Chapter Fourteen

Deborah sat by thefireplace, her hands moving with practiced ease as she knitted another row on the tiny blanket. The soft wool slid between her fingers, a pale blue that reminded her of the sky.

"Coming along nicely," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

She leaned back, resting a hand on her rounded belly, now impossible to ignore. It was Christmas, and the air was filled with a chill that contrasted sharply with the summer heat they were so accustomed to. Yet, despite her changing figure, Aaron"s affection had not waned. If anything, it seemed to grow, much like the baby they eagerly awaited.

"Looks cozy," came Aaron"s deep voice from the doorway. He stood there, framed by the wooden arch, dust from the ranch clinging to his boots and pants.

"Thought our little one might appreciate it," Deborah replied, her cheeks warming with a smile. She watched as Aaron removed his hat, revealing the tousled dark hair she found so endearing.

"Can"t believe how quick you are with those needles," he said, crossing the room to sit beside her on the sofa, their spot at the end of each day.

"Only because I have good reason," she answered, her tone light as she folded the half-finished blanket and set it aside. For a moment, her fingers lingered on the yarn, the texture grounding her in the present.

"Everything all right?" Aaron asked, the concern in his voice gentle but evident.

"Fine as can be," she assured him, though she couldn"t help the fleeting worry that crept into her thoughts. Would he still find her desirable, even as she expanded with their child?

"Good," he said, his large hand finding hers. "You"re more beautiful than ever, Deb."

Her heart fluttered at his words, and she squeezed his hand in silent gratitude.

"Thank you," she whispered, feeling a swell of emotion for this man who had become her world. Together, they sat quietly, the crackling fire and the rhythmic ticking of the clock the only sounds in the room.

"Think you"ll teach our little one to knit?" Aaron"s question broke the silence, his voice tinged with amusement.

"Maybe," Deborah chuckled, imagining a future where their home was filled with the laughter of children and the warm embrace of family. "But only if they show an interest."

"Fair enough," he nodded.

*****

DEBORAH LEANED AGAINSTthe wooden frame of the front door, her hands cradling the gentle curve of her belly. The ranch was quiet, too quiet for this time of evening. Aaron should have been home by now.

Finally, the familiar sound of hooves drumming against the hard-packed earth reached her ears. Her heart leaped, and she pushed off the doorframe, hurrying as fast as her condition would allow.

"Aaron," she called out.

"Hey there," he said, his voice carrying over to her as he dismounted. "Sorry I"m late."

Deborah reached him just as he finished tying off the reins. She searched his face, looking for signs of trouble, but found only the weariness of a long day"s work.

"You had me worried," she admitted, her voice a mix of relief and reproach. "I can"t stand the thought of something happening to you."

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "Nothing's going to happen, I promise. Just had to deal with a stubborn bull is all. You could say he was bull-headed."

She nodded, resting her head against his chest, comforted by the steady beat of his heart. "You're silly."

Later that night, after a simple supper of stew and fresh bread, they sat together at the small table. Deborah watched Aaron as he sipped his coffee, the lines of his face softened by the lamplight.

"Deb?" he asked, catching her gaze.

"Today, when you didn"t come back on time..." she started, then paused, gathering her thoughts. "I realized just how much I need you. I love you so much, Aaron."

Aaron set down his cup, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Deb, I"m right here, and I'm not going anywhere." He reached across the table, his rough hand covering hers. "You and the little one mean everything to me."

Aaron"s gaze lingered on Deborah, as though he were seeing her anew. The flicker of the oil lamp danced across her features, casting a golden hue on her swelling belly. Though she had voiced her fears earlier, there was something about the way she carried herself—a strength mingled with vulnerability—that drew him in.

"Deb," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "I never figured someone could care for another person as much as I care for you. I love you. With everything inside me." His eyes sparkled with unspoken emotion, and in their depths, she saw the truth of his words reflected back at her.

Deborah reached out, her fingers brushing his calloused hand. "And I never imagined I"d find someone who"d fill my heart the way you do, Aaron."

They settled into a companionable silence, the world outside fading away. It was just the two of them, and the life they were building together. A soft smile played on Deborah"s lips as she spoke again, her hands now folded over her belly. "Can you believe it? Soon we"ll be holding our little one in our arms."

"Hard to believe," Aaron admitted, his usual stoic demeanor giving way to a gentle warmth. "I reckon this baby will have the best of us both."

"Maybe a bit of your stubbornness," she teased, a playful glint in her green eyes.

"And your sass, no doubt," he countered, the corner of his mouth lifting in a half-smile.