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Then Qazim kissed her. Grace knew she really should have pushed him away. They were history now, weren't they? But, she ignored that initial impulse to draw away from him. How could she have ever forgotten how it felt to be kissed by this man?
His lips were warm and soft. His embrace was firm and tempting. All thought of pushing Qazim away faded rapidly as she savored his embrace.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Qazim lifted his head away from Grace and gazed into her beautiful blue eyes. Eyes that were filled with a bewildering mixture of emotion. He could see pleasure there and also confusion, even surprise.
The kiss had been exquisite, something he'd been dreaming of every night during these past eight weeks.
Now she was back in his arms. And she had come back to him like this.
The news was incredible. The woman he held so carefully in his embrace was carrying his child.
It was incredible.
Qazim had never felt like this before. He felt stunned. He didn't care that Grace had witnessed the full force of his shock. He'd tried to disguise it, just like he'd tried to hide his need for Grace these past eight weeks. But, he was sure she'd understood just how forcefully this news had hit him.
A baby!
He was going to be a father!
And with the most incredible woman he'd even known. Destiny could not have blessed him with any finer gift than this, he told himself. Fate had brought Grace into his life and had bestowed upon him the greatest honor a man could know.
Qazim leaned back and glanced down at Grace's belly. Inside her there was life that they had both created in their moments of pure passion, pure connection. He felt a sense of awe as he looked at her. He was tempted to reach across and lay a gentle hand on her belly, but he restrained the urge.
At this moment, all he wanted to know was whether Grace was okay. He needed to know what she was thinking about this. How she felt.
Qazim glanced at Grace. "I'm so happy, Grace," he murmured.
Her brows rose and her lips opened, as if she'd been surprised by those words. Had she expected some other kind of reaction? That he'd be unhappy? That he'd act indignant? That he'd refuse to believe her?
But that wasn't going to happen. All he felt was complete and utter joy.
"You are?" she asked in a quiet voice. She seemed surprised.
"Of course. This is wonderful news."
Grace glanced away from Qazim and pulled herself free of his embrace. He saw her swallow and she raised a hand to her chest, clearly trying to contain emotion.
He wanted to reach out again, but he could see she was trying to come to terms with all of this.
So was he!
He gave her a few moments and then spoke again. "Aren't you happy about this?"
Grace nodded, but she still didn't look at him. She still didn't say a word.
Qazim shifted on the seat, feeling the sudden awkwardness between himself and Grace. He desperately needed to know what she really thought of this. But he was resolved not to pressure her in any way. Now wasn't the time for him to be insensitive and selfish.
He needed to break the habit of a lifetime and think of the needs of another. He knew that wasn't going to come easily. But he had to try.
Grace turned to Qazim. "Are you genuinely pleased about this, Qazim?" she asked. Her eyes were wide, seeking reassurance.
Qazim took one of her hands. "I couldn't be more honored or joyful, Grace."
He saw her expression change. The corners of her mouth creased with a slight smile. Was that relief?
Qazim lifted her hand to his lips and tenderly kissed the back of her fingers. He lifted his brows. "You have granted me the greatest wish a man could ever hope for."
