Page 60 of Jordan

*****

"You look like an elephant."

Her brother grinned at the dirty look she sent his way.

Her husband had left her alone with him on the pretext that he had some work to do, but she knew he realized that she had wanted a moment alone with Caleb.

"You've put your stamp on the place." He looked around the elegantly beautiful gold and blue room in admiration. "It's hard to believe it's the same building. Everything looks different."

"Mostly Jordan's doing." She rubbed her belly and felt the slight twinges and the stiffening of the flesh. Very soon, she was going to need one of her husband's famous rubs in order to get to sleep. Not that she anticipated getting much of it. She was more likely to twist and turn as she tried for a comfortable position.

"Any idea what you're naming him?" He nodded towards her bulge and felt the same constriction in his chest. His little sister was going to be a mother. He still could not believe it.

"Jonathon Caleb--" She smiled at the burst of pleasure on his face. "Jon for short. Jordan said a resounding no when I suggested we call him JC for short."

"I completely agree." Leaving his position on the love seat, he came over to sit on the ottoman at her feet.

"I think Jon will be a great name. Fits right in with the family," he said softly, his eyes filled with warmth as he gazed at his sister.

"Jordan wasn't too keen on naming him after anyone else. He wanted our son to have his own identity," she explained, a hint of pride in her voice.

Her brother nodded, understanding. "Makes sense. Jon will make his own mark, just like his parents."

She smiled, appreciative of his support. "I hope he grows up to have your sense of adventure and Jordan's steadfastness."

"And your kindness, honey," he added sincerely. "Jon will be lucky to have you both guiding him."

"Thanks." She patted his hand absently on the arm of her chair and wondered how best to broach the subject. Deciding the best approach was a direct one, she continued. "You and Henrietta."

Caleb's brows lifted. "What about us?"

"Is it serious or are you just--" She shifted uncomfortably and took a breath. "Look, I love you both – you more of course, because you're my brother. But Henrietta has come to mean a lot to me, and I don't want to see her hurt. She's just coming out of a loveless marriage--"

He squeezed her knee gently to stop the flow of concerned words. "I know all of that and the last thing I would ever want to do is hurt her." He sighed softly. "It just happened, Jules." His expression was pensive. "One minute I was here visiting, and we started talking and the next--" he shrugged. "She's intelligent and witty. I found myself getting intrigued and attracted. I've never been with a white woman before because--" he lifted broad shoulders in a shrug. "Because of the obvious reasons."

"So, this is not just a fling?"

"No." He smiled a little grimly. "I'm struggling here. I tried to stay the hell away from her because she's a goddamn heiress to a fortune. That does not sit well with me." He rose and started pacing. "It worked for two weeks and during that time, I was so miserable, I could barely sleep, barely eat." He whipped around to look at her. "I'm in love with her. God help me." He rubbed a hand over his face and looked so miserable that she felt like laughing.

"I hope you did not have that expression on your face when you told her."

"She scared the hell out of me when she told me first. Christ!" He came back and sat down. "I told her that I want nothing to do with her money and if we decide to get married, she's going to bloody well live on what I earn. I'm not a pauper, I've invested wisely and since you married Jordan, he has taken control of most of my investments."

"He has?"

He shot her an amused glance. "The man is a financial genius."

"He's that," she murmured proudly. "Marriage?" She stared at him in fascination.

"Yeah." He laughed softly. "Never thought it would happen to me. I blame you by the way."

"What did I do?"

"You started the entire thing." He sighed. "Now I cannot see my life without her. God help us," he added feelingly.

*****

Their son was born after a blustery February morning. With the wind howling outside the hospital window, the twelve-hour long labor almost drove Jordan crazy. And had him promising not to touch her again.

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