by Kristi Gold
Ten
As his brother-in-law descended the staircase, stood in the opening to the parlor Sebastian prepared to be thrown out on his arse. Yet when Nasira followed not far behind, sporting a plain cotton blouse, light blue slacks and a champion scowl, he sensed she would prefer to do the honors herself. He would accept that fate. He deserved it.
He glanced to his right to see Violet and her brother, Mac, Sebastian’s former nemesis, seated on the sofa as if they planned to preside over a kangaroo court with him playing the defendant. Rafe brushed past him and claimed the overstuffed chair adjacent to the settee, not bothering to hide his disdain for his sister’s spouse.
Nasira remained in the foyer, her arms folded beneath her breasts, looking every bit the hanging judge. “Well?”
“May I speak with you in private, Sira?” he asked with forced civility. “It’s extremely important.”
She regarded the curious onlookers before bringing her attention back to him. “Whatever you need to say, you may say it in front of my family and friends.”
She had turned his privacy plan on its proverbial ear, and he would have to accept it, even if it meant an unwelcome audience. “You’re absolutely right. Your friends and family are most welcome to witness what I have to say. I only hope they support my decision.”
Her shoulders immediately tensed. “I assume that decision involves your return to London.”
Wrong. He took both her hands in his. “I’m not going anywhere without you. I’m here to humbly ask you to forgive all my faults.”
“Such as?”
He’d compiled a laundry list that was too long to recite now, so he would concentrate on those which would matter most to her. “Forgive me for periodically leaving my towel on the floor after I shower. Forgive me for leading you to believe that I think you’re not capable of being involved in the business, because you are, and I welcome your input. Above all, I beg you to forgive me for being such a bloody, controlling coward.”
“I have never said you are a coward.”
A point in his favor. “Perhaps not, but I wouldn’t blame you if you thought it.” He paused to draw a breath. “The truth of the matter is, I have fought with men twice my size—”
“Seriously?” Violet interjected.
“I’d believe it,” Mac added.
Rafe cleared his throat. “Let the man continue. Violet needs her rest and at this rate, we will be here until midnight.”
Violet leaned over and patted her husband’s cheek. “Thank you, honey.”
“As I was saying,” Sebastian continued, “I’ve been in several situations that required bravery, but the thought of being responsible for a tiny, helpless creature frankly scares the hell out of me.”
He studied Nasira’s eyes and saw a glimpse of understanding, or so he assumed. “Sebastian, you are in charge of a major corporation. I am confident you can handle fatherhood with the same aplomb.”
“Except for the dirty diapers maybe,” Mac said, earning him a look from Rafe.
“I can only promise I will try,” Sebastian said sincerely. “But what I lack in skill, I will make up in the willingness to learn.”
Instead of falling into his arms, she frowned. “Why the sudden turnaround, Sebastian?”
He should have realized she wouldn’t make this easy on him. “I spent hours thinking about what you said. Life isn’t without risk, but I’m willing to take that risk with you in light of the reward. I’ve also spoken with Stella and my father. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ve wasted many years resenting a man without just cause, and I will never know true peace unless I learn to forgive his faults. And I hope you forgive mine. In reality, I’m very much like him, and only part of that is learned behavior. The other part is genetic.”
He couldn’t seem to even coax a slight smile from her. “Will you be able to love our baby?”
More than she would know. More than he could express. “I vow to love our child as much as I love our child’s mother.”
When he pulled the bracelet from his pocket in an effort to confirm his commitment, and placed it on Nasira’s wrist, his wife finally smiled. “That is all I needed to know. And I love you, too. I forgive you all your faults, if you will forgive mine as well.”
His spirits soared like a hawk. “You’re perfect, Sira. But I need to warn you, you’ll have to be patient with me. I’m going to worry about you every moment of every day during your pregnancy. I’m definitely going to be ridiculously overprotective and I’ll be gauging your every move—”
“Shut up and kiss me, Sebastian.”
She would get no argument from him. As he took her in his arms and kissed her soundly, for the first time in many years, he felt entirely at peace. Once they parted, he realized the room had cleared out as though he was a randy rock star giving a bad performance. “Would you care to accompany me back to our rented ranch?”
She hid a yawn behind her hand. “Gladly. I am so exhausted. I could not sleep without you by my side.”
Neither could he. “Rest assured I will respect your need for sleep. You will have to get more of it to remain healthy.”
She slid her arms around his waist and sent him a sly grin. “Actually, I am not that tired, nor am I fragile.”
No, she was not, and he realized he had known that all along. “Well then, Mrs. Edwards, let us away to our borrowed bed.”
“That sounds like a very good plan, Mr. Edwards.”
* * *
They made love once during the night, and again in the morning. As the first light of dawn streamed through the slightly parted curtains, Nasira rested her cheek on Sebastian’s chest and listened to the strong beat of his heart as she basked in the afterglow of remarkable lovemaking...and much-needed hope for their future together.
Sebastian’s steady strokes on her back threatened to lull her to sleep, but she awoke completely when he shifted slightly. “You know what I like best about your pregnancy?” he asked.
