Chapter One
It was early morning. The darkness of the night still filled the sky, though hints of light had begun to peek out over the tops of the highest trees. The familiar smell of coffee was slowly wafting into the room. A smile spread across Carly's face. She automatically reached across the bed, knowing full well Jack was already up and dressed. She was surprised when she actually made contact with him. She opened her eyes and saw him smiling down at her. He squeezed her hand gently bringing it to his lips for a kiss and whispered "Good morning."
"Morning G-Man. You're up awfully early," Carly said as she stretched and adjusted her growing belly. She was nearly into her third trimester and so far the pregnancy had gone beautifully. No preeclampsia, no high-blood pressure, nothing. Just a normal, average pregnancy. At times Carly could hardly believe it. Nothing in her life was ever normal or average.
"How are you and the baby feeling this morning," asked Jack quickly helping Carly settle herself into a different position. He scooted over towards her, with his back against the headboard so that she could curl up against him. He rubbed her back and put his other hand on the baby. He smiled. Jack still couldn't believe their luck in finding out Carly was pregnant on their wedding day. He'd been disappointed when he'd found out that Dusty was actually the father of Janet's baby boy. But the disappointment vanished quickly when he realized that it was the best thing that could have happened. He'd never wanted to have a child with Janet. The entire pregnancy was a disaster and nearly ruined his chance at having everything he'd ever wanted with Carly. He would never make that mistake again. He laid his cheek on the top of her head.
"We're just fine. Still a little tired though," Carly replied snuggling even closer to Jack, resting her head on his chest and closing her eyes again. She smiled to herself. Jack had decided that he wanted to be surprised about the sex of the baby and she was having a heck of time keeping that information from him. She lifted her head, grinning at him with a raised eyebrow and said, "I think I could use another 4 hours. Do you mind just sitting here and holding us?"
Jack brought a hand to her cheek and gently caressed her lower lip with his thumb. Carly's mouth had always hypnotized him and he never got tired of kissing her. He looked into her eyes and recognized the desire burning there. Jack watched her. Her lips parted and her breathing increased as she gazed back at him. She licked her lips in anticipation. That was enough for Jack. He leaned down toward her pausing less than an inch away from her mouth and inhaled her. From their very first kiss in Montana - nothing had changed. She intoxicated him and he could never get enough of her. He brushed his lips slowly across hers and she responded immediately. Carly slid her hand up Jack's arm to his shoulder, around his neck and started rubbing her fingers through his hair. Carly smiled slightly at the moan of pleasure coming from Jack. After all this time they each knew the other so well. Jack's kiss became more demanding. His hand left her cheek, sliding down her neck and brushed against her breast as it joined his other hand on her back and pulled her gently closer. Now it was Carly's turn to moan. She started fumbling for Jack's shirt buttons and was successful at undoing the first three when Jack pulled back from their kiss and smiled. "Are you trying to get me to play hooky Mrs. Snyder?"
"Well, you're the detective - what do you think?" She smiled coyly at him.
He kissed the top of her head, "You know there is nothing else I'd rather do than stay here in bed with you… but I need to get to the station. Margo's on vacation this week. And I have got a ton of extra work just waiting on my desk for me. How about we meet right back here tonight and we can… uh… pick up where we left off. Sound like a plan?" he said looking into her beautiful blue eyes and feeling himself becoming distracted by her yet again.
Carly sighed and put off claiming victory until later that night. She kissed him once more before allowing him to get up, tuck his shirt back in and button himself back up. She got back under the covers and decided to try and get some more sleep while she still could. "I'm gonna hold you to that, you know."
Jack pulled the covers over her and brushed a strand of hair away from her face and said, "I wouldn't have it any other way." He gave her a sexy smile and kissed her gently on the cheek. He headed downstairs and grabbed a cup of coffee for the road. Grabbed his gun and badge from the safe and locked the door behind him.