Once her mother held a party for her and none of the kids in the neighbourhood ended up attending. It was the lowest point of her life at that time. She had told Jules that one day and he felt her pain. He kissed her and told her that would never happen again. Ever. From that day in her childhood she vowed she would never invite anyone to her party because she didn’t want the embarrassment of nobody showing up again, even for a good reason.
But here, here she was surrounded by good friends and family. Venus, her friend, walked over to her and gave her a compassionate hug. “Congratulations, Amber. You didn’t think we would let you have a baby without a shower, did you?”
Amber was almost moved to tears and fought her emotions not to burst into a sobbing river. The last thing she wanted would be to tear up at what should be one of the most joyous occasions in celebrating her new baby—even if they were tears of joy.
Oh, Jules.
She looked up at him again with warmth in her heart and appreciation in her smile. Her heart fluttered inside her chest. She was overcome with unbridled excitement and love. So this was what it felt like to come from a large, close-knit family with tons of support.
She looked around and thanked everybody. She saw Antonio with his wife Lucy, Lucas with his wife Maxine, Zack and Blue and Carl and Venus, Toni and Shelly, Pamela, the family’s press secretary who was more like family, Dion and Troy, Jules’s other brothers. She noticed Dr. Alonso was absent. He was probably overseas again since he had opened new clinics in Haiti. Oh, what a family!
Amber walked into the study with wonder, like that proverbial kid in a candy store as everyone greeted her. Over near the fireplace, some beautiful children, Jules’s nieces and nephews, were playing with toys.
And speaking of toys, there was a table near the fireplace that was brimming in Disney-designed gift bags tied with beautiful large red, blue and pink shiny bows. She saw boxes with baby clothes, diaper genies, newborn diapers, and even gorgeous looking designer maternity clothes laid flat on the grand table, adorned with metallic bows. Not to mention the festive helium balloons everywhere.
Amber covered her mouth with her hands, in awe, overcome with emotion.
“Oh, come now. That’s okay,” Toni said, hobbling towards her with his cane. He reached over to her and patted her back. “You deserve this, my dear. It’s just our little gift to you and your baby. You’re family now.”
“Th-thank you. Thank you so much, I…I don’t know what to say.”
“You shouldn’t have to say anything,” Shelly said with compassion in her voice and her smile. “You’ve done so much for everybody else, especially Carl and Venus, whose idea this was, and it’s okay to get some of that back.”
Oh, how wonderful of them to say. They made Amber feel as if she wasn’t a mere charity case, but a friend. She wished in her heart she was enjoying this shower as Jules’s fiancée, or better yet, his wife! But she had to remember that it was she who didn’t want to get physically close to Jules in the past and well, Jules wasn’t ready to get serious then, or emotionally close.
“You know, I thought you were having one of your family dinners,” she said, looking at Jules with a mock scowl as she placed her hands on her hips.
Amber had already dined with the Romeros at their “big” family dinner not long ago, so she was surprised that the Romero clan was meeting up again so soon. Now she knew why.
“It’s the truth, right, Gramps?”
“That’s right. We’ll be having dinner in the dining room after we play a few games.”
“A few games?” she mouthed, totally taken aback.
“Oh, you didn’t think I would arrange this baby shower without all the fun, did you?” Shelly beamed. “Come here, Queen Mom, you sit right here on the Mommy Throne.” Shelly lovingly guided Amber to a comfortable plush seat that was reminiscent of French provincial furniture that happened to be decorated with beautiful pink and pinker, if possible, ribbons and a few balloons.
Amber gushed.
“Oh, you guys are so amazing. Thank you. You really didn’t have to do all this.”
“Nonsense. That’s how we do things. In style,” Toni added.
Jules watched Amber and it seemed as if he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. He seemed genuinely thrilled that she was happy. A warm smile relaxed his handsome face. He stood by Amber with his arms crossed over his chest feeling a great sense of satisfaction.
