The Unclaimed Baby by Sherryl Woods Page B

There’s not much that can’t be fixed with the kick of a little salsa.” He picked up the taco and held it for her. “One more bite.”
    She dutifully took that bite and then, with his gaze locked on hers, she took one more. Before she knew it, she’d finished one taco and was reaching for the second.
    â€œBetter?” be asked.
    â€œOkay, yes. You’re a very wise man.”
    â€œI do have my moments,” he agreed with a twinkle in his eyes.
    â€œSo, smarty, tell me again why a baby who’s not yet one needs a saddle.”
    His cheeks flushed a dull red. “Okay, maybe that was going a little overboard, but she’ll be able to ride a rocking horse soon. After that she’ll graduate to the real thing.”
    â€œDo you realize how long that will be?” she protested.
    His expression sobered. “I know.”
    A tear escaped and began to slide slowly down her cheek. He reached over and brushed it away with a gentle caress.
    â€œDon’t think about that, Sharon Lynn. Concentrate on the here and now. It’s all any of us ever have, anyway.”
    Â 
    Cord was getting to be a mighty fast talker. He managed to convince Sharon Lynn to let him spend another night on her sofa so he could take the middle-of-the-night feedings. He made it sound like a generous and unselfish gesture, but he knew it was anything but that. As long as he was in that house, spending time with Sharon Lynn and the baby, he could pretend that that was the way it would always be. A fine one he was to be telling her to concentrate on the present and not to look too far ahead, when he was already gazing years into the future.
    Sunday morning he awoke to see a vision standing over him. Used to seeing Sharon Lynn in jeans and cotton blouses or sweaters, he was stunned to see her all dressed up in a dress made of soft blue wool in a shade the exact color of her eyes. She’d let her hair fall to her shoulders and had brushed it to a shine.
    â€œGoing someplace?”
    â€œI thought I’d go to church, if you don’t mind staying here with Ashley a little longer. Do you need to get back to White Pines?”
    â€œNot right away.”
    He thought he knew why she was so anxious to go to Sunday services. There were prayers she needed to say in a place where she’d be sure God would hear her. He wouldn’t mind offering up a few of those prayers himself.
    â€œWe could bundle up the baby and go together,” he suggested.
    She shook her head. “That’s okay. I’m running late as it is.”
    â€œThen go,” he said. Something told him her words would be heard more readily than his own anyway. There were a few sins he probably needed to acknowledge before the Almighty would be interested in much else he had to say. He could start off with lust, which seemed to be slamming through him on a regular basis lately.
    â€œWe’ll be right here when you get back,” he promised.
    Sharon Lynn turned away, then hesitated before turning back. “If you don’t have any plans for the rest of the day, Grandpa Harlan wants me to bring the baby to White Pines for Sunday dinner. You’re welcome to join us.”
    Much as he wanted to go along, Cord was hesitant. “Are you sure that’s such a good idea? I’m a hired hand out there.”
    A smile flickered then faded as she said wryly, “Believe me, no one will be happier to see you with us than Grandpa Harlan.”
    â€œAm I supposed to understand what you mean by that?”
    â€œNot yet, but when you figure it out, you might want to run like hell.”
    He thought he was beginning to get the picture. It was definitely one that could work to his advantage. “Not to worry. I know how to hold my own with aman like your granddaddy.” Especially when he suspected they had very similar goals in mind. It might be helpful to have an ally like Harlan Adams pushing Sharon Lynn his