by Janet Dailey
"Bridget." His arms wrapped around her, hugging her close and rocking her gently as if to belatedly ease the pain and anguish she had gone through alone. "I love you. At least you know I wanted to marry you because I love you before I found out about Molly. If it's possible I love you even more now that I know."
"I'm glad." But it was a small word to describe the wild elation throbbing inside her as She snuggled against him.
"I still can't believe it," Jonas breathed against her hair. "I know it's late, but inside I'm bursting with pride. I feel like passing out cigars. I have a child. We have a daughter!"
Bridget lifted her head to look up at him. Her breath was caught by the brilliant mist shimmering in his eyes and the wondrous smile illuminating his face. "Yes, we have a daughter," she agreed, her voice choked with emotion. "Molly doesn't know, of course, but we'll tell her."
"Together," Jonas promised. A flicker of concern crossed his features. "Do you think she'll mind?"
"We'll explain everything," Bridget said. "She's old enough to understand. She likes you, too, Jonas. It might take her sometime to adjust, but I know she'll love you eventually and be proud to be your daughter."
"Old enough?" he laughed silently. "You told me she was eight years old going on nine. And I believed you, even though there were times when I thought she was overly mature in her attitudes. No wonder!"
His mouth was teasing the corner of her lips. Bridget moved to seek his kiss, knowing he understood the reason for her deception about Molly and didn't mind.
"Have you finished the cake, mom?" The question that started out in a rush slowed quickly when Molly rounded the archway into the kitchen and saw the embracing couple. She stopped, wide-eyed, as the two glanced at her.
"Come on in, Molly," Jonas invited, unlocking his arms from around Bridget.
"I was going to put the candles on the cake," Molly explained uncertainly.
"I'll have it finished in a minute." Bridget turned to the counter picking up the decorating tube.
"Yes, mother," Jonas mocked playfully, "you'd better get that cake decorated for this young lady's birthday."
Molly walked over, watching both of them curiously. Jonas leaned a hip against the counter to watch Bridget add the blue base to the cake. He dipped a finger into the frosting bowl.
Bridget lightly rapped his hand. "Stay out of there!"
"You have all you need, don't you?" Jonas countered.
"Yes, but—"
"Come on, Molly, you and I are going to lick the bowl." He picked it up from the counter. "Bring a couple of spoons.
Taking two spoons from the silverware drawer, Molly followed him laughingly to the kitchen table. Bridget watched, forgetting the cake for the moment. Their chairs were pulled close together, both heads bent over the frosting bowl. One was chestnut colored and the other was tobacco gold.
They were a family. All three of them together. There might be other happier minutes than this in her life, Bridget knew, but this scene would live forever in her heart.
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