Part 40 (1/2)

”And which one is that?”

”Well, I was just thinking,” she said blandly, ”that we may have to hire another

nurse.”

”Arabella,” he threatened with mock reproof, ”do not change the subject.”

Her tone was innocence itself. ”Oh, but I'm not.”

Justin sighed. ”I admit, Lizzie is a handful -”

”Not because of Lizzie.”

Justin propped himself up on an elbow to stare at her. ”Why, then?”

Arabella's smile merely deepened.

His eyes widened. ”What,” he said faintly, ”do you mean to say*”

He swallowed hard, his eyes meeting hers in amazement. Lean fingers came out to splay possessively on her belly. He shook his head, still a little dazed. ”My word - and Tess but four months old. Can you believe it?”

”Well, I did tell you once you would be an excellent father. Which you are,” she pointed out. ”As well as a perfect husband.”

”And?” he prompted, his eyes gleaming wickedly.

”And a most ardent, satisfying lover.”

And indeed, he set out to prove it, to her sheer and utter delight.

It was later, just as Arabella hovered on the fringes of sleep, that a sudden shout of laughter erupted.

Arabella raised her head from his chest, peered at him drowsily. ”What is it?”

It was his turn to tease her. ”I was just thinking.”

”Of what?”

”Aunt Grace.”