Page 17 of Beau
Squeezing her eyes shut, she lifted her head in prayer. “Lord, I know I haven’t been very committed to praying and this might be a case where I am coming to you because I desperately need a favor. But I need this.
My husband and I need this, he might think otherwise, but I know he will be pleased when the time comes. I am asking you to keep my babies safe, to give us this – I am asking for this favor. I am also pleading with you, not to let this get in the way of our love. I could not bear that.”
*****
She was half asleep when he slid in next to her.
“Darling?” She murmured drowsily, automatically snuggling against him. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” Drawing her against him, he kissed the top of her head. “I just had to cool down a little.”
“You went swimming?” She nuzzled his bare chest and could still smell the chlorine from the pool on his skin. They had an indoor pool of which they availed themselves of whenever the time got too cold to use the outdoor one.
“I had to let off some steam. Go back to sleep.”
“I am sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for.” His hands tightened around her slender frame. “I have been behaving like an ass for the past few weeks. I am here baby," he murmured into her hair. “You can count on me.”
“I am glad. I feel so tired.” She yawned delicately and moved even closer. “I love you.”
“Same here.” He waited until the sound of her even breathing indicated she was asleep. His hands made soothing circles at the small of her back, a frown knitting his brow.
He would support her, how could he not? He was going to be there for her every step of the way. And more than that, he would push aside his worries and fears.
He would see to it that she followed the dictates of the doctors. He had spoken to Lucien himself, and the man had been honest with him.
“If there are multiples, which I strongly suspect there will be, she is going to have to slow down. I know she is involved in several charitable organizations–”
“I will ensure she takes time to relax.”
“She also has to be as free from stress as possible.”
“I am afraid I have added to that aspect of it.”
And he had. His father had given him a strong talking to.
“She is your wife and for once in your life, I would like you to think of someone else other than yourself.”
He had taken umbrage at that, because Georgie had accused him of being selfish too. Which was very unfair, considering that all he ever thought about was her. Tilting his chin down, he studied the fine boned face and the pointed chin.
He had wanted to spend more time with her, just the two of them. They had been on so many adventures together since they exchanged vows.
She was a great conversationalist and had the ability to make him laugh. She never asked him about the women in his past, because she was secure in the knowledge that she was the only one he was in love with. Certainly, she was the only woman he had ever asked to marry him.
And he would do it again and again. A thousand times.
He brushed another kiss on top of her head and ignoring the throbbing in his loins, he closed his eyes and tried for sleep.
*****
“Hi. What are you doing?” She had opened her eyes to find the space next to her empty and thought he had left.
“Performing my duties as your husband.” He turned away from the stove to stare at her.
“How did you sleep?”
“Good. What’s that?” She nudged her chin at the tray in front of him. “Jasmine tea and toast. Mrs. Greene does not get here until after ten and I wanted you to have something in your stomach. Any nausea?”