“What—” he pauses, and then roars with laughter, which disturbs Faith.
Jace groans as we both turn our heads to see Faith starting to wake up. Both her mama and daddy appear to be asleep, so moving from Jace, I reach for Faith. Ryder’s arms tighten on his child briefly, but as his eyes pop open, he relaxes his grip when he realizes it’s me and that Faith is awake. He mouths, “Thank you,” to me without waking his wife.
Cuddling Faith to me, I settle down between Jace’s spread thighs, and rest my back against his chest.
Jace wraps his arms around us, and rests his chin on my shoulder while he gazes at his niece.
I have a feeling this little baby in my arms is going to be a spoiled little girl if her daddy and uncle have anything to do with it. Dahlia is going to be the reasonable one where Faith is concerned. But then again, that’s what uncles are for, spoiling their nieces and nephews.
“Are you two enjoying our daughter?” Ryder mumbles the question.
Looking over, both parents are sitting up and watching our interaction with Faith. Dahlia has a look on her face, which tells me she’s enjoying watching us like this, and perhaps she’s doing the same as what I’m trying not to do—imagining Jace and myself with our own baby.
I adore children, and wouldn’t mind having my own one day, and that’s as far as I’m going with that dream. I’ve only really started getting to know Jace and need to keep telling myself that, regardless of seeing him for an hour or two every week for the last year or so.
“Yeah, they are,” Dahlia, responds after we stay silent.
“She’s beautiful and such a good baby.” I offer my pinkie finger to Faith. The little sprite wraps her fist around my finger and tries to drag it to her open mouth. I smile down at her before looking up at Dahlia. “I think she’s after something from her mama.”
Passing her back to Dahlia, I snuggle into Jace, and sigh with pleasure when both his arms wrap around my waist as he holds me tightly against him.
Dahlia throws a muslin cover over her shoulder with Faith beneath as she fiddles around to feed her daughter. It’s a good idea and gives her privacy while out in public.
Enjoying the peace and quiet of the afternoon with Jace and his family has certainly brightened my day up after this morning’s fright. At least I’ll be able to sleep tonight with the new locks in place, thanks to Jace and his friend. On the way to the park, Jace had called Roger and asked him if he’d be able to sort the locks today for me, and he had. Roger was friends with my uncle, so after a few calls, he’d been able to get a current set of keys and was probably changing the locks right now. It was a huge relief and something that I could stop worrying about.
Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s over yet. Richard will be back because he hates losing, and not having the last word. I’m afraid to tell Jace that I expect to see him again because, even though he’s involved in a way, I don’t want him to confront Richard. That’s the last thing I want. I know Jace is more than capable of taking care of himself, but anything that’s caused because of me, wouldn’t sit well and would play on my mind for a good while afterwards.
“You sleeping on me?” Jace whispers in my ear, which sends shards of pleasure down my spine.
“I’m awake, and thinking.” I entwine my fingers with his. “Thank you…for asking your friend to come to my house today. Because of you, I’m going to feel safe going home.”
His arms squeeze around me briefly before he loosens his grip again. “If you ever feel unsafe, you call me. I mean it, Savannah. Don’t ever feel as though you’re alone. Call me.”
“I will.”
He bites down on my earlobe. “I’m serious, Savannah, you don’t hesitate or I’m going to be camping at your place.”
I like the sound of that.
Hearing a chuckle, I glance over and see Ryder and Dahlia watching us.
I’d forgotten we weren’t alone.
“You, my brother,” Ryder shakes his head, “are going—ouch.” He rubs his stomach. “What was that for?”
“I’m sure Jace is capable of getting the girl on his own without you adding to it.”
“Now babe, I was just going to help him out.”
Jace chuckles. “Considering the girl in question is already in my arms, I’d say I’m doing well on my own.”
Ryder snickers, and I’m sure he was about to make another comment, but with a narrow-eyed glare from his wife, he shuts up.
“When are you next visiting at the parents’ house?” Jace asks.
“Sunday. Mom will be calling you to make sure you’re going to be there.”
“Okay.” Jace kisses the top of my head as we watch his brother help Dahlia up from the ground now that Faith has been fed.