Page 66 of Daigo

Mabel did the same with Kaya, who was wearing a matching outfit in pearl pink.

"And you, young man, are due for a bath," Mabel told Kai.

"They're fed. Thanks, ladies," Shelby said.

"Of course. We love these little ones like our own." Mabel crossed over to look at Chelsea, whose green eyes were drooping. "This little one looks ready for bed. We've set up something extra in the twins' room for her to sleep."

"Thank you," Tammy said.

Mabel nodded briskly, with a smile for Tammy. "Don't you worry about them." She turned to Shelby. "The master is on his way home, so Mrs. Bailey told us."

"Yes, he is," Shelby said.

Mabel nodded again. "We were thinking, Ms. Shelby, that you could have a formal sit-down meal in the dining room while we take care of the babies."

Shelby's eyes lit up. "That's a splendid idea. It's been a long time since we had anything formal." Her eyes swung over to Tammy. "We've been so busy, what with the store and the babies as well as the new supermarket in Cleveland. This is an excellent opportunity for us to have an adult conversation. Thanks, Mabel."

"Mrs. B. made the suggestion," Mabel said. "I'll be back for the young master."

"They love the children. You're fortunate to have such wonderful caregivers," Tammy said.

Shelby agreed. "They don't want to leave, not even for the weekends. Whenever we force them to take a day off, they sit in the kitchen with Mrs. B. and putter around. They're wonderful with the babies."

"Such a blessing." Heaving herself from the chaise, Tammy stretched languidly. "I think I'm going to give Derek a call before I take a shower. It so happens that I have this slinky black dress I packed just in case."

"All right, let's go take a long hot bath and get ready," Shelby said.

*****

"You look... hot."

Looking over her shoulder, Shelby flashed him a smile. "Is that the best you can do? I look hot?"

"Well, you do." Her husband grinned at her. "You're shimmering. What color is that?"

"Vermilion. It cost a pretty penny." She turned around to give him the full effect of the gown and had his eyes narrowing.

"Where the bloody hell do you think you're going in that?" he demanded.

She laughed at the frown covering his brow.

"To dinner with your associates. Do you like it?"

"Shelby-Anne, you're a damn married woman and a mother of three children," he pointed out rigidly. "I didn't think I had to remind you of that."

"Well, thanks for the compliment." Whirling, she went to pick up her wrap.

"You're not leaving the house looking like a- a-" His voice floundered as she turned to glare at him.

"Go on. Like a what?"

"Like a bloody tart," he finished angrily. The sight of her breasts almost spilling from the low-cut bodice was enough to drive him out of his mind. He could just imagine the men staring at what belonged to him. He knew he was being unreasonable, but dear God! She looked like a siren.

"We're going to be late."

"We'll be later still," he told her in a low, ominous tone. "Go change."

Lifting her chin, she blasted him with a glare. "You're forgetting that I'm not your children. I'm a grown ass woman and can pretty much do whatever I damn well please."