Johanna Lindsey - Captive Bride

"That I will never do. I just stopped for a few minutes to see Philip Junior. He was trying to walk again without holding onto anything. He's so cute when he does that. Emma also gave me a letter—from Kareen."

"And I suppose you want to read it right now? Go ahead," he said.

She smiled and quickly opened the letter. After she had read it silently for a few minutes, she started to laugh. "Well, it's about time."

"What is?" Philip asked.

"Kareen is going to have a baby. John must be so happy, and I imagine Johnsy is, too. She was so upset when we left taking away her baby, as she called Philip Junior. She'll be glad to have another one in the house."

"That's good news, and I'm happy for them. But it's about time we enlarged our own little family." Philip grinned devilishly. "And we can start working on it right now."

He picked her up and carried her to their big four-postered bed still tousled from the night's sleep. He kissed her tenderly, his lips soft, pliant, moving ever so slowly over hers. He kissed her throat, her shoulder, and lowered her onto the bed.

His smoldering green eyes were alight with anticipation. He slipped out of his velvet robe and helped Christina take off her dress. She opened her arms to him, and their bodies entwined closely. He kissed her again, with the fiery temper of love.

Suddenly he raised himself on one elbow and smiled lazily at her.

"I rather like the idea of having a big family," he said. "You won't mind having another child so soon, will you?"

"You should have asked me that question a month ago. I have no choice in the matter now. In eight months there will be an addition to our family," Christina grinned.

"But why didn't you tell me sooner?" he asked joyfully.

"I was waiting for the right moment. I hope we have a girl this time."

"No, that won't do. We'll have three or four boys first— then you can have the girl you want."

"But why?"

"Because if our daughter looks anything like you, my sweet, she's going to need all the protection she can get."

"Well, let's just wait and see. I'm afraid we won't have much say in the matter."

"I suppose this is why you've been eating so much lately," he said. "Well, this time I'll be around to watch you bloom with motherhood."

Christina frowned slightly, remembering how big she'd grown with Philip Junior. But Philip smiled.

"It's our child that will grow within you. And in my eyes you will be more beautiful than you are now—if that is possible. I love you, Tina."

He kissed her then, passionately, and their bodies molded together. The ardent flames of love possessed them, and Christina knew this was the way it would always be between them. She knew her love for Philip would never die.