Southern Pleasure (Southern Heart 1)

“Thank you, Kinley,” I say, my voice sugary sweet. Although, I’m mocking her, I do as I’m told and dig into the diaper bag. Inside is a small black point and shoot camera. At least that’s what the box says.

“I know you don’t have a camera, other than your cell phone. I didn’t want you to miss out on capturing a moment of this little one’s life.”

It takes everything in me, all the willpower I possess, to not stalk across the room and crush my lips to hers. This girl . . . she’s nothing if not amazing. I’m so damn lucky to have her in my life, to have her in Lexi’s life. I hope that’s something that never changes.

I’ve spent the morning at the hospital with Evan and Lexi. I taught him how to use his camera and he’s already taken a gazillion pictures. I know he’s worried. I can see it in his eyes, but he has nothing to be worried about. Less than twenty-four hours and he’s already the best daddy. You can see how much he loves her.

“All right, baby girl. Let’s get you home,” Evan says, placing Lexi in her car seat. He went down and got it when the hospital told him he had to prove he knew how to work it. They also have to watch him putting her in the car before he can leave. Who knew?

I insisted he take my Durango and I would drive his truck. He complained, but not as much as I would have thought. I think his only complaint is he was not okay with me driving his rust bucket either. I waved off his concern. It’s not that the truck is dangerous, it’s just . . . not reliable. I would feel much better knowing he wasn’t stranded on the road with her.

“Really, Kinley, I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done,” he says as he straps Lexi into her seat.

“It’s nothing. You can keep my car until you get a new one. I’ve got nothing going on the next few days, and even if I did, I could take your truck,” I tell him.

“No, that’s not—”

“Evan, I’m not taking no for an answer,” I interrupt him.

“Fine, I’ll rectify the situation as soon as possible. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Do you need anything?” I ask him.

“No, I don’t think so. The hospital gave me a ton of formula and thanks to you, her room is ready for her.”

“Okay, well, call me if you need anything. Aaron said he would stop by later tonight.”

“Sounds good. Thanks again,” he says.

I nod, pick up his bag of clothes, and follow him out of the room. The nurse follows us down to the parking lot and watches as Evan straps Lexi into the seat.

“Take care, Mr. Chamberlin,” she says after he passes the test.

“She’s so tiny,” he says, looking at Lexi snuggled in her seat. “She’s riding back there all alone.”

I was thinking the same thing but didn’t want to say anything. “I can ride back with you and have Mom bring me back to get your truck,” I offer.

“I can’t ask you—”

“You didn’t.” I squeeze past him and slide into the backseat beside Lexi. “Hey, sweet girl, you want some company?” I ask her. I don’t look at Evan, even though I know he’s watching me. Instead, I focus on Lexi. Eventually, he closes the door and slides in behind the wheel.

He adjusts the seat and the mirrors. “You girls ready to go home?” he asks. His eyes find mine in the rearview.

“Yes, she’s ready to see her new room.”

“Oh, she is, is she?” Evan chuckles.

“Yep. Girl talk, buddy, get used to it,” I tease him.

“Got it,” he says through his laughter.

The drive to his place doesn’t take long. Of course, that could be because I spent the entire ride watching a slumbering Lexi on her first car ride. I even pulled out the camera and snapped a few pictures for Evan.

“Do you mind going to see Gran and Gramps with me? I know they’re dying to see her.”

“Sure.”

He parks in front of the old farm house and hops out of the driver’s seat. Instead of opening the door on his side of the Durango, he walks around and opens mine. I climb out, pulling the diaper bag with me, as he leans in and releases Lexi’s seat.