I gripped her hips, lifting her up and down while I planted my feet against the mattress and used the leverage to thrust into her. Unable to hold back, I pounded into her tight little pu**y over and over again, loving the way her chest bounced as I plunged into her.

All too soon, McKenna was exploding around me, murmuring my name and gripping her br**sts to rub her ni**les as she started to come.

The sight of her, coupled with the intense way her body gripped at mine, wrenched the last of my self-control away. Tingles at the base of my spine drew my balls tight against my body as my own release began. Hot jets of se**n pumped into her. McKenna clung to me helplessly and I lifted up on my elbows to kiss her. Her walls continued pulsing around me for several seconds as our breathing slowed and our kiss turned deeper, slower.

One thing was certain: I did not deserve an angel like McKenna. The only explanation for her presence in my life was that my mom had sent her from heaven to look after us all. It was the only thing that made sense. I’d known she was my angel right from the very beginning.

I wanted to make love to her over and over again, taking my time like it might be my last time touching her. The last time I had the privilege of holding her naked body against mine. Because when she found out about my connection to the lawyer, I was all too aware that all of this could end.

Chapter Eight

McKenna

Amanda and her baby girl, AnnMarie—named for both of her grandmas—were being released from the hospital today. And since I felt so guilty that I hadn’t even visited once, I’d offered to pick her up and give them a ride home. Just as I was stepping into my shoes and shrugging on my coat, Brian opened the door to our apartment.

“I wasn’t expecting you until later,” I said with surprise. “Did you drive yourself?”

He lifted his arms out to his sides. “Good as new. Not even a limp. I can operate a car and everything.”

Much-needed laughter bubbled its way up my throat. The last few days had been too tense, and it was good to see his smiling face.

He gathered me in his arms for a hug. “Damn, it’s good to be home,” he said.

“It’s good to see you on your feet.”

“Where are you off to?” he asked, taking in my appearance.

“I was actually going to pick up a friend and her brand new baby from the hospital, then drive them home.”

“You still have that rental car?” he asked.

I nodded sheepishly. “I was supposed to return it days ago. But it turns out I like having my own wheels.”

Brian chuckled. “How about this. I’ll follow you to the rental lot so you can return it, and then I’ll give you a lift to the hospital so we can get your friend.”

I nodded. “If you don’t mind, that would be really helpful.”

“Are you kidding? I’ve been in a bed for almost a month. The last thing I want to do is sit inside alone and watch more TV.”

He dropped his bags in his bedroom, used the restroom, and then we were on the road within minutes. As promised, Brian followed me to the rental lot and waited while I returned the rental car and paid the bill, then we were en route to the hospital.

“So…you and Knox…” he started.

When I was in Indiana for all those weeks, Brian knew my relationship with Knox was on the rocks. Now he was fishing for information, but I couldn’t blame him. He had to be curious, and I’d been pretty closed off about my relationship.

“We’re back together. I love him, Bri. I love being with him and his brothers. And I think my parents would have wanted me to be happy.”

He nodded silently, looking out at the road. “Yeah, they would have,” he said after several minutes of silence. “They would be really proud of you, you know.”

It was the first time I’d heard him acknowledge that, and irrational tears filled my eyes.

“Guess it’s time I let you go,” he said softly. “Shit, I’ve had a crush on you since the first grade. You can’t say I didn’t try.”

I chuckled lightly. “You put in a valiant effort.”

He reached over and took my hand. “Knox is lucky to have you.”

“Thanks, Bri.”

His injury and time recouping seemed to bring him a new sense of peace and clarity. It had given him a lot of time to think. And my leaving him while he was still recovering to return to Knox must have sent a stronger message than I realized. I’d chosen Knox over him in every way possible.

When we arrived at the hospital, we checked in at the security desk and were directed to the third-floor maternity wing. I thought Brian might just wait for us in the waiting room, but he insisted on helping, saying there would probably be bags to carry.

I decided I liked his new helpfulness and sense of peace about our friends-only status. We paused outside Amanda’s room and I gave a knock on the door.

“Come in!” she called, her voice sounding clear and happy.

I poked my head in and made sure she was dressed. She was wearing stretch pants and a cute top, and had a big smile across her face.

“I have my friend Brian with me…that okay?” I asked.

She nodded. “Of course. Thanks for coming.” She waved us in.

We entered the room and I gave Amanda a big hug before peeking inside the bassinet holding the tiny baby.

“Aw…” I gushed as a rush of emotions hit me at once. Amanda was a mom. And AnnMarie was so tiny and pink. She was absolutely precious. A miracle baby in more ways than one.