Scandal

by Heather Cullman

  "I would have loved that as well," Julia replied. "However, he has promised to visit us, and there is nothing to keep us from visiting him here as well. So we must try to content ourselves with that comfort." She studied him from beneath her lashes for a moment, wondering if this might be a good time to tell him her news. She had thought to wait until after his reunion with his brother, so as not to detract from the occasion. But in light of his glumness, it seemed that this might be the perfect moment to do so after all. Glancing away again, she slyly added, "Of course, it will be a while before I shall be able to make this trip

  again. At least nine months, I should guess."

  Gideon frowned, only to look stunned in the next instant as the meaning of her words sank in. "Are you saying that-that-"

  When his mouth opened and closed several times without issuing forth any more words, Julia laughed and supplied, "Yes, Gideon. You are going to be a father come spring."

  "A-are you certain?" he sputtered.

  This was the first time Julia had ever seen her impeccably poised husband at a loss. Laughing again, she tossed back, "Very. I cannot imagine why you would look so surprised. It was bound to happen as often as we make love."

  He continued to gape at her for a moment longer; then he expelled a loud whoop. Jumping to his feet, he pulled her from her chair and crushed her in a fierce but careful hug. "A baby! Oh, Julia, my love, this is the most marvelous news in the world! I thought that my life was complete when we found Caleb. But now it truly is."

  "As is mine," Julia said with a smile, rising up on her tiptoes to twine her arms around his neck. Drawing his face down to hers, she murmured, "Now love me, Gideon."

  With a grin, Gideon captured her lips with his. When he had kissed her into reathlessness, he scooped her into his arms and carried her upstairs, where true to the gentleman he was, he did not disappoint his lady.