She sighed, her fingers interlaced with his.
"It's a wonder you still love me."
"I'm beginning to think the same thing." He grinned when she sent him a sizzling look.
"You're stuck with me buddy."
"That I am." He used his thumb to caress her cheek. "Mother was regaling me of what it's like to be carrying another human being inside you. She told me she was sick for the entire nine months when she was pregnant with me. And that she threatened to kill dad." He grinned. "At least it has not come to that yet with us. In case it does, I'm removing all sharp instruments and locking them up. Just in case."
She tugged at his hand and brought him closer to her. "I haven't felt any murderous inclinations, at least not yet." She turned to face him, hands cupping his cheeks. "It's hard. I'm always uncomfortable and very tired. I'm not used to all this inactivity."
"How about we go for a ride in the countryside?" He suggested softly.
"We have Lori's fortieth birthday party on Saturday, remember? And Andreas and your mom are planning a very big splash."
"Christ!" He closed his eyes briefly. "I'd completely forgotten about that. What the hell are we supposed to get her?"
"I know just the thing. Leave it up to me." She moved closer as close as her bulge would allow. She was feeling so much better now. Seeing him defending her, standing guard and refusing to leave had given her heart a much needed boost.
"It feels amazing." She murmured.
"What does?"
"Being loved like this." Her hands crept around his neck.
"I saw the look on her face when you stood up for me. It was priceless. Thank you."
"For what?" He asked in genuine puzzlement. "For doing what comes naturally?" His hands covered hers. "I love you and loving you means being there for you always."
"Even when you felt like strangling me. I knew I pissed you off."
"Royally." Taking her hand in his, he lifted it to kiss the palm. "But pissed or not, I'll always come running." His eyes bored into hers, the meaning clear. "Always. You never have to guess if that's the case." His smile came. "Mother wanted to march over here and lend a hand."
Leanne smiled mistily. "I bet she did. I love her so much. She and your dad and the rest. They're not only your family, but they're also mine as well."
"And they love you too."
"I need something."
"Just name it."
She smiled at his sincere tone. "I need to feel you inside me. Gentle strokes. I need your hands on me."
His eyes darkened at that. "Your wish is always my command."
Chapter 14
"I look like I'm wearing a tent," she complained as she stared at herself in the mirror. The remark was not truly accurate. The beautiful pink and blue patterned silk had been designed cleverly to cover her pregnancy. The beaded top had thin straps running diagonally across her shoulders and back, leaving her arms bare. The skirt was high waisted, with swirls of material billowing around her, drifting to just below her knees.
Her makeup was flawless and Jacques had paid a home visit to take care of her hair as well. The thick dark brown strands were brushed ruthlessly off her face to fall in a thick plait at the left side of her head, going to her waist.
"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. This is just something to enhance that beauty." Her husband stepped behind her to drape the exquisite platinum necklace around her neck. The tear drop diamond was large enough to nestle between her breasts.
Her eyes flew to his in the mirror. "What is this for now?"
"Most women would be in raptures over getting diamonds, but never you." He secured the clasp and bent to press a kiss between her shoulder blades.
"That's because you keep coming up with excuses to buy me something expensive." Her fingers curled around the stone, the warmth of it shooting through her skin.
