Page 176 of Bride By Coronation

"My baby?"

She frowns. "Let's not go down this path again."

"I meant because I'm a Petrov."

She tenses.

"Ah. You forgot about that part," I state.

She shakes her head. "No. I didn't. I just hope my mom won't hate me forever."

I sigh and kiss her head. "I'm sorry. And she won't. One way or another, we'll figure it out."

Sadness fills Fiona's expression. She mutters, "I can't imagine my mom not being a part of our kids' lives."

"Then she will be," I insist, but I hate how I don't have the problem solved.

Fiona offers a brave smile. "I guess it'll be her choice, right?"

"Yes, but don't think anything but good thoughts. She won't be able to stay away from you or the babies."

Fiona waggles her brows. "You saidbabies."

My heart races faster. I remind her, "You said you wanted lots of babies, not just one."

She beams brighter. "I do."

What am I agreeing to?

She wants babies, so I have to give them to her.

What if they hate me?

Rehashing this isn't going to fly with Fiona.

I pick up her hand and kiss it. "If you want a houseful of babies, then that's what I'll give you."

She puts her palm on my cheek and scoots closer, then kisses me. "Good. And you know what we said back there?"

My stomach flutters. "Yeah."

She looks nervous. "I meant what I said."

I nod. "So did I."

She grins, then teases, "Good. Now I need to eat my meat. Myhusband made me work up an appetite, and I plan on burning more calories tonight."

I chuckle, give her a chaste kiss, and pick up her fork. I put lamb on it and hold it to her mouth. "Well, by all means, Mrs. Petrov. Please. Eat your meat."

She smirks, then runs her hand over my semi, declaring in a naughty voice, "I plan on eating lots of meat tonight, my dear hubby."

27

Fiona

One Month Later

Saying I'm bored is an understatement. I haven't worked in over a month. Skylar still hasn't met with me. She claims we have to wait until after fashion week.

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