Page 45 of Beauty and the Rake
“That doesn’t mean it will happen again.”
She nodded. “I know and I’m sure I’m being overly dramatic, but having experienced it once, I can’t help my feelings.”
“It’s all right. We’ll deal with it one day at a time.”
“Thank you.”
He took a piece of cheese and bit into it. “Let’s finish up so we can go to the nursery.”
“I’ll need to get back home afterwards.”
“What could possibly be so important? Do you dislike my company that much?”
“You know I love spending time with you, but I’m sure you have things to do other than entertain me.”
A wicked grin crossed his face, and he waggled his eyebrows. “You know I like more than anything being able to be with you.”
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Graham.”
“Who, me?”
“Yes, you. Now why don’t we go upstairs to the nursery?”
“Very well. Perhaps we can find an unused room in the attic afterwards. Hmmm?”
“We’ll see.” She removed her hand from his and finished the apple and cheese.
Her mind was running a mile a minute and no matter what she tried, she hadn’t been able to make her thoughts slow down. It irritated her because she knew where Graham was concerned, she needed to be focused. He’d have them married tomorrow if he could get everything in place. There was a lot more for them to discuss before they married, and she wanted that taken care of by summer’s end.
They walked into the house and Graham led the way to the third-floor nursery. He opened the door and let her pass before joining her. The rooms were quiet, and Roxanne immediately knew the child was asleep. The nanny Graham hired led them to a corner of the large room where the babe lay asleep. Roxannestudied her as she slept. She still thought there was no denying whose child she was. She even had Graham’s long dark lashes.
“Would you like to hold her?” he asked lowly.
Roxanne shook her head and backed away from the child. “No, not today. I don’t wish to disturb her, and I’m sure Mrs. McPhee would be most appreciative if I didn’t wake her before she’s ready.”
He nodded with a scowl on his face that could only be likened to that of a new father who had no clue on what it really meant to raise a child. Especially one so young.
She thanked the nanny before walking out of the nursery. Graham followed. Neither said a word until they descended the staircase. Roxanne smoothed the moss-green dress and pulled her shawl tight around her shoulders.
“What do you think?” he asked.
“You got quite lucky finding your nanny.”
“Yes, I suppose I did. I would still like you to spend some time together. With both the babe and Mrs. McPhee.”
“And I will, but for now, I need to head back.”
“So soon?” he asked with a slight pout to him.
“Yes. I have several things that need my attention. If you’d like to come to dinner, I’m sure we can use the time to not only tell Arthur, but for us to talk about the changes this is going to bring.”
“Yes, I’d like to get a special license so we can marry sooner than later. But I’m afraid I have a prior commitment for this evening.”
“No problem. Why don’t we each make a list of anything important we want to bring to this marriage?”
“Such as?” he asked.
“Beginning with some much-needed renovations to the house. It looks like nothing has been done since probably your grandfather’s time. Something like that.”
