Page 20 of Beau

“Not unless you are going to stay locked in with me.” Turning into his arms, she wrapped her hands around his neck. “Besides, I have eyes only for the most handsome man in the room.”

“You had better.” He nipped at her plum-colored lip. “How are you feeling?”

“Wonderful. Come on, let’s go mingle.”

*****

But she was not singing that tune a week later. The doctors had warned her that the symptoms would come fast and furious, but she was not prepared for the nausea that came from simply inhaling her husband’s cologne.

“I am sorry darling.” She pressed a hand to her stomach to stop the heaving. “I cannot stand the scent.”

“What should I do?”

“Discontinue using it.”

“Is it this particular brand?”

She nodded, trying to settle her stomach.

“Sure?”

She nodded again.

“All right, I’ll get rid of it.”

“No! Just put it somewhere else. It happens to be my favorite.”

“You gave it to me on our three-month anniversary.” He eyed her anxiously. “Want me to go and take a shower?”

“Would you?”

“Are you up to having a meal?”

“Could we have it on the balcony? I don’t feel like going downstairs.”

“Go sit down and I will be right back. Shower first and then dinner after.” He started to move toward her and then changed his mind. “Let me try and get this cologne off me first.”

“Thanks darling.” She waited until he had left the room to walk unsteadily out on the balcony. Settling down on one of the comfortable chaises, she pulled a fluffy blanket over her and stared out at the lights decorating the trees.

It was a week away from Christmas and she had hired people to decorate both indoors and outdoors. The result was spectacular. Lights shimmered on the branches of the palm trees and intertwined through the hedges lining the fence.

Downstairs, the tree towered toward the roof and was lavishly decorated. Next year this time, she would have so much more to celebrate. Pressing a hand against her stomach, she took a deep breath.

She was not comfortable hiding things from her husband, but she had to do it. If he knew she had spent most of the day bringing up everything she ate, he would be anxious.

She had called Lucien, and he had prescribed something to settle her stomach.

“I was afraid this was going to happen. If the nausea persists, I would like you to come in so that we can give you a thorough check.”

Her nipples were also very sore and extremely sensitive. Her stomach was empty, and she was afraid to eat. But she had to. It felt like she was carrying multiples, and they would need as much nourishment as possible.

Forcing a smile, she straightened when he came bearing a tray. She held her breath as the scent of his body wash assailed her nostrils and she waited for the adverse effect, sighing in relief when nothing happened.

“What’s for dinner?” she asked lightly as he placed the tray in front of her.

“Vegetable soup.” He uncovered the silver cover to reveal only one bowl.

“You aren’t going to eat?”