The Rancher's Christmas Baby. Cathy Thacker Gillen

in the mirror. A mixture of emotions glittered in her soft eyes. “I’m hoping it will be different now that I’m married and going to have a baby of my very own.”

      My very own.

      Not our very own.

      Trevor pushed aside his disappointment. One day soon she’d be thinking of the baby they were trying to conceive as theirs. Taking in the unbridled hope shining in her eyes, knowing how deeply romantic she was—and how easily she could get disappointed—he felt compelled to caution gently, “It may not happen the first time out of the gate, you know.”

      Amy tensed, as if she didn’t even want to consider the possibility that they might have to try to conceive again and again before they got the desired results. She shrugged and turned away from him. “Then we’ll keep trying,” she said tensely.

      But what if it didn’t happen for months? Teddy wondered. He stroked the razor across his face, shaving away the day’s growth of beard. Would Amy become discouraged if it took six months or a year or more? Lose interest in marriage and him? Misunderstanding, Amy turned off her hair dryer and came close enough to touch his arm. “My lack of…enthu siasm…this morning was a mistake that is not going to happen again, Trevor. I’ll get into it next time, I promise.”

      Teddy knew it wasn’t that simple. Men were more straightforward in their wants and needs. Desire in a woman was a complicated thing. And that was especially true with a romantic like Amy.

      Giving him no chance to comment further, she slipped out of the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. Glad for the privacy, Teddy stepped into the shower and turned the dial from warm to cold.

      When he emerged, Amy was on her cell phone with her sister Susie, taking an order for more landscape plants. They continued talking business during the drive over to the Primrose ranch house, where Rebecca and Trevor had been living since they were married. Trevor’s house was right next door, on the Wind Creek, but Rebecca and Trevor had opted to reside at Rebecca’s home, since it was bigger and more family-friendly.

      “Jenny and Joshua are sleeping in their cradles in the family room,” Trevor said as he ushered them inside. “Rebecca’s writing out the list of phone numbers.”

      “And what a long list it is,” Amy laughed, allowing Teddy to help her with her coat.

      Rebecca made a face at her younger sister. She handed the legal pad of numbers over. “Give me a break. I’m a new mom and you never know who you might need to call. The pediatrician, fire department.”

      “I know we know our own parents’ phone numbers,” Teddy said, perusing the list.

      Rebecca made a face at him. “In an emergency, people sometimes can’t recall what they need on the spot.”

      Trevor motioned for Teddy. “Come in the kitchen. I’ll show you how the bottle warmer works.”

      “I’ve also written down what time they should have their next bottle. Although all times are approximate since we feed on demand.” Rebecca wrung her hands. “Obviously, they’ll need diaper changes throughout the evening. I’ve written down when those are most likely to occur.”

      Amy touched Rebecca’s arm. “Take a deep breath. It’s okay. There’s two of them and two of us. We’re not going to be outnumbered. Furthermore, Jeremy is right next door. And although our brother can be very annoying at times, especially when he’s waxing on and on about that broken-down ranch he purchased and can’t yet live in, he’s also a fine family physician. Should a medical emergency occur tonight he will be here in thirty seconds flat.”

      Trevor reemerged, holding Rebecca’s coat and what looked like another long list. “If we want to get our Christmas shopping done tonight, hon, we need to get a move on.”

      Rebecca started to launch into another long list of instructions.

      Trevor clamped his hand over his wife’s mouth and playfully compelled her out of the room as if she were a vaudeville comedian who needed to exit the stage before a riot ensued. “The stores are open late. So don’t expect us back before midnight. Food and beverages are in the fridge, so help yourselves. And stay away from the mistletoe!”

      “Cute,” Teddy quipped.

      Trevor grinned as if he knew it.

      Rebecca rolled her eyes and they left.

      Alone at last, peace stole over them. “What should we do?” Amy asked eventually.

      Teddy took Amy’s hand and drew her toward the sofa. “I suggest we relax while we can.”

      “Good thinking.”

      Amy turned her attention to the sparkling lights on the evergreen in front of the window. “Their Christmas tree is beautiful.”

      Teddy nodded in agreement. Aware how much more of a family home this was than either his or Amy’s place, he murmured, “We really should get ours up. Rev up the yuletide spirit.”

      Amy reached over and took his hand. Her fingers felt small and delicate in his. “The stockings on the mantel are sweet, too.”

      Teddy nodded his agreement. “It really feels like Christmas here.”

      “I like what they’ve done with their photographs, too.”

      Teddy turned his eyes to the collection of sterling-silver frames on the end table. One captured Trevor and Rebecca at the party officially announcing their engagement. Another showcased a professional pose from their wedding. The next was a snapshot of Rebecca in late pregnancy, Trevor’s hand on her belly. And, of course, there were photos of the four of them in the hospital, after Jenny and Joshua’s birth.

      The wistful look in Amy’s eyes as she studied the family photos said it all. Too late, Teddy realized just how much he had taken from Amy, marrying her the way he had.

      Jenny stirred.

      Amy released her grip on Teddy’s hand and got up to take a peek at the babies. “They’re waking, Teddy. We better get those bottles warmed and ready….”