Page 121 of Enchant the Dawn

Dominic’s family had no sooner left the room when her parents hurried in. They had been out to dinner with friends the night before and then gone to a play. By the time they got the news and arrived at the hospital, Maddy had been asleep.

Maddy smiled as her mother cradled the baby in her arms. “You darling little thing. He’s just beautiful, Maddy dear. He’s so tiny.”

“Well, he came a little early,” Maddy said.

“Quite a bit early, I should say,” her father remarked. “Why didn’t you tell us as soon as you knew? We would have come home earlier.”

Maddy flushed.

“It doesn’t matter,” her mother said. “What matters is that he’s here and he’s healthy, Grandpa. Here, hold your grandson.”

James looked almost scared as he took the infant in his arms. “What are you going to call him?”

Maddy glanced at Dominic. “We haven’t really discussed it. I was thinking of naming him after you.”

Leaning down, Dominic whispered in her ear.

“I love you,” she whispered back. “Dominic thinks we should name the baby James Dominic.”

“I’d be honored.” James looked at Dominic, his eyes shiny with unshed tears. “Thank you . . . son.”

“We should let Maddy get some rest,” her mother said.

“Yes, of course,” James agreed as he placed the baby in Maddy’s arms. “We’ll see you soon. Oh, Fran said she’ll call you tomorrow.”

Maddy nodded.

“Thanks for coming,” Dominic said.

“James Dominic,” Maddy murmured, feathering a kiss on her son’s brow. “We can call him J.D. for short.”

“J. D. Falconer,” Dominic mused. “I like it. Your mom’s right, you know. You should get some rest now.”

“I’m fine.” She looked up at him, her eyes filled with love and wonder. To think, she had once had doubts about spending her life with a vampire. How grateful she was at this moment that she had followed her heart’s desire. He had given her everything she had ever wanted and much, much more.

Warmth engulfed her when he bent down to kiss her, and with it the assurance that the future would be even more exciting and wonderful than the past.

To Beverly Clemence,

who, more than thirty years ago,

encouraged me to find a publisher.

I’m so glad I listened.

She fit into his arms as if she had been made to order, Dominic thought.

Her warm, womanly fragrance enflamed him, the tantalizing scent of her blood teased his senses even as it awakened his hunger. He spoke to her mind and then he bit her lightly, just enough to break the skin, just enough for a single taste. It sizzled through him, more potent than hundred-proof whiskey, more desirable than anything he had ever tasted. Though sorely tempted to take more, he sealed the tiny puncture, then lifted his head and quickly wiped the memory from her mind.

When she smiled up at him, he knew he was lost.

It was after midnight when Dominic took her home. He kissed her deeply before saying good night, acutely aware of her gaze on his back as he walked to his car.

He was in more danger than he had ever been in his life, Dominic mused as he turned to wave at Maddy.

And so was she.

Prologue

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