“Thank you, Mr. Gibson, but I’m looking more like your cows out in the barn,” Hope teased, rubbing her large belly.
He stalked toward the bed, leaning down when he reached the edge and kissed her lips. “Not even close, my sweet girl. I love seeing how round your belly is getting.” He ran his hand over it and received a welcome kick from his son.
Gage bent down, lifting her shirt to kiss her belly. “Daddy loves you and your momma.”
“Get some rest. I have to check in with Bill and then get started on the day. It’s going to be a short one. The weather is getting rough.”
“Okay. I’ll have all of the checks done before they come in for lunch.”
“Thank you, baby.”
“It’s my job.”
Hope had started working in the office to ease up some of Gage’s workload so that they could have time together as often as possible.
“Still, thank you for being mine.” He kissed her goodbye and headed out the door.
As promised, Hope had all of their checks ready at lunch. She prepared a warm, hearty chili as the weather turned icy. “Thank you, Mrs. Gibson. It hit the spot.”
“Yes, thank you, but we’re gonna get out of here.”
“You’re welcome, boys. Thank you for all you do. Enjoy your break.” Bill and Gage planned to manage the animals for a week while the weather was not great, so they could give their ranch hands a chance to take it easy.
Hope cleaned up the dishes while Gage did one more run of the pens. He came back and locked up so they could snuggle next to the fire. It was going to be a cold night, and cuddling seemed like the perfect pastime for them.
After making some snacks, they selected a movie and nestled down with some blankets on the sofa in front of the blazing fire.
“The wind is a little rough.” Hope’s body straightened up, and her head stiffened as she listened to the howling winds. They were in for a long night. He dragged her back down to his side on the sofa.
“That it is, but we’re nice and safe here. Let’s relax. I’ve got you, Hope.”
“You’re always protecting me.”
“I love guarding my Hope.”
“I love you too.”
THE END