Free In Too Deep by Delilah Devlin Page B

dad?”
    There wasn’t a dry eye among any of the people crowding the driveway to greet Jake and Mr. Twohig.
    Gabe had gone down on one knee and opened his arms. The hug they’d shared as he’d gruffly said yes was the first of many.
    Pulling the reins of his horse, he pointed him back to the house and the woman sitting on the top porch step. Lena had yet to join them on their morning rides, but it was going to be a while before he’d allow her to sit a horse. Not until she healed after the birth of their child, scheduled to arrive at the Triple Horn in early May.
    A girl this time. And he couldn’t be happier. Colt’s little girl would need a playmate.
    His smile stretched as he halted the horses and wrapped the reins around a porch rail.
    “How many times I have to tell you the porch isn’t a hitchin’ rail,” Colt grumbled as he opened the door.
    “Maybe I’ll remember if you repeat it a couple hundred more times,” Gabe said, chuckling.
    Colt patted his pockets then cursed. “Left the keys to the cruiser on the dresser.” He opened the door. “Zuri, why’d you let me leave without my keys?”
    Lena and Gabe waited until Colt’s footsteps faded before they let loose with laughter.
    “He does it every morning,” Gabe said, as he lowered to sit beside Lena on the step. “He doesn’t have anyone fooled. Just wants to sneak another kiss before he heads to work.”
    “And she stays in bed waitin’ for it. Takes him an awful long time to find those keys.”
    Gabe drew in a deep breath as he watched the smile lighting up her face. “You look beautiful.”
    “If you say I’m glowing, I’ll hit you. Never could figure out what that meant. If I’m glowing it’s because I’m always sweaty hot.”
    Gabe reached across and rubbed her rounded belly. “Breakfast staying down?”
    “So far, so good. Don’t think either of us is going to have to change our clothes today.” She placed her hand over his and hugged it against her body. “Ready for another day?”
    “Not getting bored yet?”
    She rolled her eyes. “As if. Zuri and I will be busy baking all day.”
    “Don’t overdo.”
    “Don’t fuss. I’m not an invalid.”
    “How’s Grandpa?”
    “Getting around nicely on his cane. Can’t keep him down now. Says it’s time to get rid of that damn ramp,” she said, mimicking the gruff old codger’s voice.
    Gabe held her hand and looked out across the corral to the pasture beyond. “Is he happy here?”
    “He hasn’t said, but since he’s got lots of ideas about how you should be runnin’ this place, I’m guessin’ yes.”
    Gabe laughed and turned to lock gazes with Lena. “Are you happy?”
    Her eyes welled with tears and she chuckled as she wiped a fingertip beneath one eye. “Worst part of pregnancy. Everything makes me cry.” She sniffed and her expression cleared. Her cornflower blue eyes held steady. “My son loves it here. Loves you.”
    “That’s not what I asked.”
    Her gaze fell away and she leaned against the rail beside her, still staring at him. “I’ve never felt this way. Like I’ve come home. Zuri’s the sister I never had. Your brothers have been amazing, making sure we all feel welcome and that we have a place here.”
    Gabe blew out an exasperated gust of air.
    She laughed, a twinkle glinting in her eye. “And I have the most amazing husband. He can’t keep his hands off me. Won’t let me sleep at night. Whispers the sweetest, dirtiest little nothings in my ear. He makes me feel beautiful and desired. He rubs my feet when they swell. My belly when I’m nauseous.” She shook her head. “I’ve never been so blessed.”
    Gabe dropped his gaze and smiled, winding his fingers with hers. “I’m a rancher,” he sighed. “I should do some ranchin’.”
    She tugged on his hand, and he came closer. “Tommy said he had it covered,” she whispered.
    He arched a brow. “I owe that boy.”
    “He’s not sleepin’ so good. I think he’s just glad to be out