Maureen Child - Brides & Bargains

Her husband presented a proud smile. “See? We have started a trend.”

She laughed with pure joy. “Yes, we have.”

“Shall we dance again, fair lady?”

She had something else in mind. “Actually, unless you care to stay, I would rather return to our room.”

He made a show of checking his watch. “It’s still early. We could have a late dinner.”

Obviously he did not approve of her plan for some unknown reason. “I have had enough appetizers to last for several days.”

“I have not.”

“Room service is still available.”

“True. I will gladly accompany you to our quarters, as long as this does not entail heavy conversation.”

That would come later. Much later. “Agreed.”

Reclaiming her hand, Sebastian led her through the lobby to the glass elevator that would take them to the executive floor. They entered the deserted car and took in the plethora of city lights dotting the Dallas skyline as they ascended. Unfortunately the view left Nasira breathless, and not in a welcome way.

As if he sensed her trepidation, Sebastian wrapped his arms around her from behind and held her close. “I’m right here, sweetheart.”

She leaned back against him. “I know, and admittedly it is a nice panorama.”

He brushed her hair aside and kissed her cheek. “At least this time you’re keeping your eyes open to enjoy it.”

“You take good care of me, Sebastian.”

“You deserve it, Sira. You deserve everything your heart desires.”

If only he could agree to give her the most important of her heart’s desires. Nevertheless, she wanted to spend the evening in a lighthearted mood with no old recriminations to intrude on their time together. She also intended to bask in the glory of winning the wager about making connections at tonight’s party, and if good fortune prevailed, convince him to allow her to take an active role in the business. If she could not immediately become a mother, she could certainly establish a career beyond charity work.

Those plans began to fully form as they entered the penthouse suite a few moments later. She immediately crossed the suite and walked into the bedroom with Sebastian trailing behind her. Once there, she removed her jewelry then fished through her pocket and withdrew the best part of her plan.

She turned to find her husband seated in the club chair next to the sliding glass doors leading to the veranda, his hands draped on the chair arms as if he were the king of the castle.

She approached and offered him a handful of business cards. “Here are a few more contacts.”

He took the stack and looked through them before regarding her again. “You are amazing.”

She smiled. “Yes. Yes I am.”

He set the cards aside and returned her smile. “I’m glad you have finally come to that conclusion.”

She perched on the edge of the mattress opposite him. “I am teasing. I simply struck up a few conversations and that led to mentioning the company and what we have to offer.”

“We?”

She prepared to plead her case. “Yes. I assume that since I made the effort, I should be rewarded with a measure of involvement. Also, three of the contacts are women and it would only be natural that I would be the best candidate to communicate with them. Of course, I would have to be allowed access to the contracts and the shipping routes...”

He effectively cut off her thoughts when he reached over, clasped her arms, pulled her up and brought her into his lap. “You have done a superb job,” he began. “And you definitely deserve to be rewarded.”

She could not resist rolling her eyes. “Exactly what do you have in mind?”

He pressed a kiss on her cheek and suddenly looked very serious. “I want to give you what you want most.”

She clung to hope and prepared to be disappointed. “You know what I want most, yet you have been adamant about not giving it to me.”

“I’ve had a change of heart.”

Did she dare utter the word? No. She had learned not to assume. “Please end the suspense and say it.”

“I want to give you a child.”

This almost seemed too good to be true. “Are you certain?”

“Yes. As long as we adopt.”

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