Page 22 of Daigo

“Condition?” She muffled a laugh and stepped back to look at her handiwork.

“What an understatement.” Pressing a hand to her stomach, she felt fear trickling along her spine. He was going to be pleased. She had been trying to convince herself of that ever since she heard the news. She had expected and hoped for twins. Picking up another tangle of lights, she methodically sorted them out before hanging them. Working steadily, determined to take her mind off her troubled thoughts, she was almost finished with the lights and colored papers when she heard the beep indicating that her husband was opening the door.

The tension came back with a vengeance and had her going stiff.

When he stepped inside the doorway, she turned around slowly, her eyes meeting his.

“I thought we were going to hire someone for this.”

“I wanted to do it myself. How was the meeting?”

“Long and bloody drawn out.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I know I told you I’d be late but never dreamed it would be this late. Have you eaten?”

“I ate something. The housekeeper left veal in the warmer. Let me go and dish it out for you.”

“I need a shower first.” He nodded to the towering tree. “It seems to get bigger each year.”

“It has to be. The living room ceiling is high.” She was explaining something he already knew.

“How about a proper greeting?”

“What? Oh!” Ignoring the strange look he was giving her, she crossed the room and went on her toes to brush her lips on his.

When she started to step back, he held her close and deepened the kiss.

“Much better,” he murmured against her lips. “When I come back down, you will tell me what’s going on here.” He tapped her left temple.

“Nothing is--”

“No.” Shaking his head, he kissed her again. “I know my wife.” Letting her go, he turned to leave the room and then looked back at the tree. “I suppose you want me to put the angel and star at the top.”

She had to smile. He did know her.

“Yes.”

With a nod, he left the room. She stood there staring at the space and tried to quiet her galloping heartbeat. He already knew something was up. With a sigh and a prayer that he would be okay with the news she had to impart, she went into the kitchen.

She had the meal on the counter and a glass of brandy ready for him when he came back down, smelling of winter-fresh soap and tangy aftershave. He had put on old sweatpants and a T-shirt that clung to his chest and shoulders. His hair was still damp from the shower.

“You’re drinking tea,” he murmured as he sat on the stool.

“Yes.” She fiddled with the rim of the cup and sat across from him.

“Did you get that Manhattan thing sorted out, or will you have to take another trip?”

Picking up the glass, he took a sip and eyed her over the rim. He could clearly see the nerves but decided not to push for an answer. “I might have to take another trip. After the holidays, though. This time I would like you to accompany me. Speaking of the holidays, how about we take that trip to Jamaica?”

“It’s the busiest time at the store, and I promised Tammy to be here for her.”

“Her surgery is not until after the holidays,” he pointed out patiently. “I need this time with you, Shelby-Anne. You said yourself that with the pregnancy, our time together will be curtailed.”

“I know.” She decided that she could not stomach the tea after all, and it was time to face the music. Rising, she walked over to the sink to pour it out.

“The tea not to your liking?”

“I would rather have some water.” Reaching for a glass, she turned on the tap and filled it. Turning to face him, she wondered how to break the news. “I don’t want you to be upset with me.”

His brow creased. “Why would I be upset with you?”