Chapter 32
Gemma walked along the wooden dock, hugging herself against the chill in the air, a satisfied smile on her face. It was the end of a perfect summer day, a cool breeze coming off the lake and the sun setting in the sky with a showy display of orange and pink.
Logan had brought her here, saying the place belonged to a friend. He grilled her a meal on the wide porch of the log cabin and amused her with stories of his life, from his childhood in rural Pennsylvania to his most recent promotion of sorts with HERO Force.
Now she was full, and it struck her the feeling was as much in her spirit as it was in her stomach. Since learning of her pregnancy she’d opened her heart to the possibility of a relationship with Logan. Surely they would have a relationship of some kind, if only for the child.
And if she wanted more than that, well maybe that would be okay, too. She sighed. She needed to tell him about the baby, but she didn’t want to upset their tenuous harmony.
Footsteps shook the dock beneath her feet and she turned to see him coming toward her.
Damn, he’s hot.
Any woman in the world would feel a little faint if he were advancing on her, and she let herself really feel it in the pit of her stomach like a childhood crush.
He reached her, his stare intense. “You make quite a picture out here, with your blue dress and the lake and the sunset behind you.”
“Thank you.”
“I had a nice day.”
It had been nice. Maybe the nicest day she could remember. Such a stupid, sappy little word that meant you almost loved it. Or, at least, she had. “Me, too.”
“But there’s something we need to talk about,” he said.
“Uh oh.”
He met her eyes. “I know about the baby.”
The dock beneath her feet seemed to sink deeper into the lake and her face heated. “How?”
“A nurse in the hospital let it slip. I kept waiting for you to say something. Why didn’t you tell me?”
She felt dizzy. Angry. “She had no right to do that.”
“No, but I’m glad someone did.”
She turned away from him. This conversation was happening too quickly and completely out of her control. “You’ve known this whole time.”
“Yes, and I’m happy, Gemma. Are you?”
Was he out of his mind?
“Of course I’m happy. I thought I couldn’t have children and now I’m having a baby.”
“With me.”
“Yes, with you.”
He lifted his chin. “Are you happy about that part?”
She turned back. “I know it’s not fair to you. I’m sorry.”
“Hey.” He put his hands on her upper arms. “I’m not asking if it’s fair, and please don’t apologize for the greatest thing in my life to-date. I’m asking if you’re happy I’m the father of your child.”
“The greatest thing in your life to-date?”
He shrugged. “I’m excited. Aren’t you?”
“Well yes, but I didn’t think you would be.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Why not? I love kids, and I couldn’t pick a better mom.”
“Than me?” She laughed. “I have no idea how to do this. I’ll probably diaper the poor thing’s head.”
“You’re strong and smart. You’ll teach our child to be strong and smart, too.” He touched her cheek. “And she’ll be beautiful.”
He was leaning into her, going in for a kiss, and suddenly Gemma didn’t know what any of it meant. Logan was talking about nice days and fatherhood and a teensy bit about forever and she was confused, like she’d be agreeing to something by kissing him—something she didn’t even understand.
Logan stared at her for a long moment, the sound of water lapping at the dock the only sound in her ears.
“Do you like me?” he asked. “Or am I just the guy you got stuck with?”
“Definitely not stuck. I like you a lot.” She licked her lips. “Since I found out I was pregnant I’ve been trying to change my thinking. To let you in. Just be patient with me while we figure out the details.”
“I can do that.”
He kissed her softly, tenderly, and for the first time she admitted to herself how much she cared for him. Leaning back in his arms, she took in his strong features and the soul-searing look in his eyes.