“What I’d really like is a cup of your coffee.” He picked up a stuffed rabbit and jiggled it. Samuel reached up and grabbed hold. “Is he trying to eat it?”
“Everything goes in his mouth right now. He’s teething.”
“Teething?”
“Don’t worry. He hasn’t drawn blood yet.”
Samuel sent the rabbit flying, surprising himself. Limbs stiffening, he screamed. Roman looked on the verge of panic. Grace took pity. Turning Samuel on his stomach, she patted his bottom. “Go get it, little man.” Calm again, Samuel pushed himself up. “He’s fine.” Grace returned to the adjoining kitchen. “I guess you haven’t been around babies that much.”
Roman gave a hard laugh. “I’ve done everything possible to avoid ever having a kid.”
Well, that told her more than she wanted to know. “How very responsible of you,” she muttered as she measured coffee.
“He’s sort of cute.”
Sort of cute? “Gee, thanks.” She poured water into the machine. “I happen to think Samuel is the most beautiful baby ever born.” Opening a cabinet, she took down a Raiders mug. “But then, I suppose every mother feels that way.” Samuel rolled over and managed to grab the rabbit. “He’s also very smart.”
Roman was still stationed like a bodyguard on the edge of the sofa. “If you say so.” Samuel lost interest in the rabbit and rolled over again, grabbing hold of the hem of Roman’s jeans. He started to fuss. Roman looked distressed. “Should I move him?”
“If you want.”
“It doesn’t matter what I want. What does he want?”
“He wants you to pick him up and hold him.”
Roman made a couple of tentative moves before he took firm hold and sat the baby on his lap. They stared at each other. When Samuel swung his arms around, Roman laughed. “I think he’s throwing punches at me.” He pretended to dodge. Samuel let out a baby giggle, which made Roman laugh.
“You’ll have to put him down if you’re going to have coffee.”
Roman put Samuel back on his stomach and placed the rabbit just out of reach. “Go for it, buddy.”
Grace handed Roman the mug of fresh brew and busied herself taking out sandwich fixings. She thanked God the man didn’t have a clue what she was feeling. Everything had been fine until he died on the sidewalk, and her world turned upside down. She didn’t want to love him. She’d just be hurt again, far worse this time than ever before. She felt a blush coming and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Turning away, she opened the jar of peanut butter. Get a grip, Grace. Don’t forget who you’re dealing with here.
“I haven’t thanked you properly for saving my life.”
She faced him. “I didn’t save your life. God did.”
“Yes, I know Jesus saved me, but He used you to do it.” He looked grim. “You did CPR on me. Remember?” He rubbed his chest. “My chest still aches.”
“I’m not surprised. A man helped me. And then two paramedics worked on you, and then a surgeon. You had a lot of hands on you, Roman.”
“Yours were the first.”
Why did he have to look at her like that? Her insides felt warm and soft. “Well, I’m glad you’re alive.”
“That makes two of us.”
Roman hadn’t moved, but he felt closer. His gaze traveled over her face, lingering on her mouth. Samuel started to cry. Thankful for the distraction, Grace went to check on her son. She bent down and munched at his tummy, making him laugh before she scooped him up.
Roman returned to the sofa. Leaning forward, knees apart, he held the mug in both hands and watched her pour formula into a bottle. He looked so pensive, but then considering what he’d been through, he did have a lot to think over. She warmed the bottle in the microwave. “Did you sleep any better last night?”
“No.”
Grace came back with Samuel on her hip and handed Roman the bottle of warm milk. He looked surprised, then worried. “You’re sure you trust me?”
“I only have two hands, and you’re both hungry.” She gave him what she hoped was an encouraging smile as she relinquished her son. “Be brave, Roman. Cradle him in your arms, give him the bottle, and you’ll be just fine.”
Roman did what she told him and gave her a smug look. “I think I have the hang of it.”
All that male confidence needed a reality check. “I should warn you: what goes in one end comes out the other.” He uttered a short, suitable word. She smiled slightly. “Precisely.”