Because of the Baby(56)

“He was that way as a child. Always focused on a goal.”

Lark found her curiosity aroused. She’d been in school with Jake and remembered him as a noisy, confident kid. But Keaton had been three years older and the only time he registered in her conscious thoughts was when her father complained about the Holt boys. “What was Keaton like as a child?”

The question surprised Gloria. “He was quiet. When he wasn’t working around the ranch, he spent a lot of time reading and studying. Everything fascinated him, but math was his true passion.”

“I remember that he graduated top of his class.”

“When Keaton went off to college, David and I wondered if he’d want to come back to Texas and ranch. Or if he even should.”

“But he came back to Royal.” As she had. Lark knew she belonged here. She wondered if Keaton felt the same way or if he felt obligated to take over the family business.

“Ranching is what he wants to do.” Gloria gave a “who would have guessed?” shrug.

Lark glanced at her watch. “I’d better get going. My shift starts in a little bit.”

“It was nice talking to you,” Gloria said.

“It was nice talking to you too.” Lark gave Keaton’s mom a genuine smile as she started past. “And thanks again for visiting my sister.”

“She’s family.” Gloria’s next words caught Lark by surprise. “You are too. I hope that’s okay.”

“Sure.” What else could Lark say? Despite the animosity between their families, Lark had nothing bad to say against Gloria. Besides, with the birth of Grace, the Taylors and Holts were forever connected to each other whether any of them liked it or not. “Of course.”

“Good. I know it’s a lot of change for all of us, but I hope we can set aside the past and start fresh. It’s what’s good for Grace, and she needs to be our top priority.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Before she checked in at the nurses’ station, she went to the visitors’ lounge and dialed Keaton. “How are things going?”

It wasn’t odd for her to check in with him, but it didn’t usually happen until partway through her shift.

“Fine.” His deep voice was steady and reassuring. A life preserver for her to cling to. “Are you okay?” His perceptiveness never ceased to amaze her.

“Everything’s fine. Nothing has changed with Skye. I told her about Nicki and how cute she and Grace are together.” What she should tell him was how hearing his voice calmed her. But he probably already suspected that. “I’m getting ready to start my shift and wasn’t sure I’d have the chance to call before you went to bed.”

“You didn’t answer my question. How are you?”

“Sad. Skye’s been in her coma so long. I’m worried that she might not ever wake.” There. She’d said it. This was where she needed him to reassure her that everything would be okay.

“I know it’s hard, but you need to stay strong. Skye will come out of this just fine.”

Lark’s shoulders sagged. “Thank you.”

“No need for that. I’m not just here for Grace. I care about you and I know how stressed you’ve been.” The deep note of concern in his tone was exactly what she needed to rally. “Why don’t you call me as you’re leaving the hospital? I’ll have a hot bath and a cup of tea waiting.”

She’d never lived with a man before, but she knew Keaton’s thoughtfulness wasn’t the norm. “You know I like coming home to you, right?”

“I’m glad because I like coming home to you, as well.”

Silence followed their mutual confessions.

“And you know there’s room enough for two in my tub.”

“Won’t you be too tired?”

“To take a hot bath with you?” She chuckled, feeling much better than she had ten minutes ago. “Never.”





Eleven

Keaton cradled Lark’s left foot in his hand and pressed his thumb into her arch. The low moan she made was almost sexual and caused his temperature to climb.

“That’s amazing,” she murmured, her head thrown back, eyes closed.

The water lapped against her chest, pushing a crest of bubbles almost to her throat. It was a little after nine in the evening. As promised, Keaton had drawn her a bath for her arrival home, but before she could slide into the heated water, she’d fallen upon him with determined vigor. They’d made love in slow, silent appreciation of each other and the passion between them.

Her bath had cooled by the time sweat coated their bodies, but lovemaking had done more to relax her than a dozen hours of soaking in hot water. Later, she’d watched him from the doorway that separated bedroom and bathroom, her eyes lazy with contentment as he emptied and refilled the tub. Naked and completely at home in her skin, she bore little resemblance to the shy, self-contained woman she became outside her home. A tigress lurked beneath her skin. He loved being the only one who got to feel her claws.