“I know what I like best,” she murmured. “I can avoid tight clothing for nine months.”
“You would look good in a gunny sack, Nasira. I personally enjoy not having to wear another bloody raincoat.”
She shifted onto her back and stretched her arms above her head. “What do you mean? We are not in London, Sebastian. Today you will not need a raincoat. The forecast calls for an abundance of sunshine.”
He chuckled. “I meant raincoat as in condoms. I’ve had enough of those annoying rubber ducks to last a lifetime. Sheer torture, I tell you.”
The description made her smile. “The reference to a bath toy presents quite a grand visual.”
He rolled to his side, bent his elbow for support and propped his jaw on his palm. “What time do we have to be at the wedding?”
“Noon. I have to assist Violet with her dress.”
He lowered the sheet, baring Nasira’s torso, and laid his cheek beneath her breasts. “I’m certain she has several ladies-in-waiting who will come to her aid.”
“Perhaps, but I would like to be a part of the process.”
Using a fingertip, he drew circles around her belly. “Then you should definitely get some rest.”
“How can I rest with you touching me this way?”
“I am trying to connect with our child.”
And that proclamation moved Nasira in unexpected and wonderful ways. “Do you wish for a boy or a girl?”
His hand came to a stop on her belly. “I’m still getting use to the fatherhood idea. I haven’t had time to consider the gender.”
She stroked his hair. “I personally have no preference, although I could see you with a daughter. She would have you wrapped around her finger in an instant.”
“That would mean she’s exactly like her mother.” He pressed a kiss on h
er belly then rose up slightly and began to speak softly, sincerely. “Hello there, baby Edwards. This is your old dad. I wanted to introduce myself even though some might believe I’ve taken total leave of my senses, talking to a tadpole who undoubtedly won’t remember this conversation.”
He sent Nasira a grin before giving his consideration back to his unborn child. “In the future, beyond your toddler years, you’re most likely going to be frustrated with me, and perhaps during your teens, you’re going to despise me. At times I might be strict, but you never need to doubt how much I love you, and how much I love this wonderful woman who is currently giving you a safe haven in which to grow. But whatever you decide to become, be it a businessman or a butler, please know I will always be proud of you, and I promise I will always forgive your faults.”
Overwhelmed by the sweetness of his words, Nasira battled tears. This time, tears of joy. Of blessed relief. “You will be an amazing father.”
He returned to her side and kissed her cheek. “I will be the best father I can be.”
“Sebastian, my love, I know in my soul you will be the very best.”
Nasira had finally been granted her heart’s desire—the gift of a precious baby and the love a good man. She felt as if she were the most fortunate woman in the world. And before she drifted off again, she wished that same good fortune on Rafe and Violet on this day when their life together would truly begin....
* * *
“With the power vested in me by the great State of Texas, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Now give that little gal a kiss.”
Nothing was more boring than sitting through a wedding, especially when the man presiding over the nuptials was clearly a repressed comedian. Yet Sebastian admittedly enjoyed Nasira squeezing his hand during the vows. And he reluctantly acknowledged that Violet and Rafe’s pledge to each other had been rather moving at times.
Bloody hell. He had turned into a lovesick sap. But he wouldn’t want it any other way.
After the bride and groom vacated the makeshift altar, Sebastian took his wife by the hand and led her through the hordes of humanity. He had no idea so many people resided in this spot-in-the-road town of Royal.
“I’m going to congratulate Violet and Rafe,” Nasira said when they managed to find a small space to stand without bumping into guests. “Are you coming with me?”
Sebastian peered out over the crowd and noticed the lengthy reception line near the white tent. He also spotted one man he needed to speak with out of his wife’s earshot. “If you don’t mind, I believe I’ll find a waiter and get a drink. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”
She brushed a kiss across his cheek. “All right, but please hurry. I do not want anyone to assume I put you on a plane to London without me.”
He frowned. “Why would anyone assume that?”
“This is a very small town, Sebastian. Gossip travels at the speed of lightning, according to Violet.”
Nothing he hadn’t encountered in the jolly old town of London. “I’ll be along briefly.”
After Nasira disappeared in the sea of people, Sebastian set out for Mac McCallum, who was standing near the bar bedecked in white bunting. He could now kill two birds with one stone.
As soon as he reached the drink station, he addressed the bartender, tip in hand. “I need a scotch, neat. The best scotch you have, actually.”
The man poured the drink and set it before him. “It’s free.”
Did he think he was so socially inept that he didn’t understand the concept of an open bar? “I realize that,” he said as he tossed the fifty-dollar bill on the counter. “This is a tip.”
“Thanks a heap, mister.”
“You’re most welcome, barkeep.”
He grabbed the drink, approached Mac and looked around before he began asking questions. Realizing the coast was crystal clear, he addressed the cowboy. “Did you make the arrangements?” he asked in a lowered voice.
“Yeah, I did. Delivered the funds personally.”
“What timeline should I expect?”
Mac swiped a hand over his jaw. “You’re going completely custom, so I estimate at least a year, maybe a bit longer.”
