He shrugged. “I haven’t accomplished the feat yet. I may need some time first. Some distance.” He pressed a kiss to Mary Katherine’s brow, then turned to Sophie and pressed a twin kiss there.
He whispered, “I wish you happy, Mrs. Overtree.”
“Thank you, Mr. Overtree.”
Stephen added, “Take care of yourself, Wesley.”
“I shall. I had better—CK won’t be tagging along to keep me out of mischief this time, and you won’t be there to bail me out of trouble.”
“No.”
“As it should be. You have new concerns to attend to.”
“Yes. Thank God.” Stephen shifted Mary to one arm and held out his hand.
Wesley shook it. “I hope you will endeavor to deserve her.”
“Indeed I shall.”
When the door closed behind Wesley, Sophie turned almost shyly to Stephen.
He sat down on the upholstered chaise and deftly and gently repositioned the infant on his lap. He’d obviously had experience helping to care for his much younger sister.
She asked, “What do you think of her?”
“I think I am falling in love all over again.”
Sophie dipped her head as self-conscious pleasure ran over her.
He pulled forth a little fist that had been trapped in the swaddling blanket. “Such long fingers. Like her mother’s.”
He loosened the blanket further, exposing her full face and neck.
Sophie held her breath, waiting for him to notice the strawberry birthmark.
His finger traced the spot. “Ah... a kiss from God. A special sign of favor.”
“Do you think so?”
He nodded. “Whatever it is, it’s precious. She is precious. Perfect.”
Relief warmed Sophie. “Mavis said I must have craved strawberries while I carried her. And the midwife said the birthmark is in the shape of a heart.” She swallowed. “And that means I craved... love... while I carried her.”
He looked up and held her gaze, intensity smoldering in his eyes. “Oh?” Then he looked down and pressed a kiss on the rosy heart.
Sophie’s breath caught to see his scarred cheek so close to her little girl’s birthmark. Stephen, with his scarred face and body, apparently found the mark endearing. She could have kissed him then and there.
“Heart-shaped, you say?” he mused aloud, eyes on Mary Katherine. “I’d say it’s shaped like lips.” His voice lowered. “Perhaps her Mamma craved a sound kissing while she carried you, hmm, my little beauty?”
Sophie’s pulse raced to hear his words, and her chest tightened. Again she dipped her head to hide her flush, then looked up at him from beneath her lashes. “I... cannot deny it.”
His eyes flashed to hers, warm and glimmering with hope.
“Sit with me, my love.” He secured Mary in one arm, and Sophie sat on the chaise beside him. He reached a hand toward her, gently stroking then cupping her cheek. “My Sophie...”
“I am yours, yes. And dearly wish to be.”
His gaze held hers like an embrace, then moved slowly over her face before settling on her mouth. He ran his thumb over her lower lip, and a tingle of pleasure whisked up her spine.
