Page 57 of Daigo

"You're right. That's why I already said yes. Bitch, I'm getting married! Well, as soon as he gets me the ring and I know I'm officially engaged."

"We should throw you a party," Shelby decided.

"No." Tammy shook her head. "Just a quiet dinner for four. The kids will be involved as well. He's getting full custody of them soon. The mother has a new boyfriend and is jetting off to the Bahamas. Apparently, she doesn't want to be burdened with two kids."

Her expression hardened. "Some women should never be mothers."

"They'll have you. And you're terrific."

"I absolutely am." Lifting her hand, she squealed, causing the blue jay circling the palm trees to take flight in a flurry of indignant feathers.

"Hey, Mrs. B!" Tammy called out to the housekeeper, who was snipping hyacinths and peonies for the entrance table. "How about some of your very delicious apple cobbler?"

The woman beamed. "Coming right up."

"She likes you," Shelby observed.

"Of course. What's not to like?"

*****

Leaning on the doorjamb, he watched her unobserved. She was sorting through the myriad of stuffed toys on the shelves, rearranging them for the hundredth time. One hand was placed protectively over her pregnancy mound. He had never seen a more beautiful picture. The nursery was for the girls, the color scheme lovely, the room large and airy. Their names, Kaya Andrea and Keira Allison, were spelled out in padded letters over the individual cots.

He watched as she walked over to the large bay window to stare out at the garden. Her robe, a flowing rose-pink silk, flowed gently in her wake. She had put in braids, the long rope twists piled on top of her head.

Her skin was a soft caramel, flawless and perfect. His love for her filled him to the brim.

"I knew I'd find you here."

She jolted and turned around slowly. "You're home," she cried softly, walking toward him.

He met her halfway. "Where else would I be?" he asked mildly, eyes searching her face. He knew she was having a challenging time sleeping and was worried about next week.

"You said you had meetings." She lifted her hand to his face and felt the peace settling over her. She had been restless and vaguely distressed. Now he was home, and it was all right. His presence made such a difference.

"Finished early. How about dinner out on the balcony, and you can tell me all about your day?"

"Sounds lovely." She closed her eyes when he closed his mouth over hers.

"Stop worrying," he ordered.

"I'm not-" She sighed when he lifted a brow. "I am, a little."

"Tonight, we're going to enjoy a night dinner out on the balcony and enjoy the beautiful weather."

"I'm all for that. How was your meeting?" she asked, taking his hand.

"No." He shook his head as he led her from the room and into their suite. He had already instructed Mrs. Bailey to set things up while he was on his way home. The housekeeper was now living with them and had her own quarters downstairs. "We will not be discussing business of any sort."

"Not even to tell you that the summer sale at the store has been going so well, we're practically cleaned out?" she asked teasingly.

"That, I'll allow." He turned her toward the balcony, and the response she was about to make died on her lips. Candles nestled inside tapers were placed not only on the table but along the entire length of the balcony and glowed softly against the light of the full moon. A linen tablecloth gleamed in the light, and in the center of the table was a large vase of flowers: irises, hyacinths, peonies, and baby's breath.

"Roast duck and wild baby potatoes."

She stood there, staring at the very romantic scene, and felt her throat going tight.

"You arranged this."