Page 67

Picking up on the message being silentlytransmitted, Millicent reached for her granddaughter. "Let'sgive the mother some breathing space and a chance to get some rest,"she said briskly. With almost no effort at all, she herded everyoneout.

Breaking away from the group, Zach cameforward. Bending, he brushed his lips over her forehead, eyes moist."You did good baby girl."

"I did." She touched his cheekbriefly. "I love you."

Squeezing her hand, he turned towards hisbrother-in-law. Zach had discovered over the months that the mansimply adored his sister. Breaking into a grin, he slapped Jack onthe shoulder and left the room.

"I think he's beginning to accept meas part of the family." Toeing off his shoes, he climbed intobed with her.

She turned to him, inhaling his scent andclosing her eyes. Over the months, they had had arguments, heatedones with them standing toe to toe with each other, neither of themwilling to back down. But they always found a way of resolving theirissues. And she made certain that Jason never felt left out. He hadjust recently turned fifteen and she and Millicent had celebrated bythrowing him a birthday party.

"My love," he whispered in herear as he cuddled her. "My heart. Thank you."

"You're most welcome." Liftingher head, she cradled his face. "I was thinking that we shouldwait until Madison turns three months, before we try for anotherbaby."

His eyes narrowed as he stared back at her."Not a chance."

Patting his cheek, she leaned against him,knowing that she would get her wish.

With a sigh, he wrapped his hands aroundher, realizing that he did not stand a chance when she made up hermind. She was his weak spot and he was embracing it. No longer was heangry and powerless. He was in love with a woman who loved him backand that was all that mattered to him.

The end…