Lily cooed.
“You did it, little bug.” Eden lay on her side, resting her cheek on the grass beside her daughter. “You’ll be moving in no time. Keep at it.”
Lily rocked back and forth on her knees, her enthusiasm growing with each rock. Eden laughed, offering her more encouragement. But Eden’s attention wandered beyond her wriggling baby girl to the man watching her closely. The look on his face was disconcerting. “What?” she asked.
He shook his head.
She sat up, tugging her shirt into place and running a hand over her hair.
“You’re beautiful, Eden,” he said, shaking his head. “I...like looking at you.” He looked away, his face turning stony.
Her heart took flight, flooding her with unfiltered joy. She moved closer to him. His hand rested on the grass, big and strong. She hesitated, then covered his hand with hers. “Do you?”
His blue eyes met hers as he nodded.
“I like it when you look at me...” Her voice was breathless.
He looked at her hand on his. “I don’t do this.”
She tried to pull back, but he held tight.
“But I’ll try,” he ad
ded, turning his hand over, twining his fingers through hers.
She smiled, happiness welling up in side. “Tell me, Dr. Boone, what do you do for fun?”
He grinned, shaking his head. “Work.”
She nodded at the stage in the corner, the telltale sound of a tuning fiddle reaching them. “Dancing?” she asked.
“Requires a partner,” he said, arching a brow.
“You have one.” She glanced at Lily. “And if Lily turns you down, you can always dance with me.”
He chuckled.
“Momma,” Ivy said around a yawn. “I’m tired.”
Eden glanced at her watch. “Time to head back to the Lodge. Guess you need to get back to help out at the booth?” she asked.
“I can help get the crew loaded up,” he said, scooping Lily into his arms.
Lily stared at him, reaching for his face with both hands. She smiled at him, one hand gripping his nose. He ran a hand over her silken curls and tucked her against his chest, taking Ivy’s hand in his.
Eden followed, struck by just how appealing a picture he presented. Holding her babies, caring for them, without being asked or bothered. Her heart was beating erratically, longing weighing down her chest. This was what she wanted. Someone who’d care for her baby girls, who’d love them. Who’d love her.
Car seats were buckled, the stroller was put away and Eden found herself lingering on the sidewalk. “See you later?” he asked.
“Miss Eden.” Clara’s voice was low. “Why not stay? Unless you need a nap?” She smiled.
“I’d like it if you stayed,” Archer said.
“You would?” Eden asked.
He nodded.
“Have fun,” Clara said, starting the van.