that. Corrie had been helpless to prevent the divorce, to prevent her mother’s sadness, to prevent the crumbling of the life their family had known. And in some way she’d felt as if it were her fault. If she just hadn’t gone looking for her dad that day—

      She’d also felt powerless when her mom was diagnosed with cancer. That had been the worst kind of powerless. By quitting school and taking care of her mom, she’d known she was doing something to help. She’d never regret those two years. Never. She and her mom had gotten closer than they’d ever been before.

      Corrie’s doorbell startled her and Jasper. On guard instantly, the dog stood at alert then ran to the door and barked. Corrie lowered the recliner’s leg lift and went to the foyer to peer through the peephole.

      It was Sam. Why had he returned? She certainly had enough food in the house now, thanks to him.

      After she unlocked the dead bolt and the doorknob, she pulled open the door. Patches sat beside Sam’s leg, his tongue lolling out of his mouth. She only had a glance for the dog. Sam looked serious but oh, so handsome. His hair had seen a day of disheveling. He often ran his fingers through it when he was working.

      “How are you feeling?” he asked.

      Instead of fighting against his concern, she answered honestly, “Like I want to curl up in a ball until I can face the world again feeling better.”

      At that he smiled. “I thought I’d check on you before I settled in for the night. I can take Jasper for a short walk.”

      “You don’t have to—” She stopped herself. “Thank you. I’d appreciate that and I’m sure Jasper would, too. Come on in. Have you been at the clinic until now?”

      As he followed her into the living room, she was aware of everything about him, from his hair dipping over his brow to his terrifically broad shoulders to his slim hips in jeans to his black-booted feet, which were very big. This was Sam and she didn’t know why she felt so awkward around him, but she did. Maybe because he’d seen her in a hospital gown!

      She sank down onto the sofa trying not to jar her ribs.

      Sam frowned as he watched her. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay by yourself here tonight?”

      “I’m not by myself. I have Jasper.”

      He gave her a get-real look.

      “I can sack out on your couch,” he offered.

      That offer was tempting. On one hand, she’d like to have him around. Yet, on the other, she’d probably rest a lot better if he wasn’t here.

      “Not necessary.”

      Opening his jacket, sitting down beside her on the sofa, he rested his palms on his jeans-clad thighs.

      “You might want to get used to having me around,” he quipped. Then, more seriously, he added, “Because I’ve decided to be your sperm donor. I want to be a dad to your baby.”