“That’s a possibility, I suppose. But as fine a time as we’ve had,”—he slid his hand down her lush backside, giving her a squeeze—“we have much more ahead of us.”
“I know. But things have been so magical here. I just wonder…if they’ll stay that way. Once we’re back in London, in our ordinary life and regular routines.”
Hearing the quiver in her voice, he tipped her head back to look into her eyes. And realized that he was not the only one struggling with the fear of the unknown.
“Nothing’s going to change between us,” he said.
“I know. It’s just that it’s taken us eight years to get here.” She bit her lip, a telling sign that whatever she wanted to say wasn’t going to be easy for her. “When your memory returns, what if you…change back?”
Hearing the heart of her uncertainty filled him with remorse…and tenderness.
“Sweetheart, I love you. Nothing can alter that,” he said firmly. “I don’t know why I was such an idiot before, but whatever the reason, I won’t let it get in the way again.”
“Promise?” she asked in an aching whisper.
“I promise.” He sealed his vow with a lingering kiss, letting the sweetness of their passion wash away the bitter dregs of his nightmare and her fears.
When they parted, she said breathlessly, “I must admit that, as much as I miss the children, I wish our vacation didn’t have to end.”
“It’s not over yet.” He rolled on top of her, his erection pressing into her belly. “We’ve got a few hours left, and I intend to make good use of them.”
26
As she steppedover the threshold into the townhouse, accepting Burke’s welcome, Gabby had the odd sense that she was entering a new place. Yet nothing had visibly altered; the veined marble floors, tiered chandelier, and sweeping double staircase were the same as when she saw them last. It must be that something inherhad changed, then, that caused her to see her home with fresh eyes.
The floors gleamed with a deeper shine, the wood accents richer and finer than she remembered. Beneath the twinkling chandelier, the bouquet on the round rosewood table bloomed with colorful magnificence, the scent of hothouse roses perfuming the air. She experienced a fresh, poignant appreciation for this home that she’d had a part in building. That was a symbol of the love and commitment between her and her husband.
As if Adam, too, felt the significance of their return, he slid an arm around her waist.
“It’s good to be home, isn’t it?” he murmured, his lips brushing her temple. “To be back where we started…but also in a different place.”
She was no longer surprised at how attuned he was to her feelings. Adam had always been perceptive. The difference now was that she felt safe letting her guard down, allowing him to see the parts of her she’d previously kept hidden. He returned her honesty with his own; in some ways, she felt she’d learned more about him in five days than she had in the prior eight years.
“Mama! Papa! You’re home!”
The happy cries and stampeding footsteps announced the arrival of Fiona and Max. As Adam swung Fiona in an arc that made her giggle, Max ran to Gabby, who crouched to receive his hug.
“How I’ve missed you, my lamb.” She hugged him close, inhaling his sweet boy smell.
“I’ve missed you too, Mama. I learned new words when you were gone,” he exclaimed. “Miss Thornton taught me how to spellrainbow!”
“Too bad you couldn’t figure it out during charades,” Fiona muttered.
Yet her jibe at her younger brother was good-natured, and she dashed over to receive Gabby’s hug as Max went to Adam, who affectionately ruffled his son’s dark hair.
“How was your vacation with Papa?” Fiona asked.
Loath to let her firstborn go, Gabby held Fi close for another moment. “It was ever so wonderful. Although we did miss the two of you.”
“Maybe next time Fiona and I can go on vacation too,” Max said eagerly.
“A splendid idea, lad,” Adam said. “We’ll plan a family trip next summer. To the Continent, perhaps.”
The children’s eyes widened.
“Truly?” Fiona breathed.
“Yes, poppet. Your mama informs me that we’ve never taken a vacation as a family, an oversight that I intend to remedy.” Adam’s gaze moved up to meet Gabby’s. “Besides, I think vacationing agrees with your mama. A change in routine brings out a whole new side of her.”
