Page 59 of Bryson

Her laughter had him glowering at her.

"It's not funny."

"I thought you liked him."

"I tolerate him for your sake. He's a pain in the ass and he has this way of staring at me. It's creepy."

"He thinks you're hot." When he grimaced, she doubled over in mirth.

"You're enjoying yourself way too much," he told her darkly. Lifting his son up, he kissed the satiny cheek, inhaling the combination of baby oil and powder.

"He bought a cottage."

"How close a proximity?"

She rolled her eyes and leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. "You like him."

"He's an ass."

"He admires you."

When he only grunted, Julianne poked him in the ribs. "He's ready to surrender to sleep."

"Think he'll sleep through the night?"

"Not a chance and don't pretend that you don't like it when he wakes up."

He grinned sheepishly. "Busted. Okay, buddy, let's get you settled."

She watched tenderly as he carefully slid off the bed and put their son into the mobile cot. For now, he was sleeping in their room until he was much bigger.

Making sure the blanket was tucked securely around the tiny body, he stood there staring at the perfectly formed human being he had helped to create and felt the familiar lump in his throat. Touching the tip of his nose, Bryson whispered goodnight before joining his wife on the bed.

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him. A feeling of contentment stole over him as her familiar scent filled his nostrils. "Have I told you how much I love you?" he asked her quietly.

"This morning." Shifting her head, she smiled at him.

"I must be slipping." His eyes were suspiciously moist. "I love you, Julianne McNab. Thanks for making everything right in my life."

"You're welcome, darling," she whispered. Drawing his head down, she sank into the kiss.

The end…