Page 75 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

Aghast, Portia stared. ‘I’d never deliberately keep you apart!’ She knew how that separation had blighted Lex’s early life. ‘I’m not like your mother.’

A brief smile teased the corners of his mouth. ‘I know. And for the record, I’m not like your father. If you’re hesitating because you don’t trust my character—’

‘It’s not that, Lex. It’s just that I don’t know how it will work between us.’

He sat back, shoving a hand through his hair, leaving it ruffled. The sight reminded her of the sensual, earthy lover who made her forget everything but him. Her heart jolted.

‘At least we’ve got a starting point now you’ve listed all your variables.’ He must have read something in her face because his eyes narrowed. ‘There’s more?’

Portia shrugged a shoulder and turned to watch a woman in a scarlet coat walk down the path. She breathed deeply, intent on keeping her voice steady. ‘Only the obvious one. The pregnancy might not go to term.’

Lex felt her words like a boulder smashing into his belly. He stiffened, muscles screaming with tension.

It was confounding. He’d known about the baby for half an hour yet it already was real to him. He imagined holding their child in his arms. Being a father.

Having his own family. His flesh and blood.

Could he do it? Could he get past the taint of early experience and learn how to raise a child? He shoved aside the doubts. Hewoulddo it.

Emotion seared him. The possibility of their child not surviving hadn’t even occurred to him. The idea wrenched at something deep in his chest.

His gaze traced Portia’s profile, lingering on soft lips held too tight and the upward thrust of her chin, as if defying fate to play such a cruel trick.

The anxiety she strove to hide was tangible, as real as the baby she carried. That drained away his indignation at her prickly stubbornness.

It struck him now that however real their unborn child was to him, his perception was nothing compared with that of the woman beside him whose body was even now changing to accommodate and protect that new life.

Lex felt awed, the gravity and true wonder of the situation swamping him.

How could he be annoyed at Portia’s caution? At her need to proceed carefully?

He reached out and covered her clenched fist. It was cold and he gently rubbed it between his palms.

‘The chance of that happening is slim.’

‘Yes,’ she said at last. ‘You’re right. There’s no point anticipating the worst.’

‘None at all.’ Yet he didn’t move his hands from hers. He liked the feel of it, her flesh warm now and soft beneath his calloused fingers. ‘Let’s take it one step at a time. Okay?’

Her head swung around and for the first time a genuine smile flitted across her lips. ‘Okay.’

‘One thing I can do is make sure you get the best medical care.’

‘There’s no need. The NHS—’

‘Is a wonderful institution, but the public health system is stretched and I have money. I can at least get you an early appointment with a top obstetrician.’ He paused. ‘Just so you know everything’s normal. It might put your mind at ease.’

Portia hesitated for a moment before inclining her head. ‘Thank you. That’s kind.’

Kind? It was the least he could do. Portia and their baby were his responsibility, the need to protect them a compulsion. But he knew now wasn’t the time to press her. He’d bide his time and find a way to persuade her around to his way of thinking.

‘When do you have to be back in the office?’

‘Now. We’re busy. As it is I’ll be working late.’

Lex wanted to protest that she needed to get plenty of rest, not work long hours. But he bit his tongue. She wouldn’t thank him for fussing. Instead he stood and held out his hand. ‘Shall we?’

Portia blinked as if the change of subject caught her off guard then rose, starting to shrug out of his coat. ‘You must be freezing.’

---