Читать книгу Billionaire Bosses Collection - Кэрол Мортимер - Страница 34

“Zach, I still feel like this isn’t really happening to me,” she said, thinking that was the way she had felt most of the time when they had been in Europe on their honeymoon. She looked at herself in the mirror, her gaze going beyond her image to Zach’s. He looked incredibly handsome in his navy suit.

“My love is real, Emma,” he said, brushing a kiss and his warm breath on her nape.

“All those wonderful cities and the charming small towns in France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy. They were beautiful and the people were welcoming. The places and buildings were breathtaking, so beautiful. Ah, Zach, I saw them all because of you. I will treasure the memories we have of this trip forever. It was wonderful to go and now it’s grand to be home.”

“The next long trip will be in this country. I want to show you special places in the U.S.”

She smiled. “I’m nervous about meeting Ryan tonight.”

Zach laughed. “Of all people on this earth, don’t be nervous over Ryan. He’s as down to earth as any man can get. He would have flown in to meet you earlier this week when we returned, but he had a bull-riding show in Wyoming or Montana. I don’t remember where. Don’t be nervous about any of them. Sophia is almost as new to the family as you are. I think you two will become good friends.”

“Do you still want to tell my family the news about the baby when we go for Sunday dinner tomorrow?” she asked.

“Yes, unless you want to tell them tonight. We’ll tell them and my family and anyone else you want to let know.”

“Rosie, even though she guessed, and Nigel.”

“Sure. All my staff will be told. I want everyone watching out for you.”

She laughed. “Don’t make it sound as if I’m an invalid. Let’s tell them tomorrow.”

“I love you, sweet wife,” he whispered and kissed her.

She kissed him passionately, in seconds forgetting the evening until he reached for the zipper of her dress.

“Zach, we have a wedding reception to attend,” she said, wriggling away from him and smiling.

“So we do, but I’d rather make love.”

“Later,” she said.

“Can’t wait,” he replied. “I’m ready and I’ll wait downstairs. You look absolutely gorgeous.”

“So do you, Zach,” she said, her heart beating with happiness.

An hour later she stood in a country club ballroom talking to Sophia and Ava when she saw Zach and his brother approach. Ryan was tall, handsome, dressed in a black suit and wearing black Western boots.

“Finally you’ll meet my brother Ryan. Ryan, meet Emma, my bride.”

Ryan hugged her and kissed her cheek. “Welcome to the Delaney family,” he said.

“Thank you,” she answered. “All of you have made me feel welcome.”

Zach clasped his brother on the shoulder. “Ladies, congratulate a champion bull rider. He just won again.”

Ryan grinned as he received congratulations and Emma marveled again that the Delaneys resembled each other except for Zach. She couldn’t see any similarities in his looks and theirs.

She saw Will and Garrett approaching and their circle enlarged. Will draped his arm around Ava’s shoulders. “Caroline is playing with your nieces and nephews and your sister Mary Kate is with them,” he said. “I told her to call my cell if I need to come get her.”

“Caroline will be fine and Mary Kate loves being with the kids.”

The band commenced another song and Ryan turned to Emma. “May I have this dance? If I want to get to know you, we have to get away from this crowd.”

She laughed and went with him the short distance to join the dancers.

“You’ve worked a miracle with my brother,” Ryan said. “Will and I are delighted. Sophia hasn’t been in this family long enough to know how much he’d changed.”

“I love Zach and I want him to be happy.”

“He is. You’re good for him. Will and I wouldn’t have thought it was possible to get him to settle down even a little. You have a great family. I’ve met most of them. I told all of them to bring their kids out to my ranch and let them ride. We have gentle horses. I think Connor is going to take me up first and bring his boys.”

“I’m sure they’ll love it. That’s nice.”

He spun her around and she glanced at Zach, already wanting the reception to be over and to be alone with him again.

When the dance ended, the group had broken up and Zach waited. “You’ve spent enough time with her, so goodbye, Ryan,” Zach said, taking her hand.

“Thanks for the dance. I don’t know how he talked you into marrying him,” he teased. “Try to put up with him.”

She laughed. “I think I can put up with him. It was nice to meet you, Ryan.”

Zach led her to the dance floor to take her into his arms. “I’m ready for this to be over now.”

“So am I,” she said, gazing into his blue eyes that were as fascinating as the first day she met him. “I love you so,” she whispered.

He pulled her close to wrap his arms around her and she danced slowly with him while her happiness bubbled. Her wonderful husband and their baby on the way—joy overflowed and she squeezed him. “Zach, this is paradise,” she whispered, and he smiled at her, his eyes filled with warmth and love.