page28 (1/2)

To Gabe’s credit, he didn’t press, but rose with her He stepped closer, stirring the scents of charcoal and aftershave “I’ll take him”

“We’re fine” Brooke nodded toward the back door “Lead the way”

She followed hi roohts as they went

“Watch your step,” he said quietly as he moved across to turn back the bed A jumble of toys littered the floor “No ain”

Brooke gently lowered AJ to the sheets She was amazed to find the room was clean at all How did Gabe have the time to work, care for a toddler and keep a house seuilt pinched her He needed help He’d asked for it No one, including her, had stepped up to the plate

“I’ll get his shoes,” she whispered and slipped off the pair of brown sandals while Gabe efficiently wrestled the child into pajamas When AJ stirred and mumbled, Gabe paused, waited for him to settle, then pulled the sheet up to the sly curls stuck to the sides of AJ’s head where he’d sweated against Brooke Gabe smoothed them as he kissed his son’s forehead

Brooke observed the sweet, unself-conscious action of a father who loved his child and wasn’t afraid to show affection She doubted if Gabe Wesson was afraid of anything

“You’re a great dad,” she whispered

They were standing side by side, gazing down at the sleeping child Gabe shifted, swiveling slowly toward her

“Thanks” Coffee-brown eyes caught hers and held Maybe it was the inti baby Maybe it was the relaxed and co shared But so passed between them, an emotion ripe with possibility

The thought leaped into Brooke’s head that she’d like to walk into Gabe’s arainst his chest, to be secure in those strong, muscled arms

She took a step back, startled by the intensity