Page 78 of Her Guarded Hero

“I didn’t even hear you come back into the house or get into bed.”

“You were out like a light, but that didn’t stop you from snuggling right into my arms.”

Aurora blushed.

Dalton looked at her with love in his eyes. “You’ve made me happy,” he told her tenderly.

Dammit. She felt the tears coming on and saw Dalton’s look of concern. She held up a hand.

“No, don’t worry. I tear up if one of the horses eats all their oats. I’m telling you, I’m a regular waterworks factory these days. Maybe if I sniff a lemon I’ll stop wanting to cry.” She gave him a watery look.

Dalton laughed. “How’s your tummy?”

“Let me just rest here for a few more seconds. Maybe I’ll have another cookie, then I’ll be good to get up. I hope I can catch Crystal in time before she heads over this morning.”

“Why is she coming over?” Dalton asked.

“We’re wrapping up the research for the Beaumonts on Aladdin.”

“Still?” Dalton asked.

“Yep.” She gave Dalton a considering look. “You know, when Mark and Taylor find out you’re back, they’ll want to come over too.”

Dalton handed her another cookie. She bit into it and he smiled.

“Pretty proud of yourself, aren’t you?”

“Sunshine, I have a hell of a lot of time to make up for. Buying some cookies and lemons is nothing. I want to carry you around on a pillow for the next four months.”

He was serious. Aurora set the rest of the cookie down on the nightstand and stroked his cheek. “Dalton, I’m the one who didn’t tell you,” she whispered softly.

“I’m the one who walked away.” His eyes were bright.

“You’re here now, that’s what matters.”

She saw that he was about to protest. Her man who always believed everything was his fault and he wasn’t good enough. “Dalton,” she said teasingly. “You got here just in time. These next few months I’m going to start needing some extra help moving around. So, your timing is perfect.” She kept one hand under the covers and her fingers crossed.

“Little liar,” he smiled. “You’re probably planning on working with the horses until the day you deliver. So, it is a damn good thing I’m here to stop you from doing too much.”

She felt her cheeks heat. “That’s not true.”

“Are you going to spend the rest of our lives together lying?” he asked.

“No,” she lied.

Dalton burst out laughing.

Aurora pushed out of bed and tugged down her sleep shirt over her panties. Thank goodness she’d showered last night so that she’d be ready for the cast of characters to arrive this morning. She looked over her shoulder and saw Dalton staring at her.

“Oh shit. I need to call Crystal. Waking up next to you goes to my head, Mr. Sullivan.”

She grabbed her cell phone off the nightstand.

“It’ll be good to see her and the boys,” he said.

“About that,” Aurora started. “I need to give you a heads up.”

“Okay,” Dalton said. “Hit me.”