His Tattooed Virgin(Divine Creek Ranch 12)(84)

“Your son has done an amazing job as a new dad. That’s partly because he had great parents.”

Lucy called Seth from to the bathroom to ask him something and Mason and Eva both leaned forward. Mason said, “Jayne, you’ve made a big difference in Seth’s life too. He’s happy and we know you’re responsible. Tamar was…well, let’s just say she couldn’t hold a candle to you, young lady. I hope you become a permanent part of our family.” Jayne’s mouth dropped open but intelligent words failed her.

“Mason, now you’ve embarrassed her! Don’t mind him, sweetie. But I want you to know that we’re so happy you’re a part of Seth’s life and we hope you’re in it for a long, long time to come.”

Seth returned in time to hear the last words his mom spoke. “Well at least they weren’t grilling you, baby. Lucy needed to know where his pajamas were kept.”

Mason asked, “So, have you heard from Tamar?”

Seth shook his head but didn’t show any emotion other than disinterest. “Not since the night she left him. As far as I know, she went to Japan just like she said she would. Her parents have no interest in us or him, and she signed away her rights so he’s in my sole custody.” Seth eased onto the couch beside her and she settled back against him, everything right with her world as he put his arms around her.

Eva nodded. “Probably for the best. But I can’t imagine not wanting to see your grandchild.”

“I don’t understand it myself but the most important thing is that Toby has a home. A permanent one, with us.”

The circle of Seth’s arms, and that knowledge felt so right, Jayne’s heart did a double flip.

The Carters were staying for the weekend at a local hotel, and after they retired for the evening, to spend some time alone with Lucy, Seth drew Jayne by the hand to the couch. Once seated, he looked at her with a gleam in his eyes and lifted a gaily wrapped rectangular box that she hadn’t seen before from the drawer in the coffee table. He handed it to her.

“What’s this?”

“Open it and find out.”

Tilting her head in wonder as she gazed at him, she slid her fingers through the wrapping paper and gasped when she looked down at the weighty box in her lap. She slid her hands over the familiar name and then stared at him in shock.

“A laptop? You bought me a laptop computer?”

Seth nodded. “For your stories. And e-mail, and whatever else you need it for. It’ll make it easier for you, if you ever decide to submit them to a publisher.”

“I—I don’t know what to say, Seth. Thank you.” She clutched it and wrapped her free arm around his back to hug him. Money was tight. Likely to always be tight for her because of doctor bills. A computer had never really been in her budget. She’d never minded writing by hand but he was right. It would be nice to have. She slid the box back onto the coffee table and climbed into his arms. “Why today?”

“Because, it made me happy to see the look on your face. My life is happier with you in it. Toby’s life is too. I hope you enjoy using it.”

“The first story I write on it is dedicated to you.”

His hands were gentle as they feathered across her jaw and cheekbones before he kissed her. The tenderness of his touch made her heart ache with love for him as he smiled and replied, “Then I’d better do something to inspire you, huh?”



* * * *



The weather turned a little milder as September wore on to early fall and October, and at Jayne’s suggestion, they decided to paint Toby’s room and fix it up with a little boy theme.

While at the hardware store waiting for the pale yellow paint to be mixed, Seth left Toby in Jayne’s arms, holding on to the board book that had been Mimi Durand’s birthday gift to him. Seth made a short detour to the key-making department in the far corner of the store.

After getting what he needed, he found Jayne at the checkout counter and stopped her from paying for the paint with her money. “But this was my idea.”

Seth handed the cashier the appropriate bills and kissed her cheek. “It was a great idea. But I’m buying. You can fix supper to make it up to me.”

Jayne rolled her eyes and laughed. “There’s no arguing with you, is there? Okay. I’ll cook for you.” Chucking Toby playfully under the chin, she murmured, “Want some spaghetti, Toby?”

Toby stopped gumming his book and replied, “Sketti!” He looked up at Jayne and patted her neck with affection in his eyes.

The cashier handed Seth the change as she smiled at Toby. “Your little boy is the spitting image of his father, but I can see you in him too, ma’am. He’s precious.”