Page 22 of Conail

Maeve gave her hand a squeeze. "What you're doing is so brave and wonderful." Her eyes moistened. "We cannot tell you how much it means to me. The greenhouse is almost finished, and your dad is already making plans and arranging stuff. He's busy and that's what I always wanted."

That made her feel so much better and reminded her why she was doing this in the first place. Her brother was not so exhausted and was taking time for some fun. It amused her to see the dance between him and Maddy. Her friend had told her of their encounter in the barn where he had kissed her and ripped her blouse and then shoved her away to stalk out. He had been avoiding her ever since.

"And your baking is taking on a whole different level."

Maeve beamed despite her worry. "These weeks leading up to the holidays have been so busy. I had to hire two more people to get the orders out." She shook her head. "It just seems as if you're getting the wrong end of the stick."

"No, I'm not." She waved a hand airily. "I get to be waited on hand and foot. Which reminds me, you don't have to be running up and down the stairs to bring me tea and biscuits."

"It's the least I can do." She rose. "Is there anything else you need?"

"No. This is starting to do the trick, and I have some work to do."

"Honey?" her mother turned at the door.

"Yes?"

"Do you regret doing it?"

Yasmine thought of saying what was on her mind but decided her mother did not need the worry. "Not one bit," she assured her. "I would do it again."

Beaming a smile, Maeve left, closing the door behind her.

Putting away the cup, Yasmine rose unsteadily. Her stomach still felt like she had swallowed sandpaper. Rubbing her hand against her stomach, she walked over to the window. Dusk was already falling and the departing sun cast a rosy glow over the various colored leaves on the trees. She had always loved fall, the changing and brilliant colors and the chill in the air. She had been out early this morning, just walking and taking deep breaths. Signs of activity around the farm warmed her heart and reminded her why she was going through these changes in her body.

A baby was forming inside her uterus. She could feel it and everything was real. Her nipples were tender and sensitive and each time she brushed her fingers against the rigid flesh, an electric shock went through her body. Another problem was thelust and the yearning to feel a man inside her. It was frustrating. And obviously one of the side effects she could do nothing about.

Rubbing a hand over her stomach, she felt the tears stinging the back of her eyes.

Another blasted symptom. Her hormones were all over the place.

And she was doing the unthinkable and the inadvisable. She was having conversations with the embryo. It was not recommended. All the books said so. The doctor and nurse advised against it. But what the hell did they know? she thought irritably. It was her body and her-- her mind came to a standstill. It wasn't her baby. She had signed a contract that would have her relinquishing ownership. She was just a vessel and that was depressing her. She was already bonding.

She jolted at the knock on the door. Before she could call out, it was pushed open and her brother stepped in.

Her brows lifted as she took in the tan dress pants, dull gold sweater and navy blazer.

"Look at you."

He tugged at the lapel a little uneasily. "I'm going out. On a date."

"Obviously. I did not think you were going to feed the animals dressed like that. With Maddy?"

His eyes flashed. "Why the hell would you think that?"

"My windows overlook the barn. And the doors were open. I could not help but see the lip lock going on."

"It was a mistake," he muttered.

"Was it?"

His mouth tightened as he wandered into the room and started picking up her designs. "This sounds like an interrogation."

"You had your tongue stuck down her throat and now you're going out with Bella. Think about that."

"Just--" Slapping down the designs, he spun around and strode to the window, jamming his hands in his pockets. "It was a mistake. She's infuriating and an irritant."

"One you cannot quite forget." She had come up behind him. He did not turn around but continued to stare broodingly out the window. His duties were finished for the evening, and he should be feeling happy that his job was now cut in half. The farm was picking up; the greenhouse was almost finished. He was involved with a beautiful woman, but he was far from contented. He was restless and edgy and if he was being honest with himself, he had an ache going on for a woman he wanted to tear from his heart. The kiss in the barn had proven that there was no getting over her and the heat was there.

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