Page 118 of Wilde Flame

He stopped, turned his horse slightly, and smiled at the sight. “It’s a little family.”

My entire body shivered with the excitement of seeing them. Nothing would ever top this day now.

“Come on, let’s get you back before you get too cold.”

It was almost time to leave for my date with Caden, and I couldn’t contain my nerves. I was excited yet still a little in shock. Today had been a whirlwind of emotions, and a part of me couldn’t believe the change in Caden. I was, of course, beyond happy for the change, but I could admit I’d pinched myself a few times during the course of the day.

I took one last look in the mirror and blew out a breath. I really needed to go and buy some maternity clothes. Practically nothing fit already, so I opted for a stretchy sweater dress that would accommodate my tiny baby bump. I paired it with my favorite cowboy boots and wore my hair down. I curled it just a bit and put on light makeup. Caden hadn’t told me where we were going, so I wasn’t sure if I was overdressed or underdressed.

Reaching for my purse, I grabbed a shawl, just in case I’d need something to keep me warm inside wherever we were going.

I walked down the steps and called out Caden’s name.

“I’m in my office!” he answered from down the hall. I set my purse and shawl down on a chair and made my way toward him.

Caden was sitting behind his desk, and the sight of him nearly made my legs go out from under me. He wore a black cowboy hat, a black, long-sleeved button-up shirt, and a tie. My God, if he wasn’t the most handsome man I’d ever laid eyes on.

He looked up—and stilled at the sight of me.

My cheeks instantly heated. “I wasn’t sure how to dress, since you didn’t tell me what we were doing. Should I go change? Although, I will admit that I’m quickly running out of clothes to change into.”

Standing, Caden slowly made his way around his desk. He stalked toward me like a predator, and my insides clenched with desire.

“You look beautiful, Lili.”

Smiling, I dipped my head and stared at the floor. Caden placed his finger under my chin and brought my gaze to his. A lazy smile appeared on his face, and I reached out to take hold of him, fearful my legs would give out.

“A part of me wants to take you to bed and make love to you right now.”

My lips parted slightly, and I almost let out a moan.

He winked. “But we’re going on our first date. Official date. You’re dressed perfectly. Are you comfortable?”

I nodded. “I am.”

Then Caden did something I wasn’t expecting. He dropped to his knee and put his hands on my belly. He closed his eyes before leaning in and kissing my stomach.

Dear God and baby Jesus above, is he trying to melt me into a puddle of desire?

When he opened his eyes, he glanced up. “I realized earlier I haven’t touched you at all, and seeing your little baby bump outlined in this dress…it…” He swallowed hard and drew in a breath before exhaling and looking back at the bump. “This is our baby.”

Tears pricked the back of my eyes as I nodded, even though he wasn’t looking at me.

“When did the doctor say the baby will start hearing us?”

“Around twenty-three weeks.”

Caden kissed it once more, then stood.

Smiling, I said, “You look handsome. I love the black hat compared to your tried and true white one.”

His cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. “We should probably go before we end up not making it tonight.”

I laughed softly as Caden kissed my cheek, then went back around his desk. He did something on his computer, shut it, then motioned for me to go first.

After slipping on my coat, Caden grabbed his and headed out the front door. He walked to the passenger side of his truck and helped me climb in, tossing his coat into the back before getting into the driver’s seat.

As we drove into town, Caden spoke a little bit about the ranch, I talked about the store, then the conversation moved to the baby’s room.