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‘You better not.’ He let out a husky chuckle, and placed a tender kiss on her forehead, swallowing down the familiar flare of panic.
He loved her so damn much, and in approximately eight months’ time there would be two people whom he would have to guard with his life, because he could not afford to lose them.
He shuddered, remembering the two squalling baby boys in Raif and Kasia’s arms and the two little girls by their sides at the naming ceremony he and Orla had attended eight months ago.
Dear God, possibly even three people—if Orla has more than one baby.
He wasn’t remotely prepared for this, was fairly sure he did not deserve it. He placed a hand on her belly, let the well of love inside him deepen and swell… And forced himself to relax.
Perhaps he could get some tips on fatherhood from Raif and Zane, when they arrived. They seemed to have survived it.
He sucked in a breath and let it out again, then murmured, ‘I hope you realise you’ve totally topped my surprise anniversary gift.’
Orla lifted up, propping an elbow on his chest to grin down at him, not looking remotely remorseful. ‘I have? What is it?’
He grinned back at her. ‘Not quite as phenomenal as a baby.’
Or possibly two babies! Damn.
She sank down to prop her chin on her folded hands. ‘Really?
But close?’ she said, excitement and curiosity sparking in her eyes. ‘So what is it?’
‘That’s for me to know and you to find out,’ he said, kissing her nose.
He’d had the deeds to the stud put back in her name. So that she—and her sister Dervla—would own it again. He knew she’d be thrilled and humbled and overwhelmed, but not nearly as thrilled and humbled and overwhelmed as he was right now after her surprise gift, so it seemed only fair to tease her about it.
He lifted her off him. ‘Come on, we need to get up,’ he said, giving her a gentle pat on the bottom.
‘But, Karim,’ she cried as he managed to manoeuvre himself out of the bed. Reluctantly. ‘Seriously you’re not going to tell me what it is?’ she finished with a definite whine in her voice.
‘Nope, no time,’ he said, his grin spreading when she frowned. ‘We’ve got a million and one things to do before our guests arrive.’
By which time she’d be positively bursting with anticipation and desperation.
Welcome to my world, my darling wife.
Coming next month
PRIDE & THE ITALIAN’S PROPOSAL
Kate Hewitt
‘I judge on what I see,’ Fausto allowed as he captured her queen easily. She looked unfazed by the move, as if she’d expected it, although to Fausto’s eye it had seemed a most inexpert choice. ‘Doesn’t everyone do the same?’
‘Some people are more accepting than others.’
‘Is that a criticism?’
‘You seem cynical,’ Liza allowed.
‘I consider myself a realist,’ Fausto returned, and she laughed, a crystal-clear sound that seemed to reverberate through him like the ringing of a bell.
‘Isn’t that what every cynic says?’
‘And what are you? An optimist?’ He imbued the word with the necessary scepticism.
‘I’m a realist. I’ve learned to be.’ For a second she looked bleak, and Fausto realised he was curious.
