Ocean of Love (20 page)

“
What are we celebrating?”
She gazed innocently up at this gorgeous man who still made her go
piping hot with his fierce, possessive gaze.

He arched a brow. “Don’t be so droll. You
know only too well, my love. Or shall I remind you?” He lowered
himself next to her on the chaise lounge. She inhaled his scent,
cherishing and delighting in it, before exhaling.

She sat forward, unable to stop from
giggling, and tapped her glass against his. “Happy anniversary,
sweetheart. Mmmm, our first year.” She sipped the fizzling ginger
ale and sighed.

He leaned across her legs, feathering his
fingers along her jaw, and kissed her long and deep. “I’ve got
plans for you.” His eyes flashed dangerously, making her insides
smolder.

Her toes instinctively curled. “You make my
head spin.”

“
I’m trying. Kitten, you
sorely tempt me. I can’t seem to get my fill of you. Is that the
siren or vixen in you?” His voice dropped into a growl.

“
Don’t blame me for what
you’ve created.” She ran her fingers over his jaw. “Are you
satisfied with the house? It’s everything I ever
dreamed.”

He surveyed the front of the terrace. “The
landscapers will be back next week. I reviewed the shade house for
your herbs. Then we’re officially done until you’ve decided on the
plans to convert the sitting room next to our bedroom.”

Last year, they had married on the Saturday
after Valentine’s Day. And then they’d traveled for weeks on an
amazing honeymoon before returning to Florida. By the end of the
month, they’d broken ground on the South Beach property. Wyatt’s
wedding gift to her. He’d directed the closing attorney to put the
beachfront property in her name, and had given her complete freedom
in designing a home for them to enjoy each other. A private,
oceanfront oasis, and soon they’d be joined by another Herndon. She
inhaled a skittering breath and set her glass on the side
table.

Wyatt pressed his body against her legs.
“How do you feel? Any dizziness?”

“
Perfect.” She fanned her
hands over the front of her shorts. Already a baby bump rose from
her abdomen.

“
I agree.” He rubbed his
hand lovingly over her stomach.

“
She’s growing. I think
soon I’ll need new clothes.”

“
Or you could just run
around naked. I’d keep you warm.” His hand continued to caress her
skin. “I love your body and the way you look with our baby inside
your belly.”

She smiled and contently pressed into him.
“I hope you say that at the end of the summer. When I’m as round as
a beach ball floating in the waves.”

Their baby would be born in the fall during
the cycle of the harvest moon just like when she’d been born. She
didn’t know if the child would carry mermaid genes and so far that
detail didn’t matter. Not with Wyatt, so it seemed.

“
I will and all the better.
Did you enjoy your swim?” He asked. “I noticed we’re not the only
pod increasing. More calves. Girls or boys?”

“
Incredible eye, Mr.
Herndon. Two more girls. And yes. It was delightful. Thank you for
accompanying me.”

He kissed her full on the mouth again. His
thumb stroked the side of her cheek. His eyes fell for a second to
her shoulder and she reached up to hold his face.

“
My hero. Thank you for
everything you’ve done.”

“
I hope the memory of our
first evening overrides all else.” He held her by the
hips.

“
The night lives with me.
Always will. You’re my perfect lover.”

“
What about
husband?”

“
And yes, my wildly
seductive husband. And…”

“
Yes? And?” he asked,
patiently waiting for her to continue.

“
I hope you’ll forgive me
for being sentimental. But from the start, you’ve always been my
soul mate.”

He held her gaze. An expression of deep
satisfaction blanketed his face. He raised his glass, signaling her
to continue. “A toast, please, you go first.”

She held out her glass. “To my perfect
lover, husband, and soul mate. I love you with all my heart.”

“
My lover and wife.” Wyatt
reached over and tapped her glass, a pealing ring of crystal
filling the air. “And to the siren of my heart, my one true soul
mate. Soon, you’ll also be the perfect mother.” He set his glass
down and took Marissa into his arms. “Sweetheart, I love you so
much. You’ve got my heart. I promise to keep you and our child safe
within an ocean of love.”

She pressed his hands over her abdomen,
absorbing the rhythm of their baby. While he rubbed her belly, she
held his face between your palms, kissing him with the strength of
their love. The baby kicked. And kicked again. He studied his
hands, and then started to laugh when the baby kicked another time.
She joined him, almost snorting. Afterward, she laid her head
against his cheek, running her fingers over the stubble on his jaw,
and released a sigh of contentment.

“
Our baby is one
strong-willed child,” he murmured, hugging her. “Just like you, my
love.”