Everything is moving so fast that I don’t even protest when he guides me out the door with a large palm on my lower back.
We bypass my car for his truck before I remember Jesse’s car seat. After switching directions, the two of us load into my sedan with Cormac behind the steering wheel, despite his too-large frame in the small space, and drive toward the B&B.
I text Linnea a brief update to prepare her for our arrival, but a few short sentences barely scratch the surface of how this morning is turning out.
Glancing at Cormac in my periphery, I try to sort out the picture he makes. Grizzled rancher with shaggy hair and glints of silver in his beard, suntanned and burly from working outside, and armed with an explosive temper. He’s not exactly who I would have chosen as Jesse’s dad.
Or a husband.
You’re not marrying the man. He’s not serious about going through with a marriage.
Surely, he can’t be.
But the longer I stare, the more I sense Cormac’s not the type of man to make idle promises.
8
CORMAC
I’ve always been a decisive person.
There’s no place for wishy-washy while working the land.That’s what Dad used to say, and I carry those words with me every day.
When a man is only as good as his word, then he better be damn sure of each fucking decision.
Which is why I don’t waste time second-guessing what’s next: a rapid DNA test that ensures results in twenty-four hours.
Dr. Landish meets me on the sidewalk in front of her office while we wait for Davie to arrive with Jesse and her friend, Linnea. I dropped her off at the B&B three blocks away, so they should get here soon.
And I’ll meet my potential son.
Shit, that sounds crazy even in my own head.
“A paternity test, huh?” Dr. Landish asks, curiosity coloring her tone. We don’t know each other well, but she’s handled a fair share of accidents on the ranch, so we’re friendly enough.
“Yep. Surprises the hell out of me, too.”
“If someone had asked me which of the Madsen brothers would require proof of fatherhood, my money would have been on Connor.”
“Looks like you would have lost that bet, then.” Though, I would’ve guessed the same.
Connor isn’t exactly reckless, but he’s less guarded than I am. Manages his time better since the majority of it is spent behind a computer.
He fucks for fun, while I fuck to forget the stresses of running a ranch.
Maybe that won't be a problem anymore.
Not if Davie and I end up getting married.
Sure, the work will still exist, but it’ll mean more. It’ll be for my family. To support them.
And knowing I have a beautiful wife and baby to come home to at the end of a long day? That’s fucking priceless.
Davie’s familiar sedan parks on the street, and I hurry to help her with the diaper bag she swings over her shoulder.
“I’ve got it,” I say, carefully sliding the thick strap from her arm to mine and catching my first glimpse at Jesse, who’s wide-eyed and babbling in his car seat.
“Oh… Um, thanks.” Davie bends down to fiddle with the plastic car seat base, and immediately, my eyes fall to her ass, appreciating the round temptation before someone clears their throat.
