"I think it's important for our...for the baby to know when it gets a little older that at least we were friends." He settled her back against the cranked-up bed and followed, kissing her tear-wet cheeks. "I understand that now. Friends who can touch each other--" and he did touch her gently, tenderly, through the soft cotton of the hospital gown and her nipple hardened against his palm "--in places no one else can touch." "Oh, Seth." His touch was the only balm that could soothe her aching heart. "Even deeper than this." He slid his hand beneath the covers and warmed her belly. "Even deeper than I can go when I make love to you." "Only you can do that," she whispered, closing her eyes. "I can't get deep inside you." "Oh, yes, you can, Mariah. Yes, you have." "If you start, I won't want you to stop." "Good," he said as he nuzzled her breast. "You'll mess up my vital signs." He chuckled. "We'll mess up each other's." --