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“Let’s get something straight,” he began, his hands forming fists at his sides. She could sense the struggle he was having to tamp down his feelings. “You and the baby are my first priority. Now, and forever. Is that clear?”
“Yes,” she whispered, loving him more than ever before. But by his slight hesitation she could tell he was still afraid to believe the drastic change in her feelings.
Small wonder. After all the months of trauma they’d lived through, their reconciliation was another miracle.
“Why don’t you see about getting permission for us to leave?”
Heaving a deep sigh, he kissed the end of her nose. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
They took their leave of each other and she hurried down the hall for a quick shower and change of clothes. After the ultrasound, she wanted to wash off any residue gel and feel fresh.
When she emerged, she was wearing the smart navy blue and green plaid jumper with a navy silk blouse she’d bought. The tailored outfit was comfortable and suited her pregnant figure.
“You look very attractive, Mrs. McKnight,” Cord commented seconds later when she announced herself ready to go. Heat traveled through her body as his eyes played over her, the look of desire unmistakable.
“Thank you.” She swallowed hard. “So do you.”
While she’d been in the shower, he’d come back to the room and had changed into a dark, olive-green suit. “That’s my favorite outfit on you, Cord.”
“It has always been mine, too, because you picked it out for me.”
Both of them were remembering the morning she’d pulled the new suit out of the closet she’d bought for him with her own savings.
With his wealth he could buy most anything, but her gift was something she’d wanted to do for him. Her surprise had pleased him so much, he’d taken the day off and they’d ended up making love for most of it.
“We match,” she blurted in an effort to clear her mind of pictures too thrilling and intimate to entertain right now.
“In all the ways that count,” came the thick-toned rejoinder. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yes.”
After they’d left the hospital and were driving out of the parking lot, Ashley turned to him. “What did Dr. Drake say about our leaving?”
“He realizes that emergencies crop up. As long as you’re with me, he feels fine about it. No doubt our esteemed psychologist has been giving him updates. Secretly I believe both of them are so pleased that you and I have reconciled, the renowned Dr. Drake is willing to waive the usual rules for us.”
Her face grew warm. “I’m sure you’re right. So far I haven’t noticed the other couples being given any special favors.” Just thinking of their newly-made friends reminded her of the reason why they had come to the hospital in the first place. “Cord? Have these four days without a cigarette been hard for you?”
“Yes,” he said emotively. “But not in the way you mean. Since I first saw you on Monday morning, I’ve only suffered from one craving.”
She lowered her head, so sick with excitement and wanting, she couldn’t say anything.
“I’ve missed sleeping with you,” he murmured. “You know how it always was with us.” His low, vibrant voice penetrated to her insides.
“I remember.” Her whisper came out more like an ache. “I—I’ve been in agony, too.”
His hand slid to her thigh, caressing it with urgency.
“When I think of my beautiful wife alone and pregnant all this time… The nights of loving we’ve missed…”
She put a trembling hand over his. “Let’s not look back. No more regrets.”
“If we didn’t have unfinished business, I’d keep on driving until we reached our cabin in the Tetons.”
“I couldn’t imagine anything more wonderful.”
“Ashley—” His voice had dropped to a lower register. “Art Williams phoned me last month. He’s been offered the job of head ranger in Yellowstone and wanted me to know about it before it was posted. Though there’s a long list of applicants for the vacancy he’ll be leaving, apparently he has already recommended me to replace him as head ranger in the Tetons.”
“Cord!” Ashley’s ecstatic cry filled the Rover’s interior.
