Page 11 of Daigo

"Can we walk along the pier? I know it's a bit chilly, but I don't want to go back just yet."

Seeing the pleading look on her lovely face, he nodded. He had rescheduled his appointments for the day anyway, and he wanted to spend some more time with her.

"Thanks."

Taking her hand, he guided them toward the boardwalk.

"The air is fresh and fragrant." Lifting her head, she inhaled the scent of water and the slight smell of seafood. His hand held hers securely as they made their way along the wide, roughly hewn planks that echoed their footsteps. The wind whipped the water, churning it into waves. Even though the clouds hung low and had a leaden look to them, she didn't mind.

Something, instinct perhaps, told her that she should prolong this day for as long as possible.

"What're you thinking?" They were near the end of the boardwalk, where a few boats were tied to the strong columns, bobbing up and down as the water crested.

"That we should take the speedboat out one of these days." He stopped, pulling her in front of him so he could wrap his arms around her. He felt the peace stealing over him as he inhaled her scent. Resting his chin on top of her head, he scanned the area, noting the houses built on the edge of the water. He knew one of them belonged to Riku and his family.

"We should." She sighed softly, hugging his hands. "I would love that."

Chapter 4

They didn't make it to Jamaica. An emergency came up with the new mall that was being built in Manhattan that required his immediate attention. He wanted her to accompany him, but she had the tests to do, and the doctors wanted to get started right away.

Step one was in progress already. Shelby was fervently hoping that by the time Christmas came around, she would be pregnant. She wanted that more than anything in the world.

She packed for him, finding that doing these trivial things brought her pleasure. She did not get to do much as his wife in terms of household chores, and she thumbed her nose at women's lib and twenty-first-century views on women's roles. She was his wife, and whatever she could do, she wanted to. Performing these tasks made her feel as if she belonged and was not just an ornament.

"Red or blue?" She held up both ties.

He glanced over, distracted by the contract he was perusing. He would be leaving in another hour and was making sure he had everything.

"Both. The gray with the pink stripes as well."

"I thought you were meeting with contractors." She folded two sweaters into the suitcase before attacking his suits.

"Associates as well. Darling, what the hell are you doing?" he asked, suddenly realizing what she was about.

"Packing."

"You don't have to do that. The housekeeper-"

"Is busy with the laundry, and I happen to be your wife," she pointed out equably. "I know it's not 'done' in your circle, but I like to do these things for my husband. Got a problem with that?"

He studied her mutinous face for a few seconds before shaking his head. "No." Putting away the contract, he came towards her. "I wish you were coming with me."

"You know I can't. Brown or black?" She nodded to the Italian loafers on the love seat.

"Both." Taking the shirt away, he turned her to face him. Sliding his arms up, he cupped her face between his palms.

"Talk to me, please." He knew she had been battling with something for the last couple of days.

She shrugged and started to turn away, but he wouldn't let her. "I think that we turned a corner when we had dinner that evening. Don't close me out, darling. I cannot stand it."

Putting aside the t-shirts she had been folding, she faced him. "I'm scared," she admitted a little shakily.

"Of?"

"Wanting it too much. I keep wondering if it will come between us and I'm making a huge mistake. I don't want to lose you. Lose us- I don't-"

He sat down on the side of the bed and drew her between his thighs. He should be calling his driver, but this was more important. "First of all, you won't ever lose me. You're stuck." Lifting their joined hands, he kissed her knuckles. "Secondly, we will get through this."