Tears formed in her eyes, and she glanced at Emily.
Emily was grinning ear to ear. I believe the word youre looking for is yes.
Jenny shifted her incredulous gaze to Mitch. These werent just words. He wasnt being diplomatic. He wasnt trying to make her feel good. He honestly-
She drew a shaky breath. Yes.
He kissed her fast and hard and deep, and then scooped her up into his arms, glancing around. Which one is your room?
Jenny laughed in surprise, nodding to a door beside the kitchen.
Excuse us, Mitch said over his shoulder to Cole and Emily.
You might want to put the ring on her finger, Cole called from behind, laughter threading through his voice.
Later, Mitch growled in Jennys ear. With flowers and champagne and me on one knee.
Lying in her cottage bed, Jenny gazed up at the diamond that sparkled on her finger. They hadnt bothered waiting for the flowers and champagne, hadnt even made it out of bed all afternoon. Emily and Cole had headed back to Royal, obviously seeing no reason to stick around and say goodbye.
Mitchs body was warm against Jennys, a light sheet covering them both while the breeze from the ceiling fan wafted its way down.
His hand trailed over her stomach, cupping it with his warm palm. So, Im going to be a daddy.
She put her hand on top of his. Yes, you are.
He kissed her temple. You okay with all this?
I am now. She tipped her head to look at him. You?
Im not going to be like my father.
And Im not going to be like my mother.
His free arm went around her, and he gave her a squeeze. Were going to do this right.
And, apparently, were going to do it in D.C.?
That was part of my plan. But only if you agree.
Its a good job? she asked, thinking shed live anywhere in the world with Mitch. Sure, she had good friends in Royal, but Emily meant the most to her, and it looked like Emilys life was about to get very mobile. Cole had houses all over America, and in at least four other countries.
Its a very good job, Mitch replied. But you and the baby are my priority. We can stay in Royal if you want. Ill find something to do.
Can we come back to visit?
As often as you want. Well keep your house. Hell, we can keep mine if youd rather. Two might be overkill.
I do like my lot on the lakeshore, Jenny admitted. And well have to teach the baby to swim somewhere.
And there are those great French country house plans on your short list.
I picked the other one.
Not anymore you didnt.
Jenny couldnt help but smile at the conviction in his tone.
Mitchs hand flexed convulsively against her bare stomach. A baby. It boggles the mind, he admitted in a whisper.
Well, Im excited.
Yeah? There was a salacious edge to his tone.
Not that kind of excited.
Well, Im excited.
Yeah? There was a salacious edge to his tone.
Not that kind of excited.
He gave an exaggerated sigh. Too bad.
But I am hungry. Im eating for two. She paused. Well, one and a very little bit at the moment.
He drew her more comfortably into his arms. It happened that very first night?
That very first night.
It must have been fate.
I think it was Emilys burgundy dress.
That was Emilys dress?
Yes.
You should buy it from her.
Jenny laughed. You know, shes probably not going to want to wear it again.
Ill make her an offer. Mitch glanced around. I sure wish you had room service here.
You better get up and cook me something. Im in a delicate condition. For some reason, her stomach felt much stronger now.
He propped himself up on one elbow. You need to eat? Then he sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. What do you want? Ill make something right now.
She laughed. Wow. This delicate condition thing is really going to work for me.
He turned and flicked his index finger across her nose. No. This having Mitch Hayward in love with you is going to work for you.
Ill take a cheeseburger, please.
He stood. Im bringing you a salad and a glass of milk with that.
His cell phone chimed from the pocket of his pants that had been discarded on the floor, and he bent to retrieve it.
He checked the display. Cole.
Tell them they didnt have to leave.
Oh, yes, they did. He pressed a button. Yeah?
Mitch paused to listen for a moment, then he shifted the phone out of the way. Cole wants to know if he can spill the beans. The temporary admin person heard that message on the office voice mail from D.C., and people are wondering where youve gone.
Jenny shrugged. She was over the moon with happiness. Cole could shout the news from the rooftops. In fact, if he didnt, she just might.
Mitch went back to the phone and said, Go for it. Then he laughed. Are you serious? Why?
What? asked Jenny, but Mitch held up his index finger.
Itll be up to Jenny, he said. He shook his head. People are strange. Okay. Call you when we get back to town.
What? she asked after hed signed off.
Apparently, Brad is talking to Cole about making the Tigers home city Royal and giving me a job in management.
Wouldnt they have to build a stadium?
I suspect this had more to do with Brad distracting the electorate from the blackmail issue than any serious bid for the team.
Would you do it? Jenny pulled back the covers and got out of bed herself. Burgers on the deck watching the sunset with Mitch would be fabulous.
Up to you. Mitch stuffed one leg into his slacks.
Do I have to decide now?
You absolutely do not have to decide now. I told the people in D.C. that I need a couple more months in Royal. He moved around the bed to where she was retrieving new underwear and pulled her into his arms. I was hoping to spend it with you.
Before you broke my heart? She settled against his bare chest and the cool fabric of his slacks, reveling in the feel of his strong arms around her, wondering if dinner could wait.
By that time, Id come to the conclusion youd be the one breaking mine.
Never, she whispered, stretching up for a kiss that somehow went on and on.
Mitch was the one to pull back. I am going to feed you, he vowed.
It can wait.
No, it cant. Our baby is hungry.
Jennys heart melted into a pool of joy. I love you, Mitch.
His expression sobered, and he gently cupped her cheek with his palm. I love you so much, Jenny. Then he sighed. Took me a long time to work that out, didnt it?
The tenderness in his expression went straight through to her soul. It doesnt matter. Not anymore. We have the rest of our lives together.