[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

A long time later, he propped himself on an elbow and looked down at Grace, who was sprawled on
her back. She gave him a breathless grin.
 Now tell me you only married me because I got pregnant, she dared him, chuckling.
 Okay, you win, I married you for great sex, he agreed.
 And? she prompted.
 And your apple cake, he added.  And to learn how you grow roses twice as big as mine. So why did
you marry me?
She tweaked his hair and smiled up into his dark, dark eyes.  I married you because I loved you, she
said softly,  because you were the only man I was ever able to want.
 Thank God for that, he whispered. He kissed the tip of her nose.  I gave you a difficult time.
She put her finger over his lips.  We re happily married with a new baby, she reminded him.  All
that other stuff is gone.
He sighed.  At least you won t ever have to worry about Sheldon again.
She nodded. There was a sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach, just at hearing his name.  That
therapist I m seeing is really good. She s helping me cope with the memories.
He smiled.  If today is an example, she s really helping you a lot.
Her eyes twinkled mischievously.  It wasn t that.
His eyebrows arched.  Then what was it?
 You had your shirt off while you were watching TV, she replied, her eyes on his broad chest.  You
shameless man. I really can t resist you when you re half naked.
 I feel exactly the same way about you, he agreed, and kissed her again.
She glanced at the baby monitor. Its light was on, but she only heard soft breathing.  I m glad we got
that, she pointed to it.  Otherwise, I d never sleep.
 Neither would I. He brushed back her hair.  Are you happy?
She smiled.  I could die of it.
He kissed her eyelids tenderly, remembering how he d done that just before they wheeled her into
surgery.  When Tory is old enough to go to school, I want you to come to work for me.
 Doing what?
 As a translator, he said.  You might not realize it, but Arabic is one language not a lot of agents can
speak. You d be an asset.
She pursed her lips and grinned at him.  I might do that.
He rolled over onto his back and yawned.  I have to go to court tomorrow and testify against those
bank robbers we caught. I ll probably be home late.
She kissed his shoulder.  I ll make a late supper.
He smiled, sliding his arm around her.  You re the nicest wife on earth. It s no wonder I love you.
Her heart skipped. It was the first time he d said the words.  Do you, really?
His dark eyes emphasized the feeling in the words.  With all my heart. For all my life. And I hope we
have a very long time together.
She curled up against him, enveloped in happiness. All the lonely, painful years had led her down a
path that ended in love and passion and a child born of that love. We earn our happiness, her
grandfather had once told her, with pain and tears. She smiled drowsily, ignoring the faint twinge of
her incision, and pressed a soft kiss against her husband s strong, warm shoulder.
 We re going to have years and years, she promised.  And I ll love you more with every one that
passes.
He drew her closer, careful not to hurt her chest.  I ll love you the same way.
 And we can both talk to the rose bushes, she mused.
 As long as nobody hears us, he agreed.  I work for the FBI, he reminded her.  I can t be overheard
talking to plants.
She kissed his shoulder again, still wrapped in the warm aftermath of belonging.  And they say that
federal agents have no sense of humor, she scoffed.
He gave her a squinty look.  Listen, this businesslike expression is the reason I just got promoted to
ASAC in San Antonio. Now I can give orders and go to luncheons with famous politicians. I ll even
take you with me, if you promise not to wear that blue dress.
The dress was a standing joke. She d hung it in her closet. She brought it out when she wanted to
irritate him. That wasn t often, since her surgery. He d been the most wonderful caretaker she d ever
imagined a man could be.
 I ll promise, she agreed.
 Did Barbara tell you that Jaqui left town? he murmured.
 She did? How wonderful!
 Stop that, he said drowsily.  She was never any competition for you. She ll go to some big city and
become a tycoon.
 Like me? she teased.
He glanced at her.  You can only be a tycoon if you don t have to travel ten months out of the year
promoting your project. I don t even like having you away for a day. I have insecurities. You have to
reassure me that I m valued.
 I do? She moved up a little and nibbled his mouth again.  How s this?
He grinned.  Nice. Don t stop. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]