An Officer but No Gentleman(112)

“Almost four,” she admitted. “I didn’t want you to take me home and leave me there alone.”

He knew why she hadn’t said anything. It tipped his decision to quit privateering.

“Are you excited to finally become a parent?”

“More than you can imagine. What about you?”

Charlie was slow to answer. “I’m nervous mostly. I’m worried that I won’t be a good mother.”

Jaxon lifted up on one elbow so he could see her face. “Care for the children the way you care for your patients. Show them the patience you showed Morty when you were teaching him his knots. Love them like you love silk stockings.”

“You make it sound easy.”

“Easier than teaching Morty to tie knots, I bet.” Jaxon smiled. “If you can run a ship you can easily run a household full of children and servants.”

Jaxon splayed his hand and caressed the slight swell of her womb. “Do you know what this baby is? He will be the walking, talking proof of our extraordinary love. Our children will be an amazing legacy of the love we share.”