Miranda Lee: Contract with Consequences

Scarlet fought back more tears, having never been so moved in her life. She had read about the healing power of love but she’d never seen it for herself, or felt its power. But she felt it now and would never forget it.

‘John Mitchell,’ she choked out. ‘They are the loveliest words I have ever heard. And you are the loveliest man. I think I must be luckiest girl in all the world to have found someone like you to love me.’

‘I think I’m the lucky one here. But, before this deteriorates to a mutual admiration society, do you think we could move on? I haven’t had a bite to eat in hours and I’m so hungry I could eat a whole barramundi all by myself!’

Scarlet smiled. She smiled on and off all night.

Fifteenmonths later

SCARLET tiptoed into the nursery and stood beside the rather large cot, her heart filling with joy and wonder as it always did when she looked down at her beautiful baby girls. It still amazed her to think that she and John had not made one baby that night, as they’d secretly hoped, but two.

Life had been kind to her for once. Very kind.

Any initial anxiety over expecting twins had soon been dispelled once she knew they were girls and, thankfully, not identical. John had claimed he wasn’t worried at all, that he’d been thrilled to pieces by the news, but Scarlet had privately been of the opinion it wasn’t a good idea to repeat a history which hadn’t turned out well.

Jessica and Jennifer had been born a month early but so healthy that, after only a few days, their already besotted parents had been allowed to bring them home to the rather old but brilliantly located house which Scarlet had recommended John buy and which he had been spending all his time renovating and refurbishing. Situated between Wamberal and Terrigal beaches, it was only a short drive from both grandparents’ homes, but far enough away to give them privacy. John hadn’t bothered with his idea of a fishing-charter business as yet, saying he was too busy being a house husband. Not that Scarlet had returned to hairdressing. She hadn’t. Looking after twins was a full-time occupation even with two doting grandmothers to help and a grandfather who, whilst not hands-on with the twins as yet-babies made him nervous-had become very hands-on helping John with the house. It made Scarlet happy to see that they were finally forging a good father and son relationship. A bit late perhaps, but better late than never.

A hand on her shoulder made her jump slightly.

‘Your mum’s here,’ John said quietly as he bent to kiss her on the cheek. ‘I told her the girls were sound asleep and to just sit down and watch TV whilst she could. Meanwhile, it’s time we were off, madam. Although, before we go, can I just say how beautiful you look for an old married lady.’

‘I do my best,’ she said somewhat drily. Despite being madly in love, they hadn’t given up their habit of verbal sparring.

‘How long have we been married now? Oh yes. One year today. Twelve whole months. Three hundred and sixty-five days and you haven’t divorced me yet. I think that deserves a reward, don’t you?’

And there it was again, another silver box.

Scarlet’s heart squeezed tight when he flipped it open. This time, it wasn’t a diamond which graced the band of gold but three different stones: an emerald in the middle flanked by a sapphire and a ruby, the design curved so it sat perfectly against the large diamond solitaire of her engagement ring.

‘Now these are from my personal gem collection,’ John said as he slipped the eternity ring on her finger.

‘It’s a truly beautiful ring and I love it. But, John, I really didn’t expect you to get me anything else. You’ve already filled the living room with flowers.’

‘Which is exactly why you deserve more. Because you didn’t expect it. Any other wife would have.’

‘You’re in danger of spoiling me.’

‘True. But what else have I got to do with my money?’

‘Yes, I can see that. But money doesn’t buy happiness, John. Happiness is what we have here, in this cot. It comes from love and family. Which is why my anniversary present to you is something I can’t wrap up in a box.’

‘Fess up, woman. What have you done?’

‘We’re not just going to the Crowne Plaza for an anniversary dinner tonight. I’ve booked us a room.’

‘But…’

‘No buts, John. Mum’s staying the night with our babies and we’re staying the night in the honeymoon suite.’

‘The honeymoon suite!’

Her shrug was carefree. ‘Money doesn’t buy you happiness, John, but it does buy you the opportunity for pleasure. If you recall, we haven’t had any sex for at least a week.’

‘Mmm. Yes. I did notice. You said you were too tired every night.’

‘I lied. I was just making sure you’d be totally unable to resist me tonight.’

He shook his head at her. ‘You are a devious woman.’

‘And you are a magnificent lover.’

‘Flattery won’t get you anywhere.’

‘That’s what I thought. So, just to make sure, I left off my underwear.’

He stared at her, then smiled a wicked smile. ‘You do realise I’ll make you have dinner first.’

She smiled. ‘Want to bet on that?’

He grinned. ‘But of course.’

He won.

Nine months later a boy was born. They called him Harry, after John’s grandfather.

MIRANDA LEEis Australian, and lives near Sydney. Born and raised in the bush, she was boarding-school-educated, and briefly pursued a career in classical music before moving to Sydney and embracing the world of computers. Happily married, with three daughters, she began writing when family commitments kept her at home. She likes to create stories that are believable, modern, fast-paced and sexy. Her interests include meaty sagas, doing word puzzles, gambling and going to the movies.