Page 68 of A Heart Falls Cowboy Christmas

In spite of the noise, the babies slept on peacefully in their father’s arms.

Ginny laughed, glancing around the room with a satisfied expression. “Looks as if everyone survived and you had fun. Good stuff.”

Later, when they were on their own again and the kids both down for a nap, Kelli pressed a kiss to Luke’s cheek. “Thanks for the morning out. It was nice to have quiet for a bit. And your idea for the extra diapers is perfect. So much better than before. Every time Demi visits, she empties the bag if I lose track of her for a second.”

“Inspired by the kids,” he told her honestly before tugging her toward the bedroom. “Come on. We don’t have much time.”

Her brow rose. “Really?

He laughed outright. “You’re not going to believe this, but I’m serious. It’s naptime for us as well. Sexy times will resume shortly, but right now, I’m exhausted.”

She smiled and joined him willingly. “Nap now, sexy times soon.”

“Good with me.”

They tumbled onto the bed, and Luke sighed contentedly even as he was amused as all get out that his priorities had changed so much. At least for now.

15

Rose Gabrielle stepped inside the house and paused. Funny how everything looked the same as it had three days ago, and yet nothing was going to be the same ever again. One trip to the hospital had changed everything.

Behind her, Chance moved with exaggerated care, carrying the infant car seat as if a tilt would set off an explosion.

“You know she’s strapped in, right?” Rose asked, tugging the door shut to block out the cold air. Winter was coming early this year, with October already clearly stating there would be no extension to the fall.

“I know.” Chance adjusted his grip, his gaze dropping to the tiny bundle sleeping inside. “The last time I carried something this valuable, it didn’t make squeaky noises.”

As if on cue, Lily made a soft snuffling sound in her sleep, and Chance froze.

Rose laughed softly. “She’s fine.”

“She makes my heart flutter.”

The tenderness in his voice hit Rose right in the chest. She took a quick step toward him to offer a hug, jerking to a stop when an unwelcome ache in her lower body reminded her that delivering Lily had been both miraculous and a rude adventure for certain parts of her anatomy.

Chance snapped to attention. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, other than I’m sore.”

His expression softened. “Do you need to sit? Lay down?”

“Probably both,” Rose admitted, easing off her boots as carefully as she could to avoid any sudden movements.

Chance toed off his own boots and made his way down the hall with the car seat held steady in front of him.

The room they’d set up as a nursery was a work of art. Fern had designed the murals that covered the walls from baseboard to ceiling, with giant flowers blooming in every direction—including roses, ivy, wild tansy and ferns. A painted dragonfly hovered near the window while butterflies and bees hid among the petals. It was a garden that would stay bright and cheerful even through the middle of winter.

Her husband lowered the car seat to the floor. “If Lily is anything like you, we’ll have to keep an eye on her in the future. She might start hauling in dirt to finish the garden.”

Rose laughed then regretted it as her lower body protested. “Don’t made me laugh,” she warned.

“Sorry.” He slipped an arm around her waist and they both stared down at Lily, who slept with one small fist curled beside her face, utterly unconcerned by the wildly fluctuating emotions above her.

A miracle—no other way to describe it.

But while Rose hated to break the moment, she had no choice. She shifted uneasily on her feet. “I need to sit down.”

“Go. I’ll bring her in right away.” Chance kissed Rose firmly then squatted to undo straps and buckles.