He lifted up on his elbow, head propped on his hand. His crooked smile was the kind of thing that made good girls get in trouble. “As flattering as that is to hear, I want more than your luscious body. I know we have problems to sort out, but we’ll manage it. I love you, sweetheart, heart and soul and everything in between. I want to make a family with you and Cade. I realize you probably didn’t bargain for getting hitched to a guy with a kid. But he’s a pretty great kid, and he adores you.”
“I adore him, but are you absolutely sure about this marriage idea?”
“One hundred percent. I know you’re very good at your job, but maybe Nate could use you here in Royal. Alex still doesn’t remember anything, and del Toro is throwing his weight around with no real success. Even in an unofficial capacity, your skills would be important. You’d be the one doing the sacrificing. I get that. And I know it’s not fair. But the Straight Arrow is Cade’s birthright.”
Even though her head throbbed and she felt weak, her heart soared. “I wouldn’t mind learning how to be Cade’s mom. That would keep me plenty busy for a while.”
“Is that a yes?” His hand toyed with the buttons on her blouse, his thumb brushing her nipple through the fabric.
A sweet trickle of arousal swam in her veins, making her light-headed and giddy. “All the single women in town will be gunning for me if I lasso Royal’s most eligible bachelor,” she teased.
“You can take them,” he said. “I have faith in you.”
She searched his face, wanting desperately to believe she had found her happy ending. “You won’t change your mind? It might be the endorphins talking.”
He nudged her to her back again and laid his head on her flat belly, his fingers stroking the center seam of her soft khaki pants. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Would you mind terribly if we made a few babies together?”
She smiled, though he couldn’t see. “It might take a lot of effort on your part.” His intimate touch made her shiver.
“I think I can handle it. But we have one more hurdle, Bailey. One glaring omission. When a man lays his heart on the line, it seems like he’s entitled to a little sweet talk in return.”
“I see.”
“But only if you mean it.” He sat up, one knee raised, and stared at her with some anxiety. “I know I’m pushing you...taking advantage of you in a vulnerable condition. But I...”
She put a hand over his mouth, her gaze intent. “I do love you, Gil Addison. For now and forever. Come here and kiss me.”
As kisses went, it was a doozy. Deep and wet and hungry. They were both breathless when it ended, and a certain part of Gil’s anatomy was hard as stone.
He stared down at her, dark eyes flashing. “How long until those stitches come out?”
“Seven more days, give or take.”
“Can you plan a wedding in seven days?”
“People will think we have to get married,” she said, daring to tease him when he was primed for action.
He lifted her hand to his lips, his handsome face solemn. “We do have to get married,” he said softly. “Because I’m not willing to live another minute without you in my life and in my bed.”
Bailey blinked, totally undone by the sight of this rough and tough cowboy baring his soul to her. “Then I believe my answer is yes, dear Gil. Because I feel the same way. There’s just one more thing...”
One wicked eyebrow lifted. “Yes, my love?”
“On our wedding night, I want you to wear the Stetson to bed...”