Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée (17 page)

G
race stood on the verandah, greeting guests while children played on swings on the grassy lawn. She held a sleeping baby in her arms and smiled at Nick as he walked up to her.

“How's the little princess?” Nick asked, looking at the baby.

“She's sleeping and might sleep right through the first party she's ever attended.”

“She will have plenty more,” Nick said.

“Where is the prettiest baby in Texas that we've been hearing about?” Tony and Jake walked up to join them. Both men smiled at Grace as they said hello. “Let's see this little doll.”

“You guys know nothing about babies, but even so, you'll have to admit this one is adorable,” Nick said, turning his daughter so his friends could see her face.

One-month-old Emily Rafford yawned, opened big green eyes and gazed up at her daddy. Her wavy black hair had a
tiny pink hair bow fastened in it and her pale blue dress with white embroidery made her look like a beautiful doll.

All three men studied the tiny baby. “I don't know anything about babies,” Jake said, “but this is a pretty one. I'll agree.”

“The two of you may know the oil business and real estate and high finance, but babies—you are both know-nothings,” Nick joked, and his friends grinned.

“Never thought I'd live to see the day Nick Rafford became domesticated,” Jake said, and they all laughed with Grace. She liked his friends and suspected they were as against commitment as Nick had been. She had no intention of matchmaking or meddling in the life of either one. They were charming and handsome, but not nearly as charming and handsome to her as the man she married.

Nick placed his arm lightly across her shoulders and moved close.

“Now where is Michael?” Tony asked. “We'll say hello to him.”

Nick pointed. “At the swings with Grace's aunt Clara.”

“We'll go see if we can relieve Aunt Clara,” Tony said. Both men strolled away, their long legs covering the sloping lawn.

She looked around at the mansion that Nick had built for her, letting her decorate. Nick had also built a house on the grounds for Clara.

When Grace turned to smile at Nick, his arm tightened around her shoulders. “Here comes Megan and I know she is going to want to take Emily to Dad, so I'll go deliver her now.”

Grace watched Megan take Emily from Nick and head in Eli's direction while Nick strolled back. “Quick, before someone else comes up, you come with me. I need you to look at something.”

“Nick, you aren't just trying to escape talking to guests for a few minutes, are you?” she asked, amused and suspecting that was exactly the case.

Holding his hand, she went with him to the library. He pulled her inside and closed the door, turning to lean against it and take her in his arms.

“At last,” he announced. “I want you and I don't want to wait.”

She smiled at him. “I quite agree. Let them hunt for their host and hostess for just a few minutes while I kiss my dashing husband.”

“Dashing? I don't know about that. Now beautiful, gorgeous, sexy wife—that's on target. I adore you and I want you. Come here.” He kissed her and she tightened her arms around his neck.

Joy filled her as she held the man she loved with all her heart. While her heart drummed with devotion, she was secure and happy in the knowledge that she not only had two beautiful children, but also that Nick loved her and meant what he said.