Read Claiming His Bride Online
Authors: Marie Medina
Claiming His Bride (8 page)
His heart sank as he watched Isabella playfully swatting at
William in front of them. Seven months of marriage, and Bastian still hadn’t
given his wife a baby. He wanted one himself, of course, but ever since
her love for him, he had seen everything in the world as something to
give
to her, whether an actual object or
something more abstract. She seemed so happy when she held Millicent that he
couldn’t deny her desire for a child of her own. He felt like a failure,
especially since no one could accuse them of not trying. He couldn’t keep his
hands off of her, and the last month or so she’d been even more eager than
usual. Perhaps that was another sign of her longing for a child.
He slowed his pace a little, caressing her hand as it rested
on his arm. “
you seem to be thinking of something very specific.”
She gazed up at him for a moment before smiling. “I am, but
we can talk of it later.”
Later?
He hesitated. While he agreed this
subject was rather intimate for a stroll through a public park, he felt
compelled to say
something
.
“You’re right. That would be best, but I only wanted to tell
you one thing.”
“Yes?”
He measured out his words, trying to order them just right.
“I think I know what it is you want, and I want you to know that I want it,
too.” He took a deep breath.
“Soon.”
She laughed. “And what do I want? You sound so mysterious! What
are thinking I’ve set my sights on?”
He looked down at her, confused. Had he been mistaken? She
did still surprise him at times, and he loved that about her, but he felt sure
he’d been right. “Well, you seem so delighted … to have your family here.
Especially Millie.”
“Yes, she’s so lovely!
Such a sweet baby.”
Her face positively glowed.
“Well, it seems to me,” he lowered his voice, “that you
would like one of your own. I want you to know that I want it as well. It’s the
one thing I haven’t given you.”
away.
“Really, Bastian!”
She didn’t sound angry, but she did not look happy. He
gripped her hand. “I’m sorry. We’ll discuss it later. Forgive my poor taste.”
She shook her head slowly, a smile coming to her lips as she
looked up at him with a spark of humor in her eye.
“I’m not angry about the subject. I’m upset with my stubborn
husband who thinks he needs to spend every moment giving me things and doing
things for me.” She took his hand off hers and pressed it to her belly. “Did it
ever occur to you that a child was something I wanted to give to you?” she
whispered.
“
he asked, unable to hold in a gasp.
She laughed and pulled him down for a brief peck on the
cheek. “Glad the surprise was not completely spoiled. You should see your
face!”
“
are you sure?”
She nodded. “So stop worrying. You’ve already
given
me everything I could ever want.”
Happiness flooded his heart, and he wanted to sweep her into
his arms and spin around with her, but he knew propriety and her condition
prohibited both.
“Even as a mother-to-be, you, my love, are a vixen!”
Her eyes widened in delight. “Am I?”
“Yes! Delivering news to me at a time when I must conduct
myself with dignity. It shall be hard to forgive you.”
“You’ll forgive me tomorrow morning.”
“Will I?” he asked, trying to sound teasingly skeptical.
“Yes, you shall.” She lowered her voice. “I’m going to wake
you up the same way I did this morning.”
Once again, he wished they weren’t in public. He pretended
to ignore her, trying to calm his ardor so he didn’t shock anyone in the park.
When he could tell she was ready to burst into a fit of giggles, he slanted his
eyes at her and whispered, “Vixen!”
Her laughter rang out finally, and Isabella turned to them
with a curious smile. “What are you two whispering about?”
tonight when everyone arrives for dinner. It’s a surprise.”
Bastian beamed down at his wife, thanking fate for the
thousandth time that he’d been able to win the love of the beautiful,
remarkable woman at his side.
The
End
www.mariemedina80.blogspot.com
Other Books by
Marie Medina:
www.evernightpublishing.com/marie-medina
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