Page 53 of Jordan

The silence had his nerves stretching tautly. When he could bear it no longer, he turned around slowly. The dazed look of pleasure on her face had his heart expanding.

He had considered buying her jewelry but decided that could be done on any given day. He wanted something that was near and dear to her heart and had done his research.

"This is a first edition." She took the book from the box carefully, as if handling something fragile.

"John Keats, happens to be my favorite." Lifting her head, she stared at him, heart overflowing with love. "How did you--"

"I saw several copies you brought with you when I was at your aunt's place."

Setting aside the spoon, he came towards the stool and sat across from her. "I take it, I made the right choice."

She had difficulty swallowing the lump in her throat.

"You did. You know me."

"I'm beginning to."

She placed her hand in his and squeezed, saying more than words ever could. Tears blurred her eyes, and she wondered how on earth she ever got to be so fortunate.

"Oh Jordan."

Letting go of her hand, he came around and swept her into his arms. With the package and book clasped against her chest, he carried her back to bed where she spent the next hour showing him how grateful she was.

*****

They ate in bed. After making love until they were exhausted, he went to get a tray and brought it in. Putting away the tray, he pulled her against him, lips nuzzling the top of her head.

"I am full," she admitted with a groan. "And that was the most delicious pasta I have ever tasted."

He chuckled, running his hand possessively up and down her bare arm.

"Why do I get a feeling you're trying to stroke my ego?"

"Would I do that?" Turning her head, she looked at him and felt her heart shuddering. He was so handsome, and he was all hers.

"Would you?" He touched his lips to the tip of her nose. He combed his fingers through the tangle of her hair.

She shook her head. "Absolutely not."

He grinned at her, the smile fading as he continued to stare at her.

"What is it?"

"I listened to you talking about your family and what happened with your dad." He stroked her arm absently. "I think we should get everything out in the open. My life was crap, and I told myself that I did not need hugs or words of assurance and love from my parents. That I was content to go on with my life, just the way it was." His expression became brooding. "You said your brother left because of the abuse by your dad. I left my sisters to deal with my parents' icy cold demeanor. I was the firstborn and was not there for them." He shrugged one shoulder. "Now, looking back on all of it, I realize that I should have tried to shield them. Talk to them, become a unit, but I was just thinking of myself." He met her gaze. "And I'm ashamed and feel guilty as hell. I wasn't there for them, and I regret it."

"It's not too late." Lifting a hand, she touched his chin. It took her a second to make the decision. "I had lunch with your mother."

"What?" He stared at her with a frown. "What did she want? Did she say anything to--"

She placed a finger over his lips and shook her head. "We talked. She apologized in her own way."

"She did?"

Julesa laughed at the skeptical look on his face. "She did. I did not make it easy for her. But she told me something else." Removing her finger from his lips, she trailed it over his jaw. "Darling, she's ill."

"Ill? What do you mean?"

"She wanted to tell you herself. She has cancer."

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