Terms of Surrender

by Shirley Rogers

  Though tears dotted her cheeks, Miranda smiled. "I can't say that I'm not sorry we missed the wedding, but we understand. With Abraham's election to the Senate, and finding my daughter, the reporters haven't left us alone, either." She came around the table and embraced Victoria. "Congratulations, Tori. I'm so happy for you. You've chosen well."

  Harold hugged his daughter next, then shook his new son-in-law's hand. "Welcome to our family," he said, and his eyes weren't dry. "Take care of her."

  David nodded. "You have my word."

  Soon everyone was hugging the new bride and groom, wishing them the best. When the band began playing a waltz, David grasped Victoria's hand. "Dance with me?"

  She smiled, her eyes shining. "Love to."

  He led her to the dance floor, then pulled her against him. She slid her arms around his neck and looked up at him. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

  "Your parents are wonderful. I'm not sure I would have reacted the same way if I'd been in their shoes."

  "They love me," she said simply.

  "I love you, Tori. With all my heart."

  Victoria's arms tightened around him. "I love you, too." She pressed closer to him, then urged his mouth to hers. David's tongue made a foray into her mouth, touching hers, making Victoria moan with desire. "I've got a great idea," she whispered against his mouth.

  He licked his lips, tasting her. "I'm listening," he answered, wishing they weren't in the middle of a crowded dance floor. He wanted to be alone with his wife.

  "I don't think anyone would really miss us if we left." Her eyes softened with desire, and she moved against him suggestively. "Let's slip out of here. I want to go home. I can think of a better way for us to spend the rest of this evening."

  "I like the way you think," David answered. After a lingering kiss, he led her off the dance floor.

  Slipping by their table, she discreetly grabbed her purse. Without anyone noticing, Victoria and David escaped into the night. A full moon illuminated their way as they drove toward home.

  Victoria sat close to her husband, her arm around his. Content, she rested her head on his shoulder. Only a few weeks ago, she'd been all alone in the world. Now she knew her true identity, and the emptiness that had been inside her had been filled with her family's love and caring.

  And David's love.

  Her heart swelled. She'd loved him from the moment she'd seen him, and she was going to love him for the rest of her life. She smiled dreamily at him, and he leaned over and kissed her. Victoria deepened the kiss, drawing his tongue into her mouth.

  Groaning, David broke off their kiss. "Behave. I'm about ready to pull this car over."

  "That sounds engaging," Victoria replied.

  "Don't tempt me. I want to take you home where I can make love to you in bed. I'd hate to tell our son that he was conceived in the back of a car."

  Victoria grinned. "Our son?"

  David chuckled. "Or daughter." He squeezed her hand. "I never dreamed that I'd be lucky enough to be married to you, let alone become a father to our children."

  "I'm the lucky one," she whispered.

  And she was. Enchanted, Victoria snuggled against him, anxious to begin the rest of their lives together.

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