really was an unfortunate accident in your pantry. I’m sorry about that.” Her quick humor is one of the great things I love about her.

  I wiggle my eyebrows suggestively. “Not a problem.” She’s still blushing, and it’s so cute.

  “Crockett can come outside with us, right?” Amelia’s been a real champ on her plate and is already winding down.

  “Of course, sweetie. He pretty much comes and goes as he pleases.”

  Amelia looks immediately relieved and fills her mouth again.

  One of the great things about having a pet raccoon is I don’t usually have to feed him. He scrounges pretty well for himself outside. I just need to make sure that I keep all the food stored away and the pantry door closed on a regular basis.

  “Do you want another piece of bacon, Amelia?” Margot holds out the plate in front of us. “You better get it while it’s here.”

  Laughing, I hold my hand up and shake it. These three waffles have really filled me up.

  “Make sure you get another piece, Margot.” I don’t want my beautiful girl withering away.

  Both girls grab another piece and finish the plate.

  I think about where I’d like to take them first. Margot should be able to get some fascinating photos of the plant and wildlife.

  “There’s a beautiful creek not far away. As long as Amelia understands she only visits it with one of us, I think it’s a great place to spend the morning.”

  Amelia’s head nods vigorously at my words.

  “I’m done. Can I go outside?” Amelia is trying to push her chair away from the table and get down from her makeshift booster chair.

  “How about you help clear the table while I start washing?” Margot smiles and moves behind Amelia’s chair to help her get down.

  Amelia’s excited hooray makes doing dishes sound as exciting as going out to play.

  I hope she’s always this excited about everything. I’m so looking forward to watching her grow up and develop into as beautiful a woman as her mother.

  It doesn’t take long to get the kitchen cleaned up.

  The only hiccup is when Margot tells Amelia she has to go brush her teeth before we go outside.

  Dental hygiene is obviously not very high on a four-year-old’s priority list.

  Volunteering to do it with her seems to make it more exciting, so we both head to the bathroom.

  Amelia wants to show me how great she is at putting toothpaste on her own toothbrush, so I let her do mine as well.

  We make idiotic faces in the mirror as we brush and foam up our mouths.

  By the time we are done, I have to spend a few minutes cleaning the mirror while Amelia takes off downstairs.

  “I’m walking out with Amelia and Crockett,” Margot calls up the stairs as I’m finishing up.

  “Sounds good. I’m right behind you.”

 
It’s amazing how, in two days, so much has changed.

  My bedroom looks lived in and homey.

  It looks like Margot made an effort to make the bed, but I know Amelia had been romping on it shortly after we woke up, and the covers are rumpled, giving the whole bed a relaxed feel.

  Just the way I feel right now: full, happy, and definitely content.

  Heading outside, Margot rounds up Amelia and Crockett to follow me into the woods on a barely discernible trail used by game in the area.

  Amelia and Crockett flit on and off the trail, mostly with Amelia chasing Crockett and investigating everything that seems to interest his nose.

  Grasping Margot’s hand, we walk companionably in silence down the trail.

  I wonder if she’s having the same thoughts as I am.

  “We’re going to need to figure out other sleeping arrangements for Amelia long term here.”

  I can’t help it if this is a top priority on my to-do list. I’m sorry, but I don’t want to constantly have sex on the floor or in the pantry.

  “Why, Boone, are you inviting me to move in with you?” Margot’s coy tone lets me know we’re on the same page.

  “No, I’m not asking you to move in.” Her head jerks up, and her smile dims slightly.

  Stepping in front of her, I bring her to a halt, chest to chest. “I’m working on the arrangements for more than just here. This doesn’t have to be our home. I just want us to be constantly together, and you’ll be my home, Margot.”

  She melts against me as her head tilts back, and I eagerly kiss her with all the emotions swelling in my chest.

  They are both now my everything.

  I don’t want Margot to feel like she’s losing anything by being with me.

  We both have money and could go anywhere together. If we stay here for any length of time, the most logical idea would be to add on.

  “I love you, Boone.” Margot breathes out as soon as our lips pull apart.

  Lifting her golden blonde hair away from her neck with my fingers, I admire the sunlight playing in its strands as I lean in to peck her lips one more time.

  “I love you too, Margot.”

  Margot’s breath catches as she stiffens, and I’m almost afraid of what I will see as I quickly turn around.

  “Isn’t that incredible?”