Page 53 of Storm's Embrace

Miriam grinned over at her enrapt daughter and nodded before taking her free hand and cupping Eli’s cheek. “Yes. So much yes,” she said while Eli kept his gaze on her hand as he slipped the ring fully on her finger and held it there before lifting his own shining gaze to hers. “I love you.”

Applause rang out as Eli pulled her to her feet and held her close as he tenderly kissed her.

“Hey,” Zoë complained, tugging on Miriam’s dress.

Eli’s laughter tickled her lips before they parted and he picked up her daughter, enveloping both of them in a hug.

“We accept,” Zoë said, giving Eli a smacking kiss on the cheek. “So when are we getting married?”

* * *

“Thank you, Christie.”

Miriam hung up the phone and pressed a trembling hand low on her belly as a slow smile spread over her face.

“See you Monday.”

Miriam looked up and distractedly waved as Renee passed by her open office doorway. Everyone else had already left the building for the day.

“Renee,” Miriam stood and went to her door and leaned out, stopping the other woman as she was hoofing it down the hallway.

“Yes?” Renee turned and started back toward her.

“Oh, I don’t need you. But can you do me a favor and leave the brick in the door.” She smiled as the other woman frowned. “Leah’s picking me up for lunch.”

Renee smiled. “Gotcha.” She then turned and waved over her head as she started back down the hall while Miriam went to her desk and sat. She glanced at Eli’s closed door and twisted the ring on her left hand. It was something she’d done a lot the last two weeks to remind her it was all real.

And now it was even more real.

She checked her clock. Leah was supposed to pick her up at 12:45, which meant it would be closer to 1:00. So, she probably had about thirty minutes before she arrived.

She frowned. Should she wait until tonight to tell him? Maybe make a special dinner?

She hesitated only another moment before standing and heading to his door. She couldn’t wait. She had to tell Eli her news.

She lightly knocked on the door and then opened it and stuck her head in. “Eli?”

“Hey,” he said, getting up from his desk as she came inside. She went straight to him and breathed him in as he took her up in a loose hold. She stared up at him and marveled how his harsh features softened the longer she held his gaze. “So, where are you and Leah going for lunch?”

“I’m not sure yet.” She grinned up at him. “Leah’s in the mood for Mexican, but I don’t think my stomach can handle that right now.”

He frowned and searched her face. “What’s wrong? You didn’t tell me you were sick.” He stroked a hand down her cheek. “You are a little pale.”

“It’s to be expected.” She bit her lip, her nerves almost getting the best of her. “I tended to be anemic last time too.”

He tilted his head as his brows drew down. “Last time?”

“Mmm-hmm.” She took in a deep breath. “But I’ll be fine…” She smiled up at him. “In about thirty-three weeks.”

Eli stilled, his eyes going wide and jaw working. “Miriam? You’re…” He pulled her in close and she nuzzled into his chest while his heart hammered against her cheek.

She smiled at making him speechless. But he finally lifted her away from him and held her out by her shoulders. His eyes filled with wonder as they scanned over her body, then zeroed in on her stomach. “We’re having a baby?”

Miriam nodded, her eyes filling as Eli’s glistening gaze lifted to hers.

“And you’re sure?”

“I took a home pregnancy test the other day when I was late—and I’m never late—but it was negative.”

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