They ended up playing a few fun games as part of the “Jack and Jill” baby shower where a few of the men took part, but mostly the women, Shelly, Lucy, Maxine, Blue and Venus along with Pamela, were involved. The room echoed with laughter, music and chatter. Most of the time, Jules was by Amber’s side, sticking closer to her than Velcro. Hugging her and rubbing her arm tenderly. She felt a close connection with him. It was the perfect way to spend her evening. If only they were getting married. If only she was his wife but she wouldn’t raise the issue. She was grateful to have his company and his affection.
“Thank you so much. The dinner was delicious,” Amber commented to Toni after the baby shower and dinner, rubbing her belly as she sat beside the stone fireplace in the grand family room. The “room” looked more like the size of a luxury hotel lobby. It was her second massive family gathering and she enjoyed it very much. She was beginning to feel more comfortable around the entire Romero clan.
No matter how many times she visited, she was always intrigued with the place. The Romero Manor was impressive in its grandeur. It was 16,000-square-feet of modern luxury with four separate wings or quarters and that ginormous diamond-inspired chandelier mounted on the cathedral ceiling was impressive to the eyes of mere mortals.
“Thank you, Amber. As I mentioned at the last family gathering, we try to get together as often as we can for a good old-fashioned family dinner. Just like in the old days when dinner meant being seated around a table with a four-course, home-prepared meal, not on the couch in front of a TV by yourself with something you shoved in the microwave in a tray,” Toni said, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. “Things are different these days, you know.”
“Oh, I agree with you there, Toni.”
The Romeros were lucky, even though they often did things for themselves, they still had a palace-size kitchen and culinary staff to prepare delectable dinners when a dozen people would be guests.
They enjoyed a deliciously prepared meal of honey ginger chicken served with locally-grown garden vegetables that included baby spinach. The meal was perfect for Amber since it helped curb her nausea. The baked chicken was seasoned with honey, lemon and ginger. She also savored the taste of creamy yogurt spread, one of her favorite cravings.
Jules remembered.
Amber noticed he had kept up with her requirements for the baby and her desires in the types of healthy foods she ate. She knew it was no coincidence that everything at the shower had been just as she wanted. That darn smart fridge also let on to Jules what she liked and didn’t like, since she input the data from her digital grocery shopping wish list. Amber smiled to herself at the thought. The table was adorned with sweet-tasting fruit salads containing strawberries, kiwis, bananas, apples, blueberries, raspberries, grapes and peaches, all perfect because she really needed to keep up with her four to six cups of fruit servings a day for the baby’s sake, especially.
This was optimal for Amber since she was still experiencing nausea this far into her pregnancy. Some women were freed of morning sickness early on but she was one of the few where it looked as if it would last throughout her pregnancy. Did Jules and the Romeros think of everything?
Amber swore she didn’t want a man in her life but she was beginning to rethink having Jules in it.
The Romero family was extremely thoughtful as well as observant. They were very much in tune with a person’s needs it seemed. Especially close friends and family. Amber wondered what Christmas would be like around the estate. Particularly with the growing family tree and jolly old Grandpa Romero. Family gatherings
were amazing at the estate. She’d never seen so much laughter and joy in one room before with so many people close to each other and loving each other and basking in the moment. Just being cool with each other. They made her feel so welcomed and a part of their family. Amber felt so at ease and comfortable around them. Especially being in her sensitive condition where her emotions were often all over the place. She was feeling happier these days and she had her beautiful baby growing inside her to thank for that. Well, she had Jules and his wonderful family to thank for that, too.
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Thank you so much, Jules,” Amber said, leaning into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. They stood embracing on the Romero family’s yacht, named the Janissa after Jules’s late mother.
“For what?” he said in a husky voice as he cradled her. Amber could feel the warmth of his breath as he softly kissed her neck then her shoulder. His touch shivered through her spine causing a pleasant tingling sensation.
