Just like that, she grew so she could hold all this love—love for her baby and for Chance. As her heart expanded, she realized she was in love with him.
She was only dimly aware of the nurse fussing over her because she couldn’t look away from the two people she loved most. Chance had curled himself around the baby, talking to her so softly Cordy couldn’t make out the words. His voice was a gentle, comforting rumble. His expression was the purest devotion.
Chance looked up, caught Cordy watching him. When their gazes locked, his face didn’t change.
“You did it.” His voice was thick with emotion. “You brought her here safe and sound.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you.” She meant that more than she could say. If Chance hadn’t insisted on being her partner, Cordy would have been alone. Her daughter was too precious to keep to herself—love like that had to be shared.
And Cordy did love Chance. How could she not after seeing what was under his smiles, his easy charm? The real, complicated man was so much better than the swaggering playboy he pretended to be.
But she also realized she could never tell him, not with his family history. If Chance loved her back, he would have said. She would have known. He’d love her so brightly and fiercely, with his entire being, that she’d know nothing but that.
If she told him how she felt, he’d feel indebted. Maybe even relieved. He could spend his life with her and the baby and never risk his heart for the kind of love that would turn him inside out. He’d always make sure Cordy and the baby were cared for, but he’d never let on that it wasn’t the same for him as it was for her.
She’d never be able to bear that.
“You okay?” Chance looked at her over the baby’s head. “Something wrong?” Panic filled his face. “I’ll get the doctor. Wait, she’s here. Cordy, are you feeling faint?” He turned to the nurse. “Is she bleeding? You need to check her.”
Cordy reached for his arm, unable to grab him because she was still hooked up to the IV. That was another thing she wanted out and gone. “Chance! I’m fine. Seriously. Just… just hormones.” She gave him a watery smile. “I’m having a lot of big feelings right now.”
Slowly, he settled down. “You sure?”
She nodded.
He looked down at the baby. “I’ve got some big feelings too. This little girl is… perfect is too small a word. Isn’t it, darling?” he cooed to her. “You’re beyond perfect.”
“She is,” Dr. Shenoy said. “We’re done here. Do you want your visitors now?”
“My… my visitors?” Cordy was confused—Dr. Shenoy made it sound like there were a lot of people. “Is Ruby still there?”
“They filled up the entire waiting room!” Dr. Shenoy put a hand on Cordy’s shoulder. “You were magnificent. I’m so glad I could be here when you delivered.”
“Thank you for taking such good care of me.”
Dr. Shenoy nodded, then glanced at Chance. “Dad’s already head over heels.”
The doctor knew Chance wasn’t the father, but… but she was still correct.
As the doctor left, Hailey poked her head in. “Ready for visitors?”
Cordy sat up, wincing when her poor, strained abs complained. Wow, bodies really didn’t bounce back after the baby was out.
“If you’re not,” Hailey said quickly, “just say so. We can come back later.”
“No, it’s okay.” Cordy put a hand to her hair. “I don’t look that bad, do I?”
“You look amazing.” Chance glared at Hailey as if daring her to disagree.
“She does.”
Hailey walked in, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Saxon. Ruby followed behind. Then came Gareth, Rye, Quint, Jaycee, and Brad, an endless stream like a clown car unloading.
“You all…” Cordy put her hand to her throat. “You were all here waiting? For me?”
“Of course!” Jaycee kissed her cheek. “How are you?”
“I feel amazing. And hungry.”
