High-Society Seduction (17 page)

Adam was on his feet instantly. “It’s okay. Our baby is fine.”

She sighed with relief. Then she realized something. Had he said “our” baby? Maybe she was hearing things because of the ear infection?

“How are you feeling now?” he asked.

She lifted her head and tried to sit up. “I’m not as dizzy anymore.”

“The medication must be working.” He gave her a gentle smile as he helped her get more comfortable against the pillows. “You’ll be better in next to no time.”

There was something different about him, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint it. Then she remembered, and panic rose inside her. “My parents? And Vicki? Did they come? Are they here? Did Vicki tell them about the baby?”

His smile warmed even more. “Yes, they were here. And no, they still don’t know about the baby. That’s up to you to tell them when you’re ready.”

Her shoulders slumped with relief. At least she didn’t have to face them over that just yet. “That’s good, then.”

He nodded. “I convinced them to go home for a few hours. I said I’d call them once you woke up.”

“Thank you.” Then she bit her lip. “You didn’t have to stay with me, Adam.”

“Yes, my love, I did.” He placed his lips on her forehead. “I want to stay with you the rest of my life.”

“Wh-what?”

He eased back and looked into her eyes. “I love you, Jenna. I’m not letting you go. Not now. Not ever.”

“But—” She tried to get her head around what he was saying. “What about Maddie and the baby?”

He didn’t flinch at all. “Maddie’s at peace and so is our child. And for the first time since their deaths, I’m truly at peace, too.” He kissed her hand. “I have no doubt I would have had a good life with Maddie, but it wasn’t to be. You and I were meant to be together, darling.”

She looked at him and her heart dared to hope. “Are you really sure?”

“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. Maddie was the love of my youth, Jenna, but
you
are the love of my
life.
”

She thrilled to the words. “Oh, Adam.”

“And you love me, too, don’t you?”

“I’m that obvious?”

He leaned down to gently seal a kiss on her lips. “Love recognizes love, my darling. Will you marry me?”

“Yes!”

“Good. Your mother is already planning our wedding.” He smiled as she blinked in surprise. “I had to get your parents out of here somehow. Otherwise I’d never have gotten you alone.”

“So they’re happy about it?”

“Definitely. And I’m sure they’ll be even happier when they learn about the baby.”

Jenna’s heart rose with sheer happiness. Everything was falling into place now.

Adam was right. It was meant to be.

Jenna was allowed to come home from the hospital on Christmas Day, on the condition that she only go to the Roth family lunch if she took things easy. It had been Adam’s one condition. He’d even arranged for her family to be at the lunch too, not that the Roths had minded sharing on this occasion. Considering that Adam had barely left her side the whole pregnancy and would make sure she didn’t lift a finger today, she found his concern both amusing and touching.

She watched him check their sleeping son again in the bassinet, and she smiled with love. “You can relax now, darling.”

He grinned ruefully. “I’ll try.”

As a new mum, she felt nervous herself, but this was more than that. She knew he’d never fully be able to relax and not worry about them. And she understood. She felt the same. She could only imagine what it would be like for him to let himself love so much when he knew the pain of loss so well.

Looking at their son now…looking at her husband…she wasn’t so sure she would be quite as brave to love again. She thanked God that Adam had been able to open his heart. He loved her and Christian with an intensity that took her breath away.

“Did I tell you that you’re my idol, Mr. Roth?”

He smiled adoringly at her. “I seem to remember you called me something entirely different when you were giving birth to our son yesterday.”

She chuckled. “Don’t let that fool you. I’m usually a very polite person.”

He gave her a soft kiss. “Sweetheart, you fooled me the moment I met you. I didn’t see you coming at all.”

Jenna looked into Adam’s eyes, her happiness true and complete. Love had found a way to heal all wounds, and now they could fully focus on the future.

And that looked very bright indeed.

HIGH-SOCIETY SEDUCTION

Copyright © 2010 by Maxine Sullivan

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