by David, Kori
She used to lie in bed at night wishing she was part of his big, loud, loving family. A family that hugged, gave kisses, argued, and laughed. All the things that were deemed unseemly behavior in her joyless, loveless, house. And now that was all about to happen.
“They love you already, you know. Especially, Mom.”
“Even if my mother is a criminal?”
Jesse threw his head back and laughed. “Oh, honey, you have no idea what you're marrying into. Half my family are career thieves, most of them on my mother’s side. Do not take that ring off around Uncle Dennis or he’ll have it fenced within the hour.”
“Really?”
He winked at her. “Really. Your mother will fit nicely into the family stories.”
“I’m thinking of disowning her altogether. She never wanted me anyway.”
Jesse plucked the coffee cup out of her hand and set it on the side table. Then he pulled her down and under him on the bed. He kissed her nose. “I don’t care what you do about that woman. Keep her or never speak of her again.” He kissed her forehead. “All I care about is you.”
“I love you.”
“I know.”
She reached down and smacked his tight butt. “Don’t get cocky.”
“Well, now that you mention it—”
Lily slapped a hand over his mouth while she giggled. “You are so bad.”
He moved his hips and she felt the hard length of him pressing through the blanket. “I can show you how bad.”
She was about to say something when Jesse’s cell phone went off. His work cell. He gave her a quick peck on the lips and slid off her to answer the phone.
“What’s up?”
Lily could hear the yelling as Jesse held the phone away from his ear. Jesse rolled his eyes but grinned. Then he barked into the phone in a tone she’d never heard before. “Get it together, Marine.”
The yelling stopped.
“It’s going to be fine. Just get her there. And call us as soon as we can come visit. And drive carefully or Beth will kick your ass.” He disconnected the line and started laughing.
“What was that all that about?” Lily asked.
“Elizabeth just went into labor and Zach is taking it a bit hard.”
“Oh my God. He was the one doing all the yelling?” Lily’s jaw dropped open. In the short time that she’d known Zach, she had never seen him even close to losing his composure. Not when he was setting off little bombs, talking with temperamental customers for their business or even shooing one of the largest black bears she’d ever seen back into the forest. Nothing bothered that man. He was quiet and reserved, content to let his wife do most of the talking. That’s the Zach she’d come to know over the past several weeks.
“He’s just a little worried.”
“I wonder what you'll be like when that day comes.” Lily blew him a kiss.
“How about we start practicing now?”
Lily pulled the sheet down, exposing her naked breasts. “A baby? You don’t think it’s too soon?” She didn’t think so and wanted to start a family this moment. And from the looks of Jesse’s jeans and the gleam in his eyes as he stared at her, he didn’t think so either.
“Maybe we should wait.” She pulled the sheet back up. Teasing him was fun.
He was back on the bed and had the sheet off her before she could scramble away. “I think you will be a ravishingly beautiful pregnant lady.”
“Ravishingly, huh? What a fun word.” Hooking her arms around his neck, she whispered, “Then let’s make a baby.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Then he was kissing her and loving her so tenderly that she could have cried again because this incredible man was finally hers. She’d been told that in the Marine Corps his code name was Outlaw, and it was perfect for him. He’d stolen her heart long ago and she didn’t want it back. He’d restored her faith in love and the true meaning of family.
Together, they were perfect.
Other Titles by Kori David
In Zach’s Arms
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Epilogue
Other Titles by Kori David