The moment of vulnerability raised goose bumps along his limbs. “What are you saying?”
“I’ve fallen in love with you, Colt Dawson.”
Her words burst through him like a firework display on the Fourth of July. He brought her knuckles to his lips. The movement tugged at the bruise on his ribs, but he didn’t care. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. Because I feel the same. I’m in love with you, Maren Anderson. And I will do everything I can to make sure that you know it every day of our lives.”
A beaming smile spread across her face, and she threw her arms around him. Squeezing him tight. He groaned. And she jumped back. “Oh no. I hurt you.”
He gathered her back in his arms a little more gently. “A hug from you could never hurt.”
The door to the exam room opened and the doctor stepped out. “Opal would like to see you. We’re about to do the ultrasound.”
Colt stepped back. “I’ll be here when you’re done.”
From inside the room Opal’s voice could be heard, “You, too, Agent Dawson. And the dogs. I want the whole family here.”
Colt’s heart swelled with elation and love as he and Maren joined hands. With Rusk and Haven by each other’s side, they stepped into the exam room for their first glimpse of the newest addition to their lives.
Lives that would be spent together.
* * * * *
