“You’ve got your hands full.”

Sherry gave a weary sigh. “Imagine Ellie handling them both, day in and day out. The woman’s a marvel.”

“So are you.”

“Hardly.” Sherry didn’t mean to discount his compliment, but she was exhausted, and Luke and Ellie hadn’t been gone more than a couple of hours. “I don’t know how Ellie does it.”

“Or Luke,” Cody added. He slumped onto the end of the sofa and lifted an unresisting Christina Lynn into his arms. She cuddled against him, and at last silence reigned.

“Come sit by me,” Cody said, stretching his arm along the back of the couch.

Sherry was almost afraid to move for fear Philip would wake up, but her concern was groundless. The infant didn’t so much as sigh as she tiptoed over to the couch. As soon as she was comfortable, Cody dropped his arm to her shoulder and pulled her closer. It was wonderful to be sitting with him this way, so warm and intimate.

“Ah, peace,” he whispered. “Do I dare kiss you?”

Sherry smiled. “You like to live dangerously, don’t you?” She raised her head and Cody’s mouth brushed hers. Softly at first, then he deepened the kiss, until she was so involved in what was happening between them she nearly forgot Philip was in her arms.

She broke off the kiss and exhaled on a ragged sigh. “You’re one powerful kisser.”

“It isn’t me, Sherry. It’s us.”

“Whoever or whatever, it’s dangerous.” She nestled her head against his shoulder. “I don’t think we should do that again.”

“Oh, I plan to do it again soon.”

“Cody,” she said, lifting her head so their eyes could meet, “I’m not here to, uh, make out with you.”

“Shh.” He pressed his finger to her lips.

She pressed her head against his shoulder again. His arm was around her. She enjoyed the feeling of being linked to him, of being close, both physically and emotionally. It was what she’d sought from the beginning, this bonding, this intimacy.

When she felt his breathing quicken, she straightened and read the hunger in his eyes, knowing it was a reflection of her own. Cody lowered his mouth to hers, claiming her with a kiss that left her weak.

She was trembling inside and out. Neither of them spoke as they kissed again and again, each kiss more potent than the last. After many minutes, Sherry pulled back, almost gasping with pleasure and excitement.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” she whispered. Each held a sleeping child. They were in their friends’ home and could be interrupted at any time.

“I can’t believe it, either,” Cody agreed. “Damn, but you’re beautiful.”

They didn’t speak for a few minutes, just sat and savored the silence and each other.

“Sherry, listen—” Cody began.

He was interrupted by the shrill ringing of the telephone. Philip’s piercing cry joined that of the phone. Christina Lynn woke, too, and after taking one look at Cody and Sherry, burst into tears and cried out for her mom.