Burn for You (41 page)
“Jason?”
“Yeah, babe?”
“I have something to tell you.”
She turned her face up to his and took his hand, holding it over her stomach. Very softly, she whispered, “You’re going to be a dad.”
“What?”
“I’m pregnant,” she said, her worried eyes searching his face.
She was waiting for him to freak out.
The pier felt like it was moving beneath his legs, and he went unsteadily to his knees.
“Jase?”
He didn’t know the first thing about taking care of a baby. Didn’t know how to bathe one. Or feed one. Or use that terrifying Diaper Genie thing Victoria’s brothers were always talking about.
And that scared the shit out of him.
But life with Victoria had changed him, and the man he was today had something the old Jason hadn’t. He had hope. Hope that with her by his side, he’d figure this fatherhood thing out.
The hope far outweighed the fear.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed his face to her belly, kissing her stomach. If the overwhelming love he already felt for the little life inside her was any indication of the kind of father he’d be, then he was probably off to a good start.
“Is this what a lifetime with you is going to be like?” he asked.
Victoria looked down at him, a puzzled expression on her face as she ran her fingers soothingly through his hair. “How do you mean?”
“Just one miracle after another?”
She laughed. “I certainly hope so.”
He stood, and reverently holding her face with his hands, he kissed her. “Darling, I know so.”
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Burn for You
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Books by Stephanie Reid:
The Protector Series
And look for Preston’s book,
Alone Together
in 2016!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephanie Reid writes contemporary romances with heart, humor, and a happily ever after. She holds a master’s degree in Human Development Counseling and enjoys using counseling theories on her fictional characters (and from time to time her husband).
A Chicago suburbanite by birth, Stephanie now resides with her husband and three children in central Illinois.
Acknowledgements
This book is dedicated with love and gratitude to first responders everywhere and their families. As the wife of a police officer, I have seen first-hand the sacrifices the men and women who serve our communities make. They work long hours, endure the stress of frequent crisis situations, and carry the burden of bearing witness to countless tragedies. Their work is difficult and often thankless and yet they rise to the challenge again and again. Victoria and Jason represent two heroes who deal with their difficult jobs in different ways. Victoria, who meets every person with empathy and compassion, and Jason, who copes by maintaining a professional distance but seeks justice and has a strong protective instinct. I hope I did them justice, and I thank all the real-life heroes who protect and serve our communities and whose courage and bravery inspire me to write stories.
I also have to thank the many individuals who provided support and guidance throughout the writing of this book. Significant changes and improvements were made after getting feedback from Beta readers: Becky D., Carrie C., Carrie J. (I know! Two Carries and spelled the same way!), and Sarita. And special thanks to Joanne “Jo Says” T. who went above and beyond with her attention to detail and thorough feedback, and whose enthusiasm for Victoria and Jason’s story kept me going.
So much love for my three amigos, my writer besties, who are always there when I need to bounce ideas, get feedback, ask grammar questions, talk business, or vent. Who are just as willing to talk writing as they are to talk kids, families, books, and TV shows. I’m not sure I can get through a week without our chats. Katrina Kirkpatrick, Karla Sorensen, and Brenda Rothert you ladies are the best! And a special shout out to Brenda, who read portions of this book, not once but twice, as I worked to perfect it.
And last but never least, my family. To my parents and biggest supporters, I thank you for everything from babysitting so I can take a writer’s getaway to reading first drafts. To my mother-in-law who proudly sent my book to her friends. To my husband who volunteered to take notes at a writer’s workshop while I was at another session. I don’t tell you all enough how much your support means or how much I love you, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart.