Free The Lumberjack's Bride by Jean Kincaid Page A

before, she’d only picked up little Jonathan when he’d needed a clean diaper or if she was feeding him. What had caused the change?
    As soon as the last spoonful of beans reached his mouth she started clearing the table. Caleb thought about whittling but changed his mind. He watched her move the baby from one arm to the other as she worked.
    He stood and walked over to the basin of water where she washed dishes. “Here let me have the baby for a while. I haven’t seen him all day.”
    Caleb found himself looking deeply into the blue eyes turned up at him. It seemed she was reluctant to hand the baby over to him. For a brief moment, he thought he saw fear, but then relief seemed to wash over her expression.
    The baby snuggled into his chest and sighed heavily. Caleb carried him to the table and took a good look at the chairs. What Julianne and the baby needed was a good rocker. Caleb decided he’d make them one, with butterflies and puppies in a field of flowers carved into the high back.
    â€œHow are the baby’s bottles holding out?” He sat down at the table and studied his nephew’s little face.
    Julianne wiped her hands on a cloth. “The bottles are okay, it’s the nipples I’m worried about. I washed them this afternoon but they still look and smell pretty bad.”
    Caleb looked up. “I’ll start making him a new one tomorrow. Do you think the others will last until I can get it made?”
    â€œDepends on how long it takes. What are you going to make it out of?” Julianne rubbed at the small of her back.
    â€œI’ll whittle it out of wood. Shouldn’t take but a day, maybe two.” His thoughts turned to the rocker. It would have to wait until the new nipple was finished. He glanced up to find Julianne staring at him.
    Concern laced her tired blue eyes and tiny lines marred her forehead. “Oh, Caleb, the splinters will hurt his little mouth and besides he won’t be able to suck a wooden nipple.”
    Caleb stood up and took the baby to his crib. “I’ll make sure it’s smooth and the hole will be very tiny so that he won’t get too much milk at one time.” He turned back to the kitchen and bumped into Julianne who had followed him closely to the cradle.
    She tried to back out of his grasp, but her feet tangled up with his boots and he felt them both falling.
    Caleb twisted his body, barely feeling the soft bed beneath him as Julianne landed on his chest. Air whooshed from his lungs.
    Her dark hair covered his face, and she let out a little squeak. Caleb felt her hands on his chest and the pressure she applied as she pushed herself up.
    For reasons he didn’t know or understand, Caleb wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He stared up into startled baby-blue eyes.
    Julianne’s dark hair created a curtain around their faces. Her sweet breath mixed with his. Their lips paused, mere inches apart.

Chapter 8
    J ulianne felt the movement of his breathing beneath her. His compelling green eyes stared up at her, questions glittering in their debts.
    â€œWould it be too much for a husband to ask for a kiss, sweet Julianne?” His whole being seemed to be filled with waiting.
    She noticed he watched her mouth intently. His hand moved from her waist to pick up a curl and rub it between his finger and thumb. He brought her untried senses to life. Where her voice came from, Julianne wasn’t sure. She heard herself whisper. “I am your wife, Caleb. If you want a kiss, all you have to do is take it.”
    Caleb dropped the captured curl and gently set her from him. “I won’t take your kisses. They are something you will freely give or I won’t have them.” He pushed himself off the bed and left the cabin.
    Disappointment worked its way into her confused thoughts. He hadn’t kissed her. She let out a long audible sigh. Julianne thought men always took what they wanted. Caleb