His father, however, had been a different story. There had been no love at first sight. It had grown out of admiration, respect, and, strangely enough, challenge. She had found in him what she’d been looking for—a man worth loving.
She laughed at Alexander’s antics and at herself. How foolish was she for thinking herself in love with a man she barely knew? But she did know him, better than she knew most. How and why, she couldn’t say for sure, though she could say that he knew her just as well. In their short time together, they had managed to come to know and understand each other as if they had been friends for years.
Friends.
That’s what did it. Somewhere along the way they had become friends, and that opened the door for so much more, whether either of them had planned on it or not. She would have liked to believe that Alaina would have approved of her loving Cullen. If Alaina loved him as much as she thought, then Alaina wouldn’t want to see Cullen alone. She would want him to love again.
But could he ever love her?
Alexander fell in her lap with a squeal and she hugged him to her, kissing his chubby cheek. He rubbed his eyes and nestled his face against her chest.
“He grows tired,” she said, more from instinct than knowledge. She cradled him in her arms and he settled comfortably against her as she rocked him gently. His eyes drifted closed and in no time he was asleep.
Cullen moved closer to Sara and ran a tender hand over his son’s forehead. “I am so very grateful to you. I owe you a great deal.”
“You owe me nothing. I did what was right.”
Cullen shook his head. “No. Most would believe it foolish to take such a dangerous risk. After all, what difference did it make? Why bother to save a babe?”
Sara hugged Alexander close. “A babe is a precious and entrusted gift, not to be taken lightly or discarded at whim. A babe must be protected at all cost.”
“I’m glad you believe so strongly—” He smiled gently. “No, I’m glad you know what is right.”
Sara smiled and nodded. “I knew you’d understand.”
“I do. I truly do understand, though it is strange to find someone who knows what is right and does what is right. Many ignore it, and even more refuse to act on it. You are rare, Sara Longton.”
Her heart leapt, hearing him emphasize her marriage name. She had not thought of herself as a Longton, but she was a McHern no more. She belonged to Cullen and he to her…though not for very long.
Her heart suffered a blow at the discouraging thought, but she had little choice and little time to enjoy father and son, so there was no time to wallow in self-pity.
Cullen stretched out his legs and sighed heavily. “I don’t remember when I’ve felt this content.”
It pleased Sara to hear him admit that, for she felt the same, being here with Cullen and Alexander. It was as if her dream had come true and she was happily married with a family of her own.
“It does feel good,” she said. “Like a breath of fresh air.”
“Like a new life beginning.”
How she wished it were true. A new life for the three of them. But it would be a new life for only two, she told herself, and she would have to accept that.
“He took to you right away,” Cullen said with a nod to his sleeping son.
“He’s a friendly little fellow.”
“Or maybe he remembered you and what you did for him.”
“That’s not possible.”
“You never know,” Cullen said. “Sometimes I think instinct is stronger than we know. Instincts tell me you’d make a good mother.”
“I’d like to think I would.”
Cullen stroked her cheek. “I know you would.”
She liked when he touched her, especially his soft, simple touches. They made her feel so alive, tingled her senses and sparked her passion. She never felt more like a woman, a desirable woman.
“I will see you’re taken care of before I take my leave.”
This time the blow stunned her heart. She didn’t want to think of his leaving, didn’t want to think he would never touch her so simply yet so lovingly again, or that she’d never see or hold Alexander in her arms.
The empty ache was like none she had ever experienced. It hurt down to the very core of her and radiated out until every inch of her felt the pain. This parting was going to be so much more difficult than she ever believed possible.
“I think we should get Alexander back so he can nap comfortably in his cradle.”
Cullen nodded and stood, then leaned over and, before assisting her up, kissed her gently. “Thank you again for saving my son.”
She almost lost it, but bravely fought the tears that threatened and forced them to remain locked away.