The Cowboy's Baby(52)

“He’s beautiful.” She breathed, swallowing a sob. “Absolutely beautiful.”

After an indulgent moment, she turned to offer the undulating bundle to Daniel, only to have the man cup her face instead, sliding his free hand around both her and the baby. “Esme, please, forgive me. I never should have let you walk away. I never knew what things could be like with a woman…not until you.”

A shuddering breath escaped her, and Esme closed her eyes.

After all that had happened, she still wanted the things that had haunted her. To grow old by Daniel’s side, to watch his son grow into a man…she had lost none of that even in the pain he had caused her.

“Daniel…I love you.” The words escaped her on a whisper. “I’ve never admitted it even to myself, but I’m admitting it now. All I want from you is to guard my heart the way you’ll guard his…to know that I would never, ever hurt you. That I don’t care about your money, or where you came from. All I want is you.”

Leaning down, the rancher brushed his lips over hers as Dr. Snell made a discreet exit. In her eyes, she saw humility, relief, and boundless affection.

“I wanted a baby, Esme. More than anything in the world, I wanted a child most. But a life with him would be empty without you. I’ll never betray your love again, as long as you accept mine.”

A hitching sob escaped her, even as her heart was filled with joy. She watched Daniel take his son from her arms, hold him for the first time, and saw the unfathomable euphoria in his eyes. Knowing that she would see him, like this, for the rest of her life – nothing compared.

Absolutely nothing. “Accept it?” She smiled at him, stroking their son’s soft, rosy head. “I demand it, Daniel Hartsford. And it’s the only thing I’ll ever demand of you.”



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