That would allow enough time to finalize the deal before the birth of their child. Odd that only a few weeks ago, he would not allow himself to believe he could continue the Edwards legacy. “I appreciate your help. And by the way, who are all these people?”
Mac leaned back against the bar. “Most are Texas Cattleman’s Club members, old and new, and their significant others. The man over there is Ben Rassad, Darin Shakir’s cousin. And that guy over there is Gavin McNeal.”
“I met the former sheriff at the festival a few weeks ago.”
“Yeah, he’s part of the old guard. The man standing near him is the new Texas Cattleman’s Club president, Case Baxter and his wife, Mellie. I’m surprised he bothered to show up, but I guess he’s decided to bury the hatchet. And right over there is the current sheriff, Nathan Battle.”
Sebastian sensed a story coming on. “Does this Baxter fellow have a problem with the bride and groom?”
Mac set his empty beer aside and straightened. “It’s a long story, but Case was very angry with Rafe for secretly trying to buy up the town, including Mellie’s land where the club sits. But all’s been settled now that Rafe decided not to get revenge on me for his assumption I defiled your wife a long time ago, and as you probably know, that led to Rafe’s torture and confinement by your deceased father-in-law.”
The unbelievable story, laid out in such a manner, reeked of a made-for-TV movie plot. And although he now knew the details, and that Mac had no designs on Nasira, he still wasn’t pleased with the man using defiled and his wife in the same sentence. “Regardless, I’m glad the situation has been resolved.”
He was also glad to see his spouse weaving through the masses, heading his way. When she arrived, he slipped his arm around her slender waist. “Did you give the happy couple my regards?”
“Unfortunately I could not reach them. Fortunately we have time to visit with them before our flight departs tonight.” She turned her smile on Mac. “I spoke with Andrea a few moments ago. I believe she is searching for you.”
The man’s expression lit up like a livewire. “She’s probably wondering about the documents I left her yesterday. You folks enjoy the rest of the day, and have a safe flight.”
Nasira laughed as soon as Mac left the immediate premises. “Did you notice how quickly he left when I mentioned his assistant’s name?”
“I did. Obviously she is very efficient.”
She frowned. “She is very attractive, and Mac is completely smitten. I would not be surprised to learn they are the next couple to wed in Royal.”
Honestly, Sebastian didn’t care about anyone other than the woman standing next to him, looking stunning in her coral chiffon gown and matching heels. He crooked his finger in invitation. “I would greatly appreciate some alone time with my wife.”
She took a moment to survey the frantic scene. “That could be difficult to come by unless I borrow a cattle prod to clear the crowd.”
Cattle prod? Obviously his wife had resided in Texas long enough to adopt the classic cowboy colloquialisms. “I don’t see anyone milling about that massive statue of the woman Gavin McNeal mentioned at the fair.”
Nasira peered off into the distance. “Oh, yes, the statue of Jess Golden, his wife’s distant relative. If we hurry, perhaps we might steal some privacy, although we will have ample alone time on the plane.”
He liked the sound of that, yet he refused to wait until they boarded the jet to let her in on his secret plan. He felt like an impetuous schoolboy on Christmas Eve as he guided her toward the legendary figure from Texas Cattleman’s Club’s past. Once they arrived, he gave his beautiful bride a kiss and as an ad
ded bonus, a pat on her shapely bottom.
“I spoke with Mac earlier today,” he began, “and he told me that at one time, the Texas Cattleman’s Club members engaged in missions bordering on espionage. Apparently it was quite the rage back then.”
She favored him with an endearing smile. “You cannot believe everything you hear, although I admit, I have heard the same. However, clearly times have changed.”
He looked lovingly at Nasira and in that moment recognized the value of family and love. “I’d personally like to believe that men of honor still have the capacity to come to the rescue of their fair maidens.”
She touched his face with reverence. “They do. After all, you have rescued me from a life without a child, fathered by the man I love with all my heart and soul.”
“You have done the same for me. I want nothing more than to have you as the mother of our children, my love. And to reward you for your efforts, I have a gift to present you.”
Her sunny expression melted into a frown. “You have already given me the best gift I could have ever wished for. Our baby-to-be.”
She had given him more than he could express. “This will be something we can all enjoy as a family.”
“Is it bigger than a music box?”
“Much bigger.”
“Where is it?”
“It is being built as of tomorrow.”
She looked entirely confused. “Sebastian, I have the Bentley. I do not need another car.”
“It’s not a car, sweetheart. It’s a house.”
She appeared unimpressed. “We already own two houses.”
“And we shall have three, only this one is a vacation home and will not be located in the UK.”
“Tahiti?”
“No. Royal.”
Worried that he might have permanently rendered her speechless, he waited for her shock to subside. “Why? Where?”
“In the gated golf community of Pine Valley. I selected a lot and I met with the architect after you left me to return to Rafe’s. It’s a place we can call home when we return next year on holiday.”
Her eyes brightened. “Oh, Sebastian, that would be marvelous. By that time, we will have our baby and we can introduce him or her to its new cousin.”