The soothing sound of the lake’s water whooshing against the boat was calming to her nerves. Oddly enough, she didn’t even feel tired. Maybe it was the adrenaline rush of the amazing day that got her buzzed.
The late afternoon sky was a calming shade of blue as it morphed into early evening.
“You know what I mean,” she teased him. “Hmm, that feels good.”
“So do you,” he murmured.
“I really appreciate the party, Jules.” Part of her was brimming with joy inside and another part was filled with sadness over the fact that when the baby arrived, what would become of Jules and Amber? Was he being nice to her because she was pregnant and alone? Did they even have a future together? She would be heartbroken to lose all of Jules should he decide to marry someone else in the future once they parted ways.
“What’s on your mind?” He stroked her arm sensuously.
Waves of desire washed through Amber’s veins from his gentle caress. She could feel the sexual magnetism between them. It was empowering, undeniable. Her nipples tightened under the fabric of her black Dolly dress. Yet, there was something amiss. Should she ask him? Should she risk ruining the moment and ask him where they stood as to the future? Could they ever become a couple—again? This time, obviously, an intimate couple.
“I…I don’t know,” she sighed, her mind racing with all sorts of ideas and scenarios. She really didn’t want to spoil the mood, especially after all the trouble Jules and his family had gone through to make the celebration extra special for Amber and her unborn daughter. Talk about a caring, wonderful family. All families should be like the Romeros, wealthy or not. Their strong bond was the cement in their relationships that kept them stuck together in times of thick or thin. That was impressive considering how different, yet alike, they were.
“Oh, I think you do know what’s on your mind,” he lovingly teased her. “Your mind seems to be racing. I can see your eyes spinning in your head, darling.”
He grinned and she smiled at the image. “Jules, you’re not that funny!” Amber denied, then playfully slapped his arm.
“Ouch.”
“That didn’t hurt.”
“No, not the slap, the words. Man, you can really kill an aspiring comedian’s spirit.”
She burst out laughing. “I didn’t know you were aspiring to be funny, Jules.”
“Good. Now that’s the spirit. At least I got you laughing.”
“Jules, seriously. I…I want us to talk.”
“About what?”
“About us. Our future together. The last couple months were just…amazing.”
“I know.”
“You said you wanted to be a part of my life.”
He gently spun her around to face him and cupped her chin in his soft hands. “I do. I still do,” he assured, gazing intently into her eyes. His dark, sexy eyes mesmerized Amber and stirred something in her soul. His eyes were so loving, so passionate, so trusting.
Sure, you want me in your life, Jules. I just wished you wanted to marry me. I wish I could be sure it would even work out between us.
“Well, I care about you, Jules. I always have. I really hope that…oh, it’s nothing.”
“What were you going to say?”
The tranquility of the moment was then shattered by a loud engine roar of a plane flying low. Talk about bad timing. “Oh, Jules, what’s that awful sound?” Amber looked up as Jules continued to hold her snugly.
Her jaw fell open. Up in the late afternoon blue sky, a plane spelled out: AMBER, WILL YOU MARRY ME?
Amber’s heart hammered against her ribs. Her pulse leaped in her throat. She covered her mouth with her hands.
Jules reached over to the side of the rail and pulled out a gift basket filled with yummy delicacies and a fluffy brown teddy bear with a blue and pink ribbon tied to it. The bear was holding a small red velvet jewellery box in its hand.
“Sorry for the overkill, Amber. I really wanted to make this a special occasion for a special girl.”
“Oh, Jules!” She was overcome with surprise. This was all a dream and she would wake up and be back to her usual self—alone with no support. But this wasn’t a dream. Jules was on bended knee.
She hesitated at first then nodded repeatedly, the words caught in her throat.
“God, I hope that’s a yes in sign language,” he said.
Amber melted into a nervous smile. “Yes. I’d be honored to marry you, Jules!”
