Free Clearwater Romance by Marissa Dobson Page A

want you standing for a shower while you’re supposed to be on bed rest.” He reminded her. “And don’t forget—can’t be too hot, so just a warm bath.”
    Damn it. He was right and she planned to follow the doctor’s orders completely. She wanted to make sure her child would be healthy. She hated baths, but she’d deal with it for as long as necessary. “Damn. Okay, I’ll take it later, baths always make me sleepy. Let me help with breakfast.”
    “Not happening. You can sit at the bar and keep me company, but no helping.” He turned on his heels and headed back to the kitchen, with her following.
    “Before, you start, let’s talk.” She grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the couch. Sitting she pulled her legs close to her, and wrapped her arms around them. Soon I won’t be able to do this, my stomach will get in the way. She smiled at the thought; still unable to believe in just a little over six months she’d be a mother. With her gaze glued to the floor, she broached the subject that was hanging in the air. “I considered your proposal…Cam I’m not sure this is fair to you…but if you’re serious then yes. Yes, I’ll marry you. You can help me give my child things I can’t otherwise, but most importantly it will give me a healthy baby. Somehow I’ll find a way to pay you back.”
    She felt the weight shift on the couch. He nudged her chin up and kissed her. The strong spicy hint of coffee overwhelmed her for a moment before she tasted him, pure and full of life. This was not like the kisses she shared with him all those years ago, no that boy had been replaced by a man. The stroke of his mouth on hers held a promise of desire. Enough to give her hope.
    He broke away, and their gazes locked. Desire heated his eyes for a moment before his shields pushed back into place and he pulled away. She longed for his touch again, to feel his lips on hers, his hands on her body. She craved his touch like a diabetic craved sweets.
    “We’ll make arrangements to get the marriage license today and see the doctor. I’m done with duties until the day of deployment, once we have the doctor’s okay we can make flight reservations.” He rose, and grabbed his cell from the coffee table. “Rest, let me make the appointments and then I’ll start breakfast.”
    Cameron loved to be in charge and she’d just given him permission to take over. Her stomach twisted and her heart pounded against her ribs.
    I can’t believe I’m doing this.
    * * *
    The café was quiet at this time of day, giving them privacy. In just an hour both of their lives would change. Scary as it all seemed, she embraced the potential for her, but she wasn’t sure about Cameron. Would he regret it? End up hating her? Or worse—simply be her friend only until she was on her feet? Doubt plagued her.
    The doctor gave her permission to travel, because of her circumstances. He insisted that as long as she rested and took care of herself, she’d have a healthy pregnancy. It did very little to ease her concern. All her life she had been carefree, but now her stomach churned with worry.
    Tessa sat there watching a young couple very much in love sitting two tables over. She wished that Cameron would look at her the same way the guy looked at his woman. She missed sharing a real connection with Cameron, she treasured their friendship, but she wanted more. Soon there would be paperwork saying they were married, even if it wasn’t heart and body. Somehow, she had to make it enough.
    He dug into his turkey sandwich while she barely picked at hers. “Tess, you need to eat.”
    “Sorry.” She smiled at him. “Nerves.” She picked up her sandwich, taking another bite before looking back at the couple, and then to him. He looked so calm. “Cam, are you positive you want to do this?”
    “Sweet Tess, are you getting cold feet?” He put his sandwich down and stared at her with uncertain eyes. “You know me better than this. If I wasn’t sure,