Relief crashed over her, so intense she nearly went dizzy with it. Peyton swallowed down the lump in her throat andran her hand over Lilia’s back. Her cousin was silently sobbing, clutching her child.
“We’re safe, Lilia. We’re all safe. You did it.”
Lilia lifted her head, tears streaming down her dirty cheeks. “We did it.”
Dawson wrenched open the car door. Peyton threw herself into his arms, holding on with everything she had, and knew, no matter what, she was never letting go.
“I’ve got you, babe,” he whispered against her hair. “I’ve got you. It's over.”
TWENTY-FIVE
Two weeks later
Dawson lay on the baby play mat next to Grace and jiggled a rattle in front of her. She was on her tummy, working hard to lift her head, her little neck straining with the effort. She managed a few wobbly seconds—enough to lock her dark eyes on the rattle—before her cheek dropped back to the mat. Then her face screwed up tight into the most heartbreaking expression, and she let out a wail.
“Don’t cry, little one.” Dawson gently rolled her over. Grace stared up at him, a tear leaking from one eye, and then a smile played on her lips. He grinned down at her, his heart warming at the way her eyes tracked his face.
“Dawson Graham!” Peyton appeared in the entrance of the living room, her hands on her hips. She looked stunning in a worn pair of jeans and a soft T-shirt that molded to her body in all the right places. Her hair was braided and fell over one shoulder. “Did you just flip that baby over? She’s supposed to be doing tummy time.”
“She doesn’t like it.” Dawson shook the rattle in front of Grace and was rewarded for the effort as the baby reached for the object.
Peyton’s expression was exasperated but full of affection. “You’re spoiling her.”
“That’s what uncles are good for.” He grinned, not the least bit contrite.
She studied him with mock severity. “Uncle.” Peyton lowered herself to the mat beside him, and his smile widened as he reached for her. The scent of her jasmine perfume tickled his nose. “That’s presumptuous, don’t you think? Who says I’m gonna agree to marry you?”
Dawson kissed her lightly and took pleasure in the way her hazel eyes darkened with desire and longing. “Something tells me I’ll convince you.”
She laughed, a blush creeping into her cheeks. Dawson didn’t think it was possible, but he fell a bit more in love with her. Peyton had been staying on the ranch while they recovered from their injuries, and the last two weeks had only shown that the connection between them was stronger than ever. They’d gone on dates, talked for hours, and spent time with his family. They’d also started counseling together. Neither of them wanted to screw things up this time. Both were dedicated to building a strong foundation for their marriage.
Dawson was committed to giving their relationship the time it deserved, he already knew, and had for a while, that he wanted to marry her again.
He tilted his head, a familiar ache in his chest, as his gaze drifted over Peyton’s gorgeous face. “You look beautiful today, if I haven’t mentioned it.”
Her blush deepened. “You have. Three times at least.”
“What’s one more?” He cupped Peyton’s cheek and rose up slightly to kiss her again, ignoring the way the move pulledon the stitches along his hip. The bullet had narrowly missed shattering the bone. He’d been very fortunate. They all had. It’d taken nearly a week to remove all the bullets fired during the biker attack ambush from the house and ranch property. But not one innocent person had been killed.
“Are you two smooching again?” Lilia’s voice carried across the room.
Dawson broke off the kiss and glowered at her. “Yes. Do you mind?”
“Actually, I do. There’s a juvenile in the room.” She flounced in, her dark locks bouncing on her shoulders. Two weeks of Ellen’s home-cooked meals had put a healthy color back into Lilia’s cheeks. Physically, she’d be fine. Mentally and emotionally, things would take more time, but Lilia had also started counseling, and if her behavior was any sign, she was on the right track.
Lilia came to a stop next to the mat and smiled down at Grace. The love shining from her expression could’ve melted the hardest of hearts. “Sweet girl, why aren’t you doing tummy time?”
“It’s Dawson’s fault,” Peyton was quick to say.
“Hey! She was crying.” He lightly pinched Peyton’s thigh, causing her to squeal and shift away. “You’re no better. You don’t like it when she’s upset either.”
Peyton dissolved into laughter, but tried to gather herself together long enough to mount an argument. “Not true! I can be tough when it’s necessary.”
“Both of you are liars.” Lilia reached down and collected Grace from the mat, hugging her close. “If this keeps up, I’ll have a wild child running around stuffed full of candy who doesn’t listen.”
Dawson shook his head, his lips twitching. “You can’t use Marcus’s kids as an example. They’re like that because of their dad.”
Lilia’s mouth dropped open. “I wasn’t…” She glared as she caught on that he was joking, but a laugh bubbled up in her throat. “Oooo, you are something else.”