She should be honored, yet she was torn. She was crazy about the new Jules. She knew deep down he’d be a great father but—and there was this big but—she felt totally unworthy of him and couldn’t imagine he’d be happy making love to her one day, given the extent of her scars. Jules was such a perfect physical specimen. Her ex had given her a traumatic sexual experience. What was she thinking saying “yes”?
Jules helped Amber open the ring box and her eyes almost popped out of her head.
She felt her heart explode with overwhelming emotion as he placed a sparkling French-cut diamond engagement ring on her ring finger. “Jules, this is so beautiful.”
“Not half as beautiful as you, Amber.” Jules smiled and the warmth in his expression was enough to melt her to tears.
“Oh, no. Don’t go crying on me now. It’s only for eternity that we’ll be together. After that, you won’t have to worry about waking up with me every single morning.”
Again, the soon-to-be Mrs. Romero gave a nervous chuckle. Jules really had one heck of a wry sense of humor about him.
“I love you, Amber. I know we’ve been through a lot and spent time apart but all this time I couldn’t stop thinking about you. When you came back into my life that time at the Family Center…I knew we were meant to be together. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I never thought I would say this to another person but…It’s true.”
Oh, God! That sounds so promising but…can this really work? Honestly? Who am I kidding? But this would be the miracle I’ve been wanting for my child. For her to have a father.
“Oh, Jules. I…I love you, too. I really want us to work. I…I’m so glad, I hope anyway, that we’ll be married before,” she lovingly glanced down at her baby bump as she gently rubbed her beach ball belly, “she comes along into this world.”
Her daughter deserved to have a father’s name on her birth certificate.
“So am I. I agree with you. I love you and want to spend my life with you and our little girl. And I do think it’s best that she’s born to us as husband and wife.”
Did he say spend his life with me? Could they even stay married together?
“Thank you for understanding, Jules. It wasn’t easy for me growing up, feeling different from the other kids because my real dad wasn’t married to my mother or even in the picture. When she married my stepfather, it was a dream. I’ve always dreamed and prayed that my daughter, my child would be born into wedlock. It’s just something that meant the world to me. When I became pregnant I thought I’d lost that dream, Jules. Tha
nk you.”
“That’s what love is all about, right?” Jules lifted her chin to his and kissed her lips so softly.
He had already given the thumbs-up to the pilot of the plane who did the skywriting proposal and soared off into the distance.
“I know,” she agreed quietly. Her baby kicked a few times and Jules melted into a grin. He placed his hand over Amber’s and both soothed the belly together.
“I’m going to be the best daddy to our little girl, Amber. It doesn’t matter that I’m not the biological father. Blood is thicker than water, but love is thicker than blood.”
She tingled at the sound of his empowering words. Sure, Jules would be a great daddy. But she didn’t know if she could be a good wife to him. Would they end up splitting up again?
“That’s so true. I like that.”
“It’s the truth, but they aren’t my original words. My brother got it from some wisdom website.”
She grinned again. Oh, Jules. Always the one to lighten what could be a serious or intense moment. “I still agree, Jules. It is so true.”
“Anyway, we’d better move quickly with the date if you want to be married before our little princess makes her grand entrance.”
“I know.” Amber felt a pang of guilt. She didn’t want Jules to feel let down by her. There was so much about herself she could never reveal to him.
“I’ll speak to Carl and we’ll see what we can do to expedite things at City Hall. We need to get some paperwork completed.”
“Okay. That sounds like a plan.” A lump climbed into Amber’s throat again.
He smiled. “I like the sound of that,” he purred in a low, sexy voice.
Jules traced the outline of Amber’s jaw with his fingers and she tingled at his soft touch. Waves of pleasure tumbled through her veins.
Oh, Jules. That magic touch.
A part of her was glad her daughter would have a father’s name on her birth certificate. Part of her was terrified that Jules and she would regret they rushed into this marriage.
The Billionaire's Baby (The Romero Brothers, Book 5) Page 8
