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He lowered his lips to hers, and beneath the moon and the stars, as Hope stood sentinel, their bodies fell into sync, and Eric found the only thing that had ever felt likehome—and she was right there in his arms.

CHAPTER 11

BY SEVEN THIRTYthe next morning the Braden house was bursting with energy. Christian was stuffing Cheerios into his little pudgy cheeks, and Layla was in full waitress mode. Her bangs were pinned up on top of her head in a pretty barrette, bringing her wide smile into full focus. She was obviously pleased to have a big-girl responsibility as she placed a plate of pancakes in front of Hal.

“Would you like butter, Poppy?” Layla asked.

Hal wrapped a thick arm around her and pressed a kiss to her temple. “No, thank you, sweet girl. These look delicious just as they are.”

A proud smile passed between Kat and Brianna. Kat had grown up in Richmond, and when Brianna had first interviewed for the job at Old Town Tavern, she and Kat had immediately hit it off. Kat had been part of Brianna’s life since before Layla was born, and she could hardly believe how many years had passed. Layla was obviously flourishing as part of the Braden family.

Eric walked into the kitchen, freshly showered, with hair that looked towel dried and oh so sexy. His eyes immediately found Kat, and his lips curved up in a sinful smile that made her heart race. Every second they’d been together last night had broughtthem closer to each other and taught her more about herself. She could hardly believe that she’d blocked out the episode at the camp when she was younger, but now her fear of deep water made total sense. Eric had been so thoughtful with her last night when they’d taken Hope down to the river. He had an innate ability to be seductive and careful at the same time, and that brought out the good girl and the bad girl in Kat. The combination had surprised her, after she’d tried for so long to be discerning and to act more responsibly. What she’d learned last night was that she was happier just being herself. She didn’t need to be with strangers. She simply hadn’t found the right man, one who brought out the naughty and the nice aspects of her personality the way Eric did. Going skinny-dipping with him was the biggest thrill, and the most intimate moment, she’d ever shared with a man. Maybe she should be embarrassed by her brazenness in initiating the striptease, but she wasn’t. Not one single bit. How could she be when her heart felt so full? And now, as she watched Eric press a kiss to Christian’s cheek and swoop Layla into his arms as she walked toward the kitchen, making her giggle like crazy, she found herself picturing Eric as a father.

“Are you cooking this morning?” Eric asked Layla, bringing Kat’s mind back to the moment.

Shocked at where her mind had traveled, she tried to distract herself from her thoughts by taking a sip of orange juice. It didn’t help.

Layla giggled again. “No. I’m serving. Do you like my outfit for the picnic? Auntie Riley made it.” Riley was engaged to Hugh’s brother Josh. The two of them were fashion designers in New York City.

Eric set her on her feet and twirled her around with a low whistle. “You are going to be the belle of the picnic.”

Kat loved that he gave Layla his full attention, and obviously Layla did, too, because she hugged him again before rushing off to serve another plate.

“What can I do to help?” Eric asked.

Hugh walked into the room behind him and patted him on the back. “Why don’t you take that seat next to Kat. I’ve got this.” Hugh touched Hal’s shoulder. “Hi, Pop. More coffee?”

“No, thank you, son.”

The front door opened, and Rex’s deep voice echoed through the house. “I smell pancakes.” He had an arm draped around his very pregnant wife, Jade, and his cowboy bootsclunkedacross the hardwood floor as they joined them at the table.

“Pop.” Rex patted Hal on the shoulder. “How’s it going, Kat?”

“Wonderful. How are you?” Kat asked.

“Mighty fine. Thanks for asking.” Rex swept Christian out of his high chair, making the little boy squeal with delight and kick his feet. He tucked the boy against his burly chest as he pulled out a chair for Jade. “Sit down, babe. I’ll grab your food.”

“I’ve got it, Uncle Rex.” Layla set a plate in front of Jade.

“Well, aren’t you the perfect hostess?” Rex bent to kiss her. Layla beamed at his praise. He sat beside Jade, bouncing Christian on his knee.

“You’re anxious for your own baby, aren’t you?” Kat asked as Eric sat beside her and draped an arm over her shoulder. She glanced at him, surprised by, and reveling in, his display of affection.

“That I am.” Rex leaned over and kissed Jade’s cheek, then pressed his large hand to her belly.

“Rexy has been ready for this baby since the day he asked me to marry him.” Jade leaned forward to kiss Christian, who was busy trying to get his fingers into Rex’s mouth. “You should probably put him back in his high chair before he thinks it’s playtime instead of breakfast time.”

“How about you, Kat? Do you want children?” Eric asked, surprising the hell out of her.

“Yes. I definitely want children one day. I love kids,” she answered with her heart in her throat.

Beneath the table he placed his bare foot on top of hers as he said, “So do I.”

“Whoa,” Hugh said as he came into the room and set platters of pancakes and eggs on the table. “What the heck happened on your date last night?”

“Did Hope treat you well?” Rex asked.

Brianna carried a tray of fruit to the table, and Hugh pulled out a seat for her. She had her eyes locked on Kat. Kat had been bursting at the seams this morning, and she’d already shared the details of their incredible date with Bree.