A Charming Doorstep Baby by Heatherly Bell

Author:Heatherly Bell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-05-28T20:15:30+00:00

* * *

Outside, the torrential downpour and whistling wind created an eerie sound.

Thunder crashed like a cannonball. An explosion of sound and light flashed in the sky. And Dean was outside in this mess. With a black eye.

He was, interestingly, a lot like her, as if flipping a coin to see its other matching side. Whenever there’d been any kind of trouble at home, Maribel always wanted to help. When Jordan and Rafe had broken up so often as young lovers, she’d acted as intermediary. When her parents hit the roof after Max enlisted in the service, fear clouding their pride, she’d smoothed the way. “Pacificadora familiar,” her mother called her affectionately. The family peacemaker. Maribel had always been fascinated by what made people behave the way they did. She could never stand by and just watch situations and relationships implode.

Unable to stand by helplessly any longer, Maribel made herself useful. She’d grown up as part of a family in which each member had an assignment, a chore, a duty. Her DNA wouldn’t allow her to sit still. She’d already figured her part in all this. She would guard this baby with her life.

She set Brianna down in the bouncy seat next to her and heated water in pots on the stove so they’d have hot water for a while if the electricity went out.

When Dean walked inside the house, he was soaked, like he’d gone for a swim wearing clothes. He blinked water from his lashes, and his swollen eye looked even worse now.

He walked by her, leaving behind a squishy sound. “I’ll change and be right with you.”

“Don’t rush. I’m...I’m perfectly fine.”

She wanted to tell him she’d be okay, that she only wanted to help, not slow him down. Instead, she made herself useful by warming a bottle for Brianna. But the little angel had dozed off in the bouncy seat. Outside, the sky had darkened to the point it looked like midnight even though it was only dinnertime. Maribel didn’t know what else to do but stand like a sentry in front of the baby.

Dean eventually rejoined her. He wore a new pair of jeans and this time, thankfully, a shirt.

He peered over Maribel’s shoulder. “She’ll obviously sleep through anything as long as it’s not the middle of the night.”

“She doesn’t know what’s happening. It’s just another day to her.”

Maribel was about to state her momentary envy for Brianna when the lights flickered and, with a loud pop, shut off. In the dark, Maribel automatically reached behind her for Dean, but he had her first. His arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her to him. The warmth and strength of this touch sent heat pulsating through her.

His breath was warm against her neck. “Hang on.”

Then the light on his ever-present phone flashed on, and he took her hand and led them to the kitchen. Together, they lit candles using the matchbook and placed them around the room. There were two handheld flashlights, and he gave her one, taking the other.

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