Free Guarding Me by Megan Slayer Page B

you.”
    “I love you, too.” Maya breathed in the sweet scent of the flowers. “I’ve got a couple of ideas for her. What is your mother’s name?”
    “Jill...well, Jillian.” The tips of his ears burned. “Why?”
    Molly knocked on the door. “Hey, you two. You’ve got a visitor. Are you ready?”
    Levi brushed a lock of her damp hair from her forehead. “The kid is lucky to have you.”
    “And you, too.” She folded her hands. “I’ve decided on the baby’s name. Grace Jillian McCombs. When Molly brings her back, that’s what’s going on the birth certificate. I don’t have to list him, and if he’s not going to stick around, I don’t see the need. I’ll show her pictures and won’t keep her from him, but this is the best option.” Her heart lightened as she voiced her decision. Things with Nicky were all out of whack, and she couldn’t count on him for anything, but she wouldn’t have to go it alone. She had Levi and Grace, as well as her sisters. Life couldn’t be better.
    “This is one visitor I know you’re going to want.” Molly grinned in the doorway. “She’s all ready for you.” She wheeled the bassinet into the room. “Here’s your mommy and daddy.” Once she parked the bassinet, Molly scooped the infant into her arms, then handed the baby to Maya. “Congratulations. Family portrait time!”
    Maya snuggled Grace against her chest. Tears burned behind her eyes. “Levi? That means you, too.” She couldn’t see her life without him.
    “Are you sure?” He froze in his seat. “We keep saying daddy, but—”
    She silenced him with a look. He had second thoughts? She worried he might. Babies tended to put pressure on even the strongest relationships. “Nicky provided the semen, but you’ve provided so much more. You’re my best friend, soon to be my husband and you’ve been there for me when lots of other guys would’ve walked. I love you. You’re her father and my lover forever. If you’ve got any doubts, you need to tell me now.”
    “No doubts. Just overwhelmed.” Levi perched on the bed beside her and draped his arm around her. “You’re a strong woman, and I was afraid you’d decide I wasn’t good enough. I love you, too.”
    Not good enough? She couldn’t find a better man. “You’re exactly who we need and the one I want.”
    “Cheese,” Molly said with a giggle. “You two are so adorbs.”
    The flash blinded Maya for a moment, but she didn’t care. She blinked back more tears. She rested her head on Levi’s shoulder. “I’m glad I’ve got you to fall back on when I come apart. You’re my rock.”
    “I’ll guard you both forever.” He smoothed his hand over hers in the baby’s blanket. “But now you do have to marry me.”
    “I’m ready right now.” No matter what happened, she had exactly what she needed—the dog, the child and the man. Perfect.

Epilogue
     
     
     
                    Levi draped his arm around Maya’s shoulders. The last three years had been filled with days he’d never trade. Seeing Gracie grow up and discover the world opened his eyes to so many things he’d dismissed, like butterflies, the bright yellow of dandelions and the soft fur of kitties. Peaches trotted up to the three-year-old and flopped down beside her. In the last thirty-six months, the little dog had learned how to get along with the stinky, noisy addition to the house. He snorted. Hell, Peaches loved Gracie like she would her own child and got along with Gracie’s kitten, Pickles. But the best part was witnessing Maya come into her own as a parent. Her patience with both Peaches and Gracie knew no bounds some days.
                    He’d been there through the ups and downs. The teething troubles, the all night cry-fests, the giggles and the smiles were all worth it. Being able to sign his name on the adoption papers ranked near the top of his accomplishments list, right below marrying Maya. He watched his adopted