He straightened to gaze down at her, and the amusement in his blue eyes disappeared. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

Great, now she had him worried. “I’d planned to talk with you this morning, but—”

“But I got caught up with booking some asshole burglars.”

A couple of entitled college students had been breaking into rooms at the B&B to get drinking money. Idiots.

“I’m sorry.” Kissing the top of her head, Gabe rubbed her back. “It’s not easy for the family of a law enforcement officer. The hours are rough on—”

“No, it’s not that. You were born to protect others—your brothers, your fellow soldiers, your town. Your family.”

His arms tightened around her, and she could feel his relief at her acceptance.

“I…um…” She cleared her throat delicately. “I just wanted you to know your family will be increasing by one.”

Oh, that came out awkward. She flushed, trying to think of words to say it better, then realized he’d gone completely still.

“What?” His voice was hoarse.

“We’re having a baby.” She rubbed her forehead against his shoulder. “You’re going to be a daddy.”

He took a step back, and her anxiety shot sky-high. What if he—

Wonder filled his expression, then joy. “A baby.”

His gaze ran over her. Pulling her back into his arms, he kissed her, telling her without words exactly how he felt.

JJ watched Gabe and Audrey emerge from the small grove of trees. Hmm. Suppressing a laugh, she nudged Caz. “If I was doing drug tests, he’d be my first choice. He looks like he’s walking on air.”

Caz glanced that way. And she had to wonder how a devastatingly gorgeous man managed to get even hotter just with a smile.

Wait… She narrowed her eyes. “Why do you look so smug?”

“She finally told him.”

“Told him what?”

“We’re going to have a baby,” Gabe yelled out for everyone to hear.

“Oh. Oh, wow.” She joined the cheering and laughed as berry picking was abandoned for hugs and congratulations.

Standing beside Regan, Aric frowned at Gabe. “Where’s the baby? Did you leave it at home like Gryff?”

Gabe coughed and glanced at Audrey, then Kit. “This falls into female territory.”

Kit laughed and knelt next to her son. “Audrey will be growing the baby in her tummy for lots of months. Her stomach is going to get big.”

“Ooooh.” He considered Audrey’s stomach before asking his mother, “Can I get a baby in my tummy? I can grow it good too.”

Kit shook her head. “Sorry, honey bear. Nobody makes babies until they’re a lot older.”

He scowled. “Kids don’t get to do anything.”

JJ felt like clapping—because his objection was loud and perfectly normal. “Children get to help pick berries, and the ones who can cook will put them in blueberry muffins.”