“You’re serious,” Marissa said her eyes wide as she studied his sincere face.
“I am,” Trace admitted. “When I was five, my mom decided she didn’t want to be pregnant and took a bunch of pills. My dad found her before it was too late, but you met Daisy, you saw what happened. It was a miracle Daisy lived, and we both loved her, but as soon as she was delivered, my mom left. I don’t know where she is, but I know one thing. This world is a better place with my sister in it. She has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever seen, and she has helped to place dozens of unwanted babies in loving homes. Give me a chance,” he finished his eyes pleading.
Marissa stared at the cowboy not certain what to say. Would he go through with it? Even if he didn’t, it gave her more time to sort the whole thing out. She would have so much less to explain if she could simply tell her students that her husband was working away.
For several long seconds, she sat there staring at Trace, her eyes seeing, but her heart hiding from the fear.
“You’d do this?”
“Yes,” Trace said squeezing her hand and trying to convey the depth of his conviction. “I know it’s crazy, but I don’t care. I just want to help.”
“It is crazy,” Marissa agreed, something in her very essence longing to say yes. “What happens after the baby is born?” she asked.
“Whatever you want,” Trace said. “You can go on your way and leave the child with me, or we can work out something else. By then you’ll have a better idea of what you truly want.”
Marissa found herself nodding at the insane notion. It might work. She wanted a family, she wanted children, why not let this be the start? Perhaps in a few months when the baby was born she would feel more confident about raising it on her own, but for now, this eliminated several of the issues that had worried her.
“I’ll do it,” she said, still reeling from the idea. “If you’re truly willing to marry me and give me a way out of this mess, I’ll do it.”
Trace smiled squeezing her hand gently again. He could see her heart in her eyes and a sense of relief, even joy-filled, his chest as he whispered a silent thanks to heaven.
“Do you need time or do you want to get married soon?” he asked. “I’ll be there when you’re ready.”
“Just take me home, cowboy,” Marissa said feeling suddenly tired and drained. “I’m going home to get a good night’s sleep then I’ll let you know in the morning. I have no idea how I’m going to explain this to Michelle or my parents,” she added almost to herself.
Trace started the truck again and shifted into gear turning out onto the dark road leading toward the ranch. He still didn’t understand what had made him propose to Marissa, but he felt deep down inside it had been the right thing to do. If he ended up a single dad so be it, but he wasn’t going to let this woman down. One way or another he would show her the peace that came with knowing who holds the future.
Perhaps tonight wasn’t the time to bring up the subject of God, but he knew he was one step closer to sharing that amazing love with Marissa.
Chapter 11
Marissa walked downstairs to the sound of laughter from the kitchen and slowed her step at the sound of Philomena’s voice.
“I’m serious,” Phil said. “We came home to absolute silence, and the minute Marissa and Trace were out the door, Chase and I fell into bed tangled like a wisteria vine and slept like the dead,”
“Glad to hear romance isn’t dead,” Michelle said chuckling past her coffee cup.
“What are you saying?” Phil grumbled. “Being able to sleep in my husband’s arms was very romantic.”
“Good morning,” Marissa said stepping into the kitchen grinning when Phil’s cheeks went red.
“I take it you heard,” Phil said looking down at Megan who was asleep in her baby carrier to cover her embarrassment.
“Maybe just a little,” Marissa said moving to the counter where fruit, yogurt, and a breakfast casserole waited, to fix a plate.
“You sleep well?” Michelle asked. “You look rested this morning.”
Marissa turned leaning against the dark stone countertop and scooping up a bite of creamy yogurt and fruit. “I did sleep well,” she said surprised at the fact as she shoveled the food into her mouth.
“When are you going to come to babysit for me again?” Phil asked, brushing her auburn locks from her neck. “Maybe you could bring her over here, and Chase and I could have a date night at home,” she finished hopefully.
Marissa laughed. “I’d be happy to watch Megan again,” she said, “but Trace is the one who got her to go to sleep.”
“Then bring him along,” Phil said her violet eyes pleading. “It felt so good to be out and spend time with Chase with one of us not rocking, feeding, or bouncing a cranky baby.”
“Are you going out with Trace again?” Michelle asked slyly, hiding her smile behind her coffee mug.
Marissa shrugged thoughts of the night before flashing through her brain. Had she truly been considering Trace’s proposal? What would it be like to know that she had a way out if she wanted it? “I don’t know,” she said keeping her voice neutral.
Phil raised a brow at Michelle but didn’t look at Marissa.
Adding more fruit to her bowl Marissa moved to the table and slipped into a chair.
“Go on ask?” she said looking at Phil. She could see the questions dancing in the ranch owner’s eyes.
“You went
