“Can I be what she needs? What do I know about raising a child?”
“Every woman has instincts. Trust them, and never think you’ll be alone. You won’t be. There are plenty of experienced mothers in West Virginia, and Alaska to help you if you need it.”
She turned to look at him. “You keep saying me, but this involves you too. I’m not the only one expected to take on the parenting role with Claire. She’ll need a father.”
“I never meant to imply I wouldn’t be there. Claire will be our responsibly if she comes with us. Not only to bring up correctly, but to protect.” He pulled her to her feet, his fingers traveling down the length of her arms before going back up. “Fatherhood, well that’s a new role for me, one that I’d be excited to take on. I have extensive experience with children, through my clan. We are a very close bunch, and believe strongly that it takes a village, or in this case a clan, to raise a child. No parents are left without help.”
“You’re serious about this aren’t you? We’re really going to take Claire with us.”
“What would you have us do? Claire is in a fragile state right now. If we abandon her it could be the end for her. When Ashley gives birth, don’t you think Claire will be pushed aside?”
She glanced at Claire, sleeping peacefully, and wondered what would happen if she stayed with Ashley. “What about when we have children of our own?”
“You have the bond with her, as if she was your own child. Ashley does not. Ashley is also just a few weeks from giving birth. She’s not ready to handle both a new baby and Claire, especially not because she feels it’s her duty.” He brushed his finger along her jawline, gently turning her head so she was looking at him. “Claire will never be second to you or me, not even if we have a dozen children. I can see the bond connecting you to her. Search your heart and you’ll know the right thing to do.”
Chapter Ten
Jinx had barely stepped out of the bedroom when there was a light knock on the door. He had arranged for Tad to guard his new family while he met with Lukas about the upgrades for the resort. He crossed the living area quickly, hoping to reach the door before Tad knocked again and woke up Claire.
He pulled the door open and stepped back. “Come in, Tad, thanks for coming. Summer just got Claire to sleep and will be joining us in a moment.”
Tad stepped into the room, glancing around for exits. Every move he made showed he was working. “Milo and Lukas are ten minutes away. Besides this door, is there another one from the bedroom?”
“No, this is the only way in or out except the windows…and since we’re on the eighth floor, I doubt there will be any problems in that arena.”
Summer paused in the doorway to the bedroom. “Umm…”
“It’s okay, lass. This is Tad, he’s a member of the Kodiak Bears from Nome, Alaska. His sleuth partnered with Ty, and he agreed to guard you and Claire so I can meet with Lukas.”
“We’ll be here, there’s no need for guards.”
“I told you before that I would see to having Elder guards for you. I had planned to wait until we were in West Virginia, but with the state of the clan and Claire becoming our responsibility, it’s necessary. I have four guards arriving tonight. Until then, Tad has agreed to stay with you when I cannot.” He grabbed a folder from the table and went to her. “Don’t fight me on this, lass, you won’t win. I need to go. Lukas will be here soon. I’m just downstairs if anything happens.”
“What do you think might happen?” She crossed her arms over her chest.
“You were there when Ben said he didn’t think Ashley would let this go. There’s that and other possibilities, but nothing’s going to happen. Tad’s here with you for now, and I’ll be back shortly. I just want both of you safe. Think of me as an overprotective new mate and instant father.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I love you. If you need me, Tad has my cell number. I’m only a few floors away and can be here in a matter of minutes.”
“You said that.” She smiled at him.
“So I did, but it brought a smile to your face.” This time when he kissed her, she returned his kiss with a hunger of her own.
He broke the kiss, forcing himself to the door before they ended up back in the bedroom. “I’ll be back soon.”
There were a number of things he wanted to see to before Lukas’s arrival. Trying to make up for lost time, he jogged down the hall to the elevator. Hopefully things with Lukas would go quickly and he could get back to his family. His family. Just the thought of them filled him with joy.