Serving Trouble (Second Shot 1)

“I’m nowhere close to perfect. Trust me, I know that. But I also know that I love you, Josephine Fairmore.” He released her hand. “I want you to save me from trouble—­real or imagined—­every chance you get for as long as you’ll have me.”

I LOVE YOU, Josephine Fairmore.

Driving over here, facing her crazy, gun-­wielding ex—­it had all been worth it to hear those words. She could have done without the showdown in the barn, but still, it was worth it.

“Forever. This time, I’m going to keep you forever. We’re keeping you forever.” She placed her hand on her belly, and Noah glanced down. “I can’t promise we won’t bring trouble to your barn door again.”

“We can take on trouble.” He raised his gaze to her lips. “Anything beyond my control, I know you’ll handle.” His palms cupping her cheeks, he leaned close and pressed his lips to hers. One sweet, heated kiss before he drew back. “I’m not walking away from you again, Josie. No matter what happens, I’m going to stay by your side, loving you.”

Josie closed her eyes and rested her forehead against his. Life had handed her one barrier after another. Unexpected pregnancy. Preterm labor. The loss of her baby. A second unplanned pregnancy . . . She hadn’t felt strong in a long time.

Until now.

She’d risked her heart, opened herself up to love again, and this time she’d found happiness. Sure, she’d had to fight for it. But she’d won. Now, she was stronger, happier, and wildly, madly in love.

“I love you, Noah.” She leaned back and took his hand, placing it over her still-­flat stomach. “And whatever the future brings, I know we can face it together.”

Epilogue

JOSIE CRADLED THE sleeping infant in her arms. She was small, born at just thirty-­four weeks, but healthy.

Perfect. She’s absolutely perfect.

“Can’t stop staring?”

She glanced up from her little girl to the man leaning against the doorway, holding a pair of steaming to-­go cups. Noah had rushed her to the hospital after her water broke and stayed by her side, holding her hand while she screamed from the torturous mix of pain and panic.

Over and over she’d told him she couldn’t do this. And he’d told her that he loved her and that he believed in her. She’d seen the fear in his eyes, for her, for the baby. But he’d stayed and fought through it with her.

And h

er baby—­their daughter—­was born.

“Is that coffee?” she whispered, not wanting to wake the baby.

“Hot chocolate for you,” he said, stepping into the room. “I wasn’t sure if you could have caffeine.”

“Thanks,” she said, nodding to the nightstand beside her hospital bed. He walked in and set one of the cups down. He looked down at their child and smiled. There was so much love in his eyes . . .

Oh God, she was going to cry from the potent mix of exhaustion, hormones, and emotion.

“Did you call Dominic?” she said.

He nodded and his expression turned serious. “I did. He should be coming home soon. It sounds like the rehab facility plans to release him next week.”

“He’ll get to meet his niece.” She glanced down at the sleeping baby, then back up at Noah. “Worried he’ll take a swing at you for getting me pregnant?”

“No,” Noah said, brushing a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll let him throw a punch or two if he wants. Because falling for you? Getting you pregnant?” He leaned over their sleeping baby and gently kissed her. “Worth it.”

“She’s perfect, isn’t she?” Josie said as he straightened. “I was worried . . . she wasn’t as early, but still.”

“You were amazing, Josie. I know you were scared, but you did it. You were so strong. Hell, half the time I was certain you didn’t need me.”

“Just your love,” she said softly.

The baby stirred in her arms and she glanced down. But her perfect little girl was sound asleep.

“Josie.” She looked up and saw the smile she remembered from five years ago on his face. “I’m going to love you forever. And our little girl too.”