The ache in her heart pulsated, but at least this time it did so in a good way. “Do you…” She cleared her throat. “Do you love me?”
His jaw flexed. “No.”
She bit her bottom lip. The hope shimmering in her died. He still didn’t love her. She thought his being here meant…
His warm palm cupped her cheek. “I’m in love with you.”
She closed her eyes and felt as if she were bungee jumping. The wonderful sensation surged her onto her tiptoes, and she circled his neck and kissed him. His arms snaked her waist, tugging close.
He tilted her for better access, and she revelled in their embrace. But the happiness she experienced might be short-lived once she told him her news. She squeezed his free hand. “I contacted Doctor Marcom when I arrived here, and he won’t have the test results until sometime next week. I’m still unsure if I’m able to have children.”
He brushed his mouth over her forehead. “Even if we’re unable to have our own, we can consider other options, but whatever we do, we’ll do it together.”
“Are you sure?” Her brow puckered with tension. “I feel terrible for making you miss your chance in leadership for the tribe.”
His fingertips traced her arm. “Trust me, I don’t want it. Anyway, Howi won leadership. There are more important things in life than leading. I just wished I’d figured that out sooner, because I’ve missed you like crazy.”
She grinned. “I’ve missed you, too.”
“Good, so does this mean you’ll come home with me?”
She closed her eyes. “Yes,” she breathed. “But not until we try the soufflé.”
He chuckled, holding her tight for another heart-stopping kiss.
Chapter 19
A warm breeze whispered against her skin. She walked in the meadow at an unhurried pace, camera in hand. Deep, male laughter echoed in the distance, and she rushed toward the sound.
Dry leaves crunched beneath her bare feet. Tree branches hung low, and she brushed them out of her face to gaze out at the river near their home.
There, at the headwaters, a shirtless Chayton sat in a wooden canoe etched with tribal symbols. His coffee skin held a golden hue under the sunlight, a flawless appearance.
“Grab onto this,” he said, handing a paddle to the baby in his lap.
Breath caught in her throat. The baby boy appeared no older than nine months. A small patch of dark hair covered his head, and his skin was a shade lighter than Chayton’s. Could this be their son? She clutched the flatness of her stomach through the cotton material, tears brimming in her eyes.
With shaky steps, she crossed the path to the river. Chayton peered from teaching the baby how to use the row, and smiled. “Is that your mama?” he crooned.
Big brown eyes found her, and he flashed a wide grin that showcased two small front teeth.
Delight coursed within. She hung the camera around her neck and ambled into the river, uncaring that water soaked her dress. “Is he ours?”
Chayton encased her arm, caressing her skin with slow strokes of his thumb. “What does your heart tell you?”
She ran her fingers along the baby’s soft patch of hair, down a smooth, chubby cheek, and the sweetheart giggled. “Yes,” she said. Chayton grinned.
Amber laughed, activated her camera, and trudged to the front of the canoe. She zoomed in on her son in the arms of his father, clicking the shutter release, and capturing a perfect picture of her family. The image froze in her mind, producing more than just a portrait, but a kaleidoscope of joy.
When she awoke from the dream, her grin did not demise. Chayton lay asleep beside her, and she shuffled to her knees, shaking him awake. “Chayton?”
He stilled, black eyes shot open and met with hers.
“Did you have the same dream? Did we just dream-share?”
He blinked several times. “The baby boy…”
Her cry was almost a laugh. “Oh, we did. We shared the same dream. I can’t wait for Doctor Marcom to call. I must find out now.” She reached for her phone on the bedside table, and the screen indicated one received voicemail. “Dr Marcom tried calling,” she uttered, showing him her phone.
He sat up on his elbows. “Well, see what he said,” he insisted.
She placed the phone on loudspeaker. They sat still as statues, waiting for the message to play.
“Hello, Amber. Dr Marcom here. I just received your final test results and have wonderful news. I don’t see any reason why you cannot conceive in the near future. The scans show a decrease in swelling and maybe a lot of that had to do with your brother’s spell. If you have any questions, please call this number.”
Chayton wrapped her in his strong arms, and held her close. “Amber, did you hear him. We can have children.”
She stared in dumb silence. A few days ago she was miserable and heartbroken. Now, she had everything she’d ever desired, a husband who was also her soul mate, and a bright future to look forward to.
“Amber, baby, talk to me.”
“I’m sorry.” She released a quivering breath. “I’m just so happy. I don’t know how to process this.” A tear slid to her chin. “I feel like I’m about to burst.”
Firm lips brushed her forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She kissed him, hard. Her mind swam with the wonderful image of her small family. She safeguarded the picture in her heart, and anticipated capturing it one day soon.
A word from the author...
I live in Sydney, Australia, with my husband. I strove for a career in writing in 2008 and have enjoyed the journey so far.
Thank you for purchasing
this publication of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Hateful Desire Page 24
