Page 62 of My Highland Fling
Ramsay walked Gavin out and closed the door behind him before returning to Gabrielle.He plucked her off the couch and carried her to bed.He was going to be a father.A parent.His smile started slowly, but it spread across his mouth until it was so wide, his lips ached.They had a baby coming, and he couldn’t wait to meet him or her.He and Gabrielle had had rough childhoods, but they’d landed on their feet with a tremendous support network.
They’d be fine.Ramsay knew it.
Chapter 28
Happiness Abounds
Gabriellerousedtowarmthsurrounding her, and one slow breath against her shoulder and the citrus scent told her it was Ramsay.Ramsay’s baby.Their child.Without volition, she cupped her belly.
Tears rolled down her cheeks, along with relief.Such intense relief that the child she carried belonged to them and not that monster.They’d made no plans, but now they could.She could tell their friends and share her excitement.She and Ramsay would love this baby.
Behind her, Ramsay inhaled deeply, the breathing pattern of an exhausted man.Lately, they’d snapped at each other.She’d known it was the stress making her crazy, yet that hadn’t halted her fear from leaking free to infect Ramsay.
“Gabrielle, kitten.Are you crying?”His warm breath caressed the back of her neck.
“I don’t mean to,” she whispered.“I’m so happy the baby is yours.”
“Ours.”
Gabrielle turned in his arms.She couldn’t make out much of his features in the dim light, but she thought he was smiling.
“I love you, Ramsay.Sorry I’ve been so bitchy.I kept thinking about Adrik and his determination to have a child.The idea that our baby…”
“Shush,” he whispered.“I understood.I did.We don’t need to mention that man ever again.He’s dead and can’t hurt anyone now.”
“Yes.”Gabrielle paused.“You haven’t tried to make love to me.Do you not want me anymore?”There was a distinctly plaintive note to her tone, and she winced inwardly.
Ramsay laughed softly.“Gabrielle, kitten.I want you.I’ve always wanted you.Do you not understand that?But that man beat you, brutalized you.I wanted to give you time.I ache with wanting you.”He took her hand and settled it on his groin.
Gabrielle’s fingers curled instinctively around his swollen shaft.“Oh.”
“Yeah.Even when we’re much older with grandchildren, I’ll desire you.”
Gabrielle wriggled closer and sought his mouth.His kiss was soft.Tender.It wasn’t aggressive or overly passionate, but it told her everything, and the burden she’d carried dissipated.Ramsay loved her.He wanted their baby, and he didn’t blame her for the marriage forced on her by her parents.She pulled back a fraction.
“Make love to me, Ramsay.Let’s celebrate our fresh start.Celebrate our baby.”
“Kitten.Let’s get rid of this nightie of yours.It’s so big it’s like armor.”
She giggled.“I was cold.”
“I’ll always keep you warm.”It was a promise, and it raised a smile she was certain made her appear a little loopy.
Ramsay lifted her, whipped the nightie over her head, then pulled her close again and started slow and languorous kisses.He didn’t hurry, but she understood the difference.This was the touch of a man who adored her, a man intent on making her happy.
The careful stroke of his hands down her spine thrilled her.Her wounds had healed and were no longer tender.Ramsay told her she had scars, but she thought of them as badges of honor.She’d survived, and she wasn’t sorry for her part in Adrik’s death.
Gabrielle shoved away thoughts of the bastard and focused on Ramsay.She could touch him and give him pleasure in return.She could participate as she had before instead of lying unresponsive.
“You make me so happy,” she whispered as she traced his muscular chest with her fingertips.
He lifted her hand and kissed it before grinning at her.“We’re having a baby.I can’t believe it.”
“You’re happy?”
“So happy,” he said.“Are you certain you’re ready?”
“Yes.Thank you for asking instead of taking.”
