Free Seducing the Innkeeper (At First Sight Book 3) by Janet Lane-Walters Page A

room and one in the living room. Winters we lived in the cottage where you are.” She reached for the cloth.
    “Thus the amenities there.”
    “My step-mother would have lived there all year. She liked the smaller space and the Jacuzzi.”
    The cloth touched his back. “Where did you sleep when you came home from college?”
    “On one of the couches in the main room.” She sighed. “That was one reason I only returned for winter break and in the summer.”
    “Will you marry me?”
    She laughed. “I thought you were giving me time to think.”
    “I have.”
    “Ten minutes.”
    “Seemed longer to me.” He wrapped his arms around her. “I’ll keep you here until have the answer I want.”
    “What if Davy comes looking for us?”
    He groaned. “You win.”
    She turned off the water. “I’ll tell you tonight. Our son might now like the idea.”
    “I think he will.” He stepped out and tossed her a towel. “I love you.”
    “Mark.”
    “I mean those words.”
    Christa wrapped her arms around him. “I love you.”
    He kissed the tip of her nose. “We’d better get dressed before I take you home.” He stepped back. “In December you’ll be attending a double wedding.”
    She made a face. “Do not consider a triple header.”
    “No way. If Davy agrees, what about next Saturday?”
    “We’ll see. I haven’t said yes.”
    “You will.”
     
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
    Mark settled in the passenger’s seat of the Jeep and fastened his seatbelt. He would rather drive and use his car but there wasn’t room for three people and the bike they planned to buy. When he’d offered to drive the Jeep Christa had laughed.
    “My car. My neighborhood. I know the roads.”
    “I’ve driven to town.”
    “Won’t hurt you to be a passenger. Are we quarreling? Not a good idea. I have yet to answer your question.”
    She was right. He wanted nothing to ruin the rapport between them. He was nine- tenths along the way to obtaining his goals. Though he had proposed and she hadn’t refused he needed the answer to be yes. Once he’d spoken to Davy there would be no contest. Mark turned his head and looked at his son.
    Though belted in Davy managed to bounce. “This is so cool. Two of my wishes in one day.”
    Mark chuckled. “The third may take some time.”
    Christa glanced at Mark. “Just what is that about?”
    “When the time is right you’ll know.” Mark stared out the window so she wouldn’t see his grin. He recalled the early morning chat with his son. A bike, his dad to live with his mom. A brother or even a sister. That wish might be in the works…unless Christa used birth control.
    “He can’t tell you,” Davy said. “It’s our secret.”
    Mark winked. “When it happens there will be no questions. You will know.”
    Davy hooted. “That’s a good one. Mom, are we taking the back road? I want to show Dad where we sled ride.”
    “Maybe on the way back.” Fifteen minutes later they reached the small town. Christa stopped at the bank to deposit last night’s receipts. They found a parking spot and walked to the bike shop. Mark watched Davy try a dozen bikes before selecting a silver one with red stripes. “Almost like your car, Dad.”
    Mark sucked in a breath. Warmth infused him. He would never become used to hearing his son call him Dad. His gaze met Christa’s. Her smile spoke of understanding.
    After loading the bike in the back of the Jeep, Davy and Mark strolled along the wide street while Christa ran errands. Mark placed his hands on his son’s shoulders and watched Christa walk away. They were his or would be as soon as the bond became official. “Where for lunch?”
    “The diner,” Davy said. “We always eat there on Saturday. They make the best burgers, onion rings and shakes. You can have anything you want on your burger. Mom always has bacon and blue cheese.”
    “Sounds good.” For a moment Mark wondered how his son would handle the move. Would he be angry about leaving