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Sighing, I groan, stretching my back. “You think I don’t know that. I can’t wait to have the baby. I think he’s as big as his daddy.”
“You still think the baby is a boy?”
Smirking at him, I laugh. “Yeah. And don’t think I don’t see your chest puffing out like a peacock. You want a boy to show how to fish and all that boy stuff like football and racing. Fighting.”
He grimaces. “I wouldn’t mind a pretty girl that looks just like her mama but I’d rather have my boy first. I want to raise them knowing that when I’m not able to be around, he’ll always be her big brother and watch out for her. Keep an eye on her and make sure that nobody takes advantage of her, hurts her.”
My heart melts and I lean into him, wrapping my arms as far around him as I can. “I swear, you’re too sweet for words, Franklin. Any baby is gonna be lucky to have you for a daddy.” Gazing into his turquoise eyes, I lose myself in the love in those sparkling orbs. “And some special little girl is going to have you wrapped around her little finger.”
Frank laughs. “I guarantee she will. And if she’s as pretty as her mama her big bro will have his hands full keeping her out of trouble.”
“Hmmm. Don’t blame her.”
“I won’t. Now let’s get you home and you can take a nap. I’ll get you your favorite ice cream and rub your feet too.”
Tears sting my eyes. I thought that men like Franklin didn’t exist. I gave up on finding one for myself after my disastrous love life.
“What?” The horror on Frank’s face makes me choke. “Why are you crying? Oh god, does something hurt?”
Before I can answer him, he bends and slips one arm under me, charging out to the car.
“Franklin! Wait! I’m not hurt. Stop!”
He stops on the street, not caring in the slightest that people are staring at him. “Then what’s wrong?” he huffs.
Sniffling, I glare at the big softie. “I love you, okay. You are too sweet. I didn’t realize that guys like you existed until I met you. I’m freaking lucky and it made me cry, dammit!”
He chokes on a laugh and then hugs me to his big, broad chest. “I’m the lucky one, pixie. You saved me from all the damn demons running around in my head. You kept me sane when I was slipping away. You are my savior, baby girl. I helped you out of a tough situation, yes. But you literally kept me from losing my mind and slipping away. That means so much to me, baby girl. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Frank. I needed help and you were there for me. You’re always there for me and I’ve never depended on anyone like I do you. You’re my perfect hero and you always will be.”
And my hero blushes bright red and leans down to kiss me, his lips soft and sweet. Then he lifts his lips slightly and smiles wickedly. “How about we go save each other at home, baby girl?”
“Deal.” I throw my head back and laugh when he sets off in a steady jog to the car and tosses me lightly on the seat, buckling it and then running around to the driver’s seat, he turns to me.
“Buckle up, baby and get some rest. I’m gonna take care of all your needs tonight.”
I close my eyes and a grin quirks my lips. “You got it. Wake me when you’re ready to rock my world, baby.”
Frank laughs and then starts the car, his big hands strong and sure on the steering wheel.
That’s how he is with all things. Strong, sure, dependable and someone that gives everything he has to take care of who he loves.
He’s a protector. He’s my protector. He’s my heart and soul…my everything.
EPILOGUE TWO
FRANKLIN
My wife bustlesaround and smiles happily as she does what she’s happiest doing. Taking care of all of our kids and grandkids. Thirty years together. Thirty of the happiest years of our lives.
I smile and my eyes light on each one of our four kids. Two boys and two girls. My smile widens when I remember how my daughters used to moan about their brothers tag-teaming them all the time. Whenever the girls were out of our house, one of the boys always had their eye on them. All the boys at that school knew that you didn’t just casually drop in at our place or there were three pissed-off guys waiting for you. I’d been known to drag my shotgun out to make a point.
My boys took after their old man too. They are both big motherfuckers. Have been since they were about twelve or so. They’ve even outgrown me at six foot eight.
Rainbow grunts and slaps at her brother, Caleb’s hand. “I don’t care what you think, Caleb. I’m going out with him and you can’t stop me!”
Since Rainbow is the youngest at twenty-two years old, it seems like a moot point. She’s a widow and has two of my twelve grandchildren. The girl started her family early.
