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“You did a great job so I’m sure pregnant women will be lining up to have you there with them.”

He shuddered. “Once was enough. If I ever get married and have kids, I want them to make their appearance in the hospital surrounded by plenty of doctors and nurses.”

“Gee, that’s exactly what I want for my next baby, too.” She made sure her voice was calm and told herself the fact that he’d just told her he wasn’t married didn’t change anything. She wasn’t looking for a man. Not even one who’d been so sweet to her.

Jim glanced around the room. There was a huge bouquet of balloons tied to the foot of her bed. “You’ve had visitors?” he asked.

Heather shook her head. “Those are from my mom. I talked to her a couple of hours ago. She feels terrible about not being with me right now. I keep telling her everything is fine, but she worries.”

“Where is she?”

“Florida. Her husband, my stepfather, recently had heart surgery. He’s doing great, but she’s nervous about leaving him on his own. I keep telling her I understand. When I was growing up, she was always there for me, so I don’t mind doing this on my own.”

He frowned. “You don’t have anyone to stay with you when you get out of here?”

“It’s not a big deal.”

Jim shifted, placing both feet flat on the floor and leaning toward her. “When do they release you?”

“Tomorrow.”

He straightened. “That soon?”

“Yes. We’re both healthy and I’m ready to go home.” She wanted to get a start on spending time with her daughter, not to mention sleeping in her own bed.

He didn’t look convinced. “You don’t sound worried.”

“I’m not.”

“You’re a lot tougher than you look, but then, I already knew that.” He reached out and stroked her daughter’s arm. “You’ve got one determined mother there. Looks like you come from hardy stock.”

The baby opened her eyes and stared solemnly at Jim. “Do you want to hold her?” Heather asked impulsively.

Instantly, he pulled his hands back and shook his head. “That’s okay. I’m sure she’s more comfortable with you than with a stranger.”

“She was born less than twelve hours ago. I think we’re all still strangers to each other. Come on, it’s easy.”

He looked trapped as he rose to his feet and stood beside the bed. “I’m not going to be good at this,” he grumbled.

“Yes, you are. Now look at how I have her in my arms. You have to be careful to hold her head, but otherwise, don’t worry. Just cradle her gently and relax.”

She leaned forward a little. Jim bent toward her and took the baby, his arm brushing hers. He shifted the tiny bundle until she was secure in the crook of his left elbow. He looked big and awkward standing there, but the expression of sheer wonder on his face melted her heart.

“She’s amazing,” he said, his voice laced with awe. “So perfect.” One big finger stroked the back of her tiny hand. “Hi there,” he murmured. “Aren’t you the pretty one?” He glanced at Heather. “She’s staring at me with that worried expression all babies seem to have. Do you think they know they’re a big responsibility and are thinking that their parents might not be up to the task?”

Heather laughed. “I have no idea what’s on her mind.”

He returned his attention to the infant. “You’ll be just fine, sweet cheeks. You have a great mom. You’re going to grow up to be smart and beautiful, but you better watch out for boys. They can be lots of trouble.”

Heather’s heart filled with pride and love for this child she’d brought into the world. For a second, she felt a flash of regret that she was in this alone. It would be wonderful to have a man sharing in her joy and love. Heather would do her best to be all things to her daughter, but there would be times when the little girl would miss having a father. Heather had from time to time, despite her mother’s support and kindness.

But that wasn’t in the cards for her. Luke didn’t want anything to do with this child and Heather no longer wanted him in her life. And if she was even half as good as her own mother was to her, her baby would grow up in a house filled with love.

As she watched Jim with her daughter, she tried to ignore the erratic thoughts racing through her head. She couldn’t help noticing how appealing he was—the big, strong man holding the tiny baby. This was the stuff of greeting cards and television commercials. Oddly touching and romantic, which was crazy. More of those hormones, she told herself.

“I’ve named her,” Heather said.

Jim looked up and grinned. “Really? What?”