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On one hand, she was happy they had each other but on the other, she wasn’t there to share it and it happened anyway.
    “Want some more gingerbread?” Scott held the plate in her direction, making her groan.
    “I will burst apart and make a mess if I eat another bite. I need to go running tomorrow, I think, or I’ll gain fifteen pounds before I go back to work.”
    She knew he wanted to say something but he simply snorted and left it at that.
    “I’m actually going to head on back to Brian’s. I’m tired and since we’ll be doing the big decorating stuff tomorrow night, I need my rest.” She stood and kissed everyone before heading out.
    “I’ll be home in a bit, I need to stop over at the hospital to check on one of my patients,” Brian called out.
    “Tell Rafe we expect him for dinner if he’s not having it at his parents’ tomorrow,”
    her mother absently said as she wrapped up a platter of goodies Belle had promised to bring home to him.
    “I’m having lunch over there tomorrow, by the way. But if he’s home when I get there, I’ll tell him.” Belle did her best to sound nonchalant about him but knew she failed.
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    33
    Lauren Dane
    Her mother’s eyes came to rest on her, razor sharp and not missing the sound of Belle’s voice. “I’ll walk you out.”
    Crap, she was in for it.
    “So…anything you want to tell me before I start getting phone calls?” Her mother stood in the path of her car door, preventing her from making a quick getaway.
    “About what?” Belle put the platter of baked goods on the passenger seat and tried not to look directly at her mother.
    “Annabelle Louise Taylor, don’t you try that with me, young lady. You know what.”
    She sighed. “I’m not sure, to be totally honest with you. But in some way, Rafe and I are involved. Other than that basic thing, I don’t know. I don’t know what it means, what it is, what he thinks about it. It was unexpected. How did you know, anyway?”
    “Good Lord, Belle, do you think I’m an idiot? I raised five children, one of them being Kevin! I know all sorts of things based on what they say and how they say it. Your voice when you said you were going to lunch and then if you’d see him tonight, it changed, softened and your eyes lit up. I suppose that’s why you had such a bounce in your step this morning?”
    “All right, this is officially making me uncomfortable. I’m going to go now. I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you.” Belle tugged on her door and her mother made a show of slooooowly moving out of the way.
    “I expect to hear more about this. I like Rafe. He’s a good man and he’s part of our family already. You can count on a man like him.”
    “He is a good man. I’ve liked Rafe a very long time and I’ll talk to you later.” Belle closed her door firmly, locked it and drove away.
    He was a good man. Handsome. Solid. He believed in things, made a difference, was committed to his family and community. That was rare. And he was hot in bed.
    His truck was in the driveway and the lights blazed in the house. Her heartbeat quickened once she knew he was there.
    When she walked into the large living room, she caught sight of him stretched out, long legs propped up on a side table, watching television. But when he heard her, he 34
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    turned, giving her all his attention and the look he gave her nearly knocked her to her knees.
    “I brought you some cookies and gingerbread. My mother said you need to try the new shortbread recipe and tell her what you think.”
    He stood without saying anything and stalked to her. Her heart thundered in her chest as he took the platter and put it down. One of his arms banded around her waist and pulled her close while his mouth sought hers, capturing it, taking and giving.
    Pleasure unfurled low in her gut and drifted outward until she was lazy with it, warm and nearly purring.
    Giving in, she relaxed into his body as she