Four months later Skye surveyed the dining room table carefully set for the Thanksgiving dinner.Mentally she checked every detail; she wanted this day to be perfect.She’d met Jordan’sfamily on several occasions, but this was the first time they’d all gathered together.
Mrs.Somers, the housekeeper, was a jewel, and Skye couldn’t have managed the large meal without her.The middle-aged woman had been with Jordan for years and welcomed Skye like a mother hen gathering a chick under her wing.Skye had felt awkward at first.Jordan didn’t need her to keep his home, and she felt at loose ends with so much time on her hands.He didn’t object when she began substitute teaching, but more and more she found herself involved in their church.Their outside activities would be curtailed soon enough, she decided.
One last glance revealed an elegant table set with fresh flowers and sparkling crystal.It was Thanksgiving, and her heart was full of praise for God’s goodness to them both.
Jordan had to make a quick trip to the office, and while she waited for his return she wandered into the music room to play the grand piano.Her nimble fingers flew over the ivory keys with unquestionable skill; if anything, her love for Jordan had enhanced her musical talent.
How she’d come to love this room of their home.She recalled her first glimpse of the twenty-six-room mansion.Driving through the long driveway after their extended honeymoon in the Caribbean, the house loomed before her, elegant, imposing, and huge.At first sight Skye felt a tremor of apprehension.
Jordan had come around to her side of the car, opened her door, and lifted her effortlessly into his arms, prepared to observe tradition by carrying her over the threshold.
When Skye glanced at him, she discovered he was watching her reaction.“This is our home?”she quizzed softly.
“It’s not as awesome as it looks,” he assured her.
“I’d rather live in a three-bedroom rambler.”Their happiness had been so complete during their honeymoon, and now she was faced with the realities of his wealth and position.
“I know.But things being as they are, will you take me as I am?”An unfamiliar quality entered his eyes.“Christ did, you know.”
“Then I suppose I’ll have to,” she whispered, and planted a warm kiss on his open mouth before exploring the lobe of his ear with her tongue.
“I’m back.”Jordan broke into her thoughts, walking briskly into the rose-colored room.
Skye lifted her hands from the keyboard, smiling at her husband with a happiness that was almost translucent.“Listen to this,” she commanded as her fingers flew over the keys in a melody she hoped would express her love.
“It’s beautiful,” Jordan said, his eyes showing the special kind of awe he felt when he listened to her music.
“I’m trying to tell you something, and I honestly didn’t think it would be this difficult.”
His expression sobered.“You mean that you’re pregnant?Did you honestly think I wouldn’t know?”Suddenly, as if the thought had come to him all at once, he asked, “Everything is all right, isn’t it?You’re going to be okay?”His voice was deep with emotion.
“Of course I will.”She quickly allayed his fears.
Drawing her tenderly into his arms, he held her close.“I love you, Skye.I didn’t know it was possible to feel this deeply about anyone.You’ve become my life.”His kiss was sweet and filled with passion.“How long do we have before my mother arrives?”
“Jordan,” she said, giggling.“Not now...later,” she whispered, her voice filled with promise.
She could sense his regret as he gently broke their embrace.“Did you know I owned your apartment building?”he asked unexpectedly.“I’m in the process of selling it.That’s why I had to go to the office this morning.”
“Jordan, no!”She was shocked.This man had a habit of saying the most astonishing things.“When...why?”
He chuckled, as if he found himself very clever.“It was the only way I knew to get rid of your pesky neighbor.I bought the building and raised his rent.”
Skye’s mouth must have dropped open.
“Careful, dear, someone might think you’re imitating a fish.”
“Jordan!”She could hardly find words.“Is...is there anything else I don’t know?”
“I don’t think so.Oh, yes, I hope the mechanic did a good job on your car.I threatened to have his certification questioned.”
“You didn’t?”
“Fraid so.”He chuckled.“But don’t worry, I’m learning a new way to deal with people.It’s called love, Christian love.”
Her fingers lovingly traced the line of his jaw.“Sometimes you shock me, Jordan Murphy.”
He smiled deep into her eyes.“Oh my, you’re beautiful.”
