Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [114]
“You know what I think?” Bob asked. He stood up and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against him. “I think you’re the bravest woman I know. If you’re willing to do this, then, what the hell, so am I.”
“I’m throwing out my birth control pills today.” She smiled widely, the tears gone.
Holding her close, Bob threw back his head and laughed. “You do that, sweetheart, and leave the rest to me.”
Despite his bravado, Merrily knew that Bob still felt some uncertainty about committing himself to this project. If you could call a baby a “project.” So for the rest of the day, she formed a plan of action to lure her husband into bed. By the time she was finished with him, any lingering fears would be gone.
That night, after a lengthy shower, Bob walked into their bedroom, wrapped in his thick robe. He took one look at her and came to an abrupt standstill.
Merrily stood posed beside the bed, smiling saucily. Crooking one finger, she urged him toward her.
“What have you got on under that?” he asked, his voice husky.
“That’s for you to find out.”
“Merrily, I had a long, hard day. I’m tired….”
“I promise to make the night a whole lot more pleasant.” Untying the sash, she let the short silk robe fall open to expose her breasts and smooth, flat abdomen.
“Ah…”
“You still too tired, Buffalo Man?” she asked softly.
“I think I’ve just found a new surge of energy.”
Merrily beamed him an enticing smile and held out her hand, but he still hesitated. “Hey, Buffalo Man.” She pouted prettily. “How much of an invitation do you need, anyway?”
He chuckled as he swung her into his arms and carried her to their bed. With a gentleness that always amazed her in a man of his size, he placed her on top of the covers. “So, you want a baby, do you?” he whispered, smiling down at her.
She nodded.
“Tonight seems the perfect time to try.”
“That’s what I thought, too.”
“And if it doesn’t work tonight, we’ll just have to continue doing this until we succeed.”
“Oh, I agree with that.” She slid her arms around his neck.
“I hope I don’t disappoint you…”
“Not a chance.”
“And I hope that getting you pregnant doesn’t turn out to be as easy as you think it’ll be.”
She giggled again and kissed his jaw. He captured her lips with his own and they were soon so caught up in their lovemaking that the only sounds they made were soft panting sighs.
Matt loved his wife. He’d come to recognize it in the first months of their marriage, but the intensity of his love had deepened after their reconciliation. His admiration for Margaret’s hard work and leadership grew. But just as much as he admired her ability to manage a ranch, he loved her compassion and her capacity for forgiveness.
“Did anyone ever tell you how good you look on a horse?” he called out as they rode toward the ranch after a long day moving the herd to its summer pasture. The size of the herd was more than they could handle alone and there were several ranch hands working with them for the season.
“If you’re trying to tell me I’m beautiful, just say so,” she called back.
“You’re beautiful,” he shouted. “You’re a fine rider, Margaret Eilers. You ride like you’re part of the horse.”
“Yeah, but which part?”
Matt threw back his head and roared with laughter. This was what he enjoyed most about their marriage, this banter and easy camaraderie. Margaret was more than his wife; she was his friend. The best friend he’d ever had. He’d never felt lonely until he’d nearly lost her. Never understood what brought a man home to a woman every night. Not just sex or domestic comfort. It was this—companionship. Understanding. A shared life. He couldn’t imagine living without her now. Pastor Dawson was right; he had to fight to save his marriage.
Dinner was waiting for them when they arrived at the house. Soon afterward Sadie left for the day, but not before she caught Matt’s eye and winked. It was the housekeeper’s way of letting him know she was pleased that the situation had been resolved.
Only, everything wasn’t resolved, and wouldn’t be until