This time Catherine took control, setting the pace, showing him exactly how much she'd learned in their year of marriage. She loved the way he responded to her, the way this powerful duke came apart at her touch, the way he said her name like a prayer.
"Do you remember," she asked as she moved above him, "that morning at the inn? When you had to leave?"
"Every detail," he gritted out, his hands tight on her hips.
"You said we couldn't have this. That we were from different worlds."
"I was a fool."
"You were trying to protect me."
"I was trying to protect myself." His control broke, and he pulled her down for a desperate kiss. "I knew even then that you'd ruin me. That if I had you and lost you, I'd never recover."
"You haven't lost me."
"No." He rolled them, pressing her into the mattress. "And I never will."
The third time was slower, sweeter, the desperate edge worn off. They took their time, relearning each other's bodies, whispering endearments and promises in the darkness.
***
"I have something to tell you," Catherine said one night, her head on his chest.
"Hmm?"
"You know how I've been tired lately? And sick in the mornings?"
James went very still. "Catherine..."
"The physician confirmed it yesterday. Late summer, he thinks."
"A baby?" His voice was wondering. "We're having a baby?"
"We are."
He pulled her up to kiss her, deep and tender. "How long have you known?"
"I suspected for a few weeks. But I wanted to be sure."
"Catherine." He cupped her face in his hands. "My beautiful, brilliant Catherine. A baby."
"You're pleased?"
"Pleased? I'm ecstatic. Terrified, but ecstatic."
"Why terrified?"
"What if I'm a terrible father? What if I'm cold like mine was?"
"You won't be." She said it with complete certainty. "You're incapable of being cold. Not with people you love."
"How do you know?"
"Because I've seen you with other children. Because of how you are with me. Because you have so much love to give, James. Our child will be lucky to have you."
He pulled her close, and she felt him tremble slightly. "I love you. Both of you."
"We love you too."
