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kinda rushed but, it wasn't any
good for you at all?”
    A loaded question that
deserved a truthful answer. “For me it started really well and then
fell short of the target. I realize that's something we could
improve on, but the truth is, I didn't want to make the same
mistake we made that night over again.” Not that it would make a difference now.
    “ Mistake?”
    “ We didn't use
protection.”
    He chewed on it for a bit. “Is there
something I should know about your health?”
    A reasonable assumption, but
out in left field. “I don't have any diseases,” she said testily,
“but now that we're on the subject, I should be asking you the same
thing. Let me cut to the chase. I'm pregnant.” And I'm not sure I can trust you.
    He jolted with the slap of the words,
then stared blindly into space while his mind processed. It didn't
take long. When he faced her, his eyes were brilliant with
excitement. “We'll get married.”
    Not a question, but a statement.
Stunned, she gauged his sincerity. “Isn't that a little impulsive?
Getting married should be about you and me. As an obligation it
will never work. I'm not holding you responsible if you want to
bolt.”
    “ It's not like that. It's
what I've wanted all along. This is just speeding things up, that's
all. Wow. A baby.” Heedless of his shirt, he crushed her to his
chest. “I'm thrilled!” He held her back and met her gaze. “I want
this kid. I know I can be a good Dad. I'm ready for this, Kylie. I
won't screw it up.”
    No, I want you, I'll be a good husband .
Just, I want this kid. A sinking feeling in her gut had her mind reeling. She gave
him a way out. “I wouldn't keep you from seeing the kid, if that's
what you're worried about.”
    He looked crestfallen. “The kid should
have us both, together. It's the right thing to do.”
    “ Kids can have the benefit
of two parents without them being married, Drew. I want to marry
for love. Neither of us seems to know if we're there
yet.”
    His eyes dimmed, hardened. “You're
spoiling this.”
    “ Marriage is a serious step.
A lifelong commitment. I should talk to my parents first, maybe
meet yours. And you should sleep on it, ask yourself in the morning
if this is still what you want.”
    A muscle worked in his jaw but he
shook his head in agreement. “I understand.” A nervous laugh
trickled out. “Like you said, it's a big step. For both of
us.”
    When he walked away, Kylie realized
that love, if it was present, should have already made itself
known.
     
    *
     
    Climbing out of his late model Jeep,
Will strode toward the rear of the Big Red Barn where Valley Farms
doled out crates of newly harvested fruits and vegetables to their
walk-in wholesale customers. Inside he was greeted by workers who
asked if Jimmy was sick today. When he asked where he could find
Kylie Lambert, a few pairs of eyebrows were raised but no one
questioned the nature of his business with her.
    It wasn't business he was thinking
about. She'd gotten under his skin. True, they hadn't had much
opportunity to speak after their first conversation at the
barbeque, but he was going to remedy that right now.
    He found her next to a barrel of
pungent soil, examining it with gloved hands. The sun was in her
eyes when she looked up.
    Recognizing him, Kylie's stomach
erupted with butterflies. She placed one calming hand on her belly
while shielding her eyes with the other.
    “ Will Delaney. What are you
doing here?”
    “ Picking up strawberries.
Thought I'd come over and say hello.”
    “ Oh. Well, hello.” She
peeled off a glove and held out her hand, which he took. “Nice to
see you again.” The butterflies in her belly stepped up their
little disco dance and she marveled that he had that effect on her.
Drew's appearance had spawned annoyance. Not a single butterfly had
come to life. It worried some, but she'd think about that
later.
    “ You never did take that
look at my greenhouse. I could use some advice. My tomato plants
are