Page 50 of Fighting for Family

Sighing, he pulled her closer. “My brothers mean a lot to me, but you’re my life.”

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I need to ask you something,” Patch said softly. “We planned a fancy wedding for next year. The baby came as a surprise. I’ve made no bones about wanting us married before this baby comes into the world.”

“I’m not worried about a piece of paper, Patch. I have no doubts about your commitment to me, to us,” she murmured.

“You’re missing the point,” he said. “I don’t care about the paper. I want to pledge my love to you, and as barbaric as it sounds, you and this baby will be mine. It’s the start of our family. For once in my life, I want to do this right. It’s not about proving anything to anyone. It’s for me, for our family.”

Claire smiled and cupped his head, bringing it closer. She kissed his forehead. “I didn’t realize it meant this much to you. It’s a big undertaking to plan a wedding this fast.”

“I have another plan I wanted to suggest,” Patch said. “How do you feel about getting married at the courthouse on Monday? I called ahead, and they can get us in at nine in the morning. We can still hold our wedding next year. I need this, Claire. Do you consider me a caveman if I tell you I want to make you mine?”

“No. I know you. You’re an honorable man. It goes both ways. You’ll be mine, too. Don’t we need witnesses and a license?” she asked, massaging his head.

“The lady who made the appointment says they can provide witnesses, and I kinda took care of the license before we left Germany. Don’t ask. It takes three days, and I didn’t want to wait any longer.”

Claire chuckled softly. “I guess if you can tolerate my fixing things, I won’t ask how you obtained a marriage license.”

“Does this mean we can become husband and wife on Monday?” he asked excitedly.

“Yeah,” she whispered. “Let’s get married.”

Patch kissed her, trying to remain gentle. Months of waiting to hold her in his arms made it difficult.

Her tongue slid across his lip, and she nipped the tender skin while her hands worked the buttons on the dress shirt he borrowed from Doc.

“Claire,” he whispered reverently. “I’ve dreamed of this moment forever.” His hands rubbed her back and down to her bottom.

Pulling the sleeves of his shirt, she gazed at his chest. Sliding down, she started at his jaw and kissed and licked her way down to his chest.

Patch moaned. “Damn, this feels a helluva lot better in person than it did in my dreams.” He lifted her gently, set her on the couch, and pulled the tie on her maternity top. His eyes stayed pinned on her voluptuous breasts. His finger traced along her neck and along the mounds threatening to spill out from her bra.

“Patch,” Claire sighed. “Did you know pregnant women get really horny sometimes?”

“Yes, I’ve heard.”

“Then will you do me a favor?” she asked as she crooked her neck to the side as his lips pressed against the hollow of her throat.

“Hmmm?” he asked as he nibbled his way down.

“I’m not made of China. Stop treating me gently. I want to feel you,” she pleaded.

“What about the baby?” he asked, sounding hesitant.

“The motion can soothe a fetus. I’ve waited for you to come home forever. We can make tender love later, but I need you now,” she said urgently.

“Thank goodness,” he said, picking her up from the couch and leading her to the bedroom. Placing her on the bed, he removed her top and bra. She lay back and lifted her hips, letting him pull off the rest of her clothes.

She raised and worked the buckle on his belt in a frenzied motion, letting him know she needed him as urgently as he needed her.

He stepped back and pulled off his clothes. Claire moved to the middle of the bed and propped herself against the pillows.

“Shit. Let me savor this sight for a minute. I want this burned into my memory forever,” he said, bending down and placing a kiss on her belly. “You carrying my child makes me want you even more.”

“Good. I’m not getting any younger, and I want another one shortly after this one,” she said, reaching for him.

Patch laughed. “How do we do this? Are your breasts tender?”