Deborah Camp (46 page)

He laughed again. “Copper, I love these mountains almost as much as you do. You don’t mind if I build a loft onto this cabin, do you? We’ll need the extra room for our children.”

“Our children,” she said, sighing. “I’m glad you’re not leaving.”

“Is that so?” He trailed a finger down her cheek. “Is this the same woman who told me once that she’d had her fill of husbands and marriage?”

“That was before I knew I’d never really had a husband or a marriage. I was just sold into slavery.”

He nodded. “I’m glad you came to that realization, sugar.”

“It’s good you won’t be leaving because I’ll be needing your help next winter.”

“Chopping wood and checking on traps? I don’t mind a bit. In fact, I’m looking forward to it.”

“I wasn’t talking about chores. I’ll need your help to deliver another baby.” She gave him a quick kiss. “Our baby.”

“You’re not—?” He lifted his brows to finish the question.

“No, but you can do something about that, can’t you, Tucker Jones?”

He chuckled. “I believe so.”

Suddenly, Valor slapped the bedcovers with both hands. “Muuhmuuh. Puuhpaah.”

Copper sucked in a breath of excitement. “Did you hear her? She called us mama and papa!”

“Music to my ears. I wouldn’t mind hearing that for the rest of my life.” Tucker kissed Valor’s forehead and ran a hand over the baby’s soft hair.

Copper saw her future in the verdant green and bright gold of his eyes.

“I love you, Copper,” he whispered, his voice husky with emotion.

She sighed and kissed him again. “And I wouldn’t mind hearing
that
for the rest of
my
life.”

“Sugar,” he said against her lips, “I love you. I love you, I love you, I honest-to-goodness, truly do love you …”