Page 71 of Sudden Summer

She was still staring at me, I think a little too stunned to speak. I cupped her cheek. “What’s a man got to do to get a ‘yes, cowboy’ around here?”

“Yes, cowboy,” she repeated, her head shaking back and forth a little.

“You’re so fucking perfect.” I laughed, kissing the tip of her nose. “Now, are you ready to see the dress I got for you?”

“You got me a dress?” Birdie’s voice cracked.

My shoulders shrugged as my hand came up to cup the back of my neck. Why was I so goddamn nervous to show her this dress? “To match Juniper. I saw a lot of moms wearing matching outfits with their daughters when I was looking up how to throw a party for a baby.”

“I’m not her mom, though.”

“Hey. You’re not her biological mom, no. And I know you’re going to help me keep Rosa’s memory alive for Juniper in the best way we possibly can. But you’ve already been there for her in every way a mom naturally is. She’s going to look to you for so much growing up. So many things that only you can give her, not me. That role is yours for the taking, Birdie. If you want it.”

“You see me as her mom?”

I nodded. “I see you as her mom. And one day as a mom to our son. And maybe mom to another little girl…and another little one after that.”

“How many kids do you want?” Her laughter was watery, but I could see the excitement in her eyes.

“As many as you’ll give me.”

That flush was back, only this time it didn’t just fill her cheeks. No—I watched with my breath held as it lowered across her neck and her chest. I couldn’t see much further than that, but I bet it made its way down to her belly. Fuck. My fingers were itching to take her dress off and see.

“Beau…” My name left her lips, sounding like a desperate plea.

“Can I help you into your new dress, baby?”

“Yes.”

I slipped my fingers across her hips. The fabric gathered in my fingers easily enough, bunching into the palm of my hands. Her breath was barely there as I lifted the fabric over her stomach, then her breasts, then finally her arms slipped through the little straps, and the dress was over her head.

My dick twitched as soon as my eyes landed on her chest.

“No bra?”

“You know I hate wearing them.”

“I’m not complaining.” I chuckled as I lowered my lips, licking the hard bud closest to me. Birdie’s fingers were in my hair the next second, the sweetest moan vibrating through her chest and shooting straight to my rock hard cock.

“We…can’t…”

“I know. Just a little preview of our own little celebration we’re going to have tonight.” I grazed my teeth over her nipple, loving the gasp left lingering in the air between us before my lips were on hers.

“Can I see the dress now?” she sighed.

“Your wish is my command, baby.” Ripping open the package, I said a final prayer the fabric was some of that silky stuff that didn’t wrinkle. As soon as my fingers slipped over it, I knew I was being blessed by the universe. I found the strap that would tie around her neck, and pulled it out.

Birdie’s eyes went wide. “It’s perfect. That’s almost the same pattern as Juniper’s.”

“I know. Here, I’ll help you step into it.”

I crouched down, holding the waist open so Birdie could slip her legs in. She opted to hold onto my shoulder, and I was happy to provide the support, especially when the fabric snagged on the Velcro of her ankle support.

“I can’t wait to not have to wear this stupid thing anymore,” she grumbled.

“We still have to find some role play to use it for. I’m thinking ski instructor and her southern gentleman lover are lost in the wintery tundra…”

“Oh, I like that one. Do we have any ice in the freezer? We can put some down on the bed before you get in to make it realistic.”