“Of course not,” she confirmed. “He asked.” She wouldn’t mention he planned the wedding ceremony first, or that he may not have given up. He was a man accustomed to getting what he wanted. Thankfully, they both wanted the exact same thing – each other.
“As long as you’re happy.” Jesse gave her a hug. “But next time, be honest with us. We’re your brothers, and we always have your back.”
Yes, they did.They truly were wonderful men. When they opened their arms. she gave them the biggest hug ever.
And they all grinned.
Cynthia
“Cynthia,there’s something I need to tell you about Drake, something I’ve been keeping from you for a long time.”
“I knew it!” Beady eyes sparkled with triumph. “What is it? Are you guys not actually married? Is he a convict? Is he cheating on you? Whatever it is, just admit it.”
“Well…” Kaitlyn whispered, leaning forward.” The truth is…” She leaned closer. “He’s actually a…” Closer still. “Billionaire lawyer who runs his own national law firm.”
And for once…
Cynthia was speechless.
Cameron (one year later)
“I’ve been keepingsomething from you.”
“I suspected as much.” The powerful man placed a hand under her chin. “I thought we were done with secrets.”
“Since you kept such a big one, don’t I get a turn?”
“That’s not how it works,” he murmured. “When you keep secrets, there are consequences.”
A chill traced down Kaitlyn’s spine. She shivered, leaning back against the sateen sheets of her – their – bed. If she delved any closer, she would get caught in the power that was Cameron Drake, and they had far too important matters to discuss right now.
She breathed air scented with gardenias, spice and heady male. They were in the luxurious master bedroom of their new home, built right next to the candy shop. Actually, it was more a mansion, which Cameron had designed. At least she could now dedicate the entire other building to her business. Although…
It was not the only location of her business. With Cameron’s support, she’d opened two bakeries in neighboring towns. She chose locations that did not have similar establishments, welcoming communities eager for new business. Thus far the ventures had proven extraordinarily successful. They provided fresh culinary delights, employment opportunities and lots of charity events, such as free candy-making parties for disadvantaged children.
Cameron had continued with his own business, of course, being a lawyer, not an actor. He built a satellite office nearby and commuted to the city several times a week. He’d become even more famous, as all the news stations picked up on his move, especially when his billionaire buddies stopped by. Life was hectic but wonderful, as they recreated every one of their miniature dates in full splendor. Their love blossomed, in a life that was truly an adventure.
Yet now it was time for a new adventure.
Cameron leaned closer, dipping the bed under his formidable size. He was still fully dressed in his suit, while she wore only a silky nightgown. He traced a finger down her neck. “Someone has been hiding.” He explored further, trailing between her breasts. “Don’t tell me it’s another actor.”
“Oh no.” She shuddered as he made lazy circles on her stomach, then delvedlower. “It’s someone far smaller. In fact so small, you can’t really see him – or her – yet.”
He stilled.
Stared.
“What?” he breathed.
“The little one is too small to see.” Now she moved to explore him, smoothing hard muscle. “However, you’ll meet him or her in about seven months.”
His gaze tracked down. “You don’t mean you’re….”
“Yes.”
Elation sparkled, as bright as the stars twinkling outside their window. She matched his smile, allowing all the joy and love to flow through her. For him, her and the little one who would soon expand their family. “Are you happy?”
“There are no words.” He touched her belly reverently, with wonder, delight, and pure, unadulterated love. “I love you,” he whispered to the little one, before lifting his gaze. “And I love you.”