Читать книгу Platinum Grooms: Pregnant at the Wedding - Sara Orwig - Страница 12

Two weeks later, on Saturday morning, Ashley stood in front of an oval mirror in the bride’s dressing room at Ryan’s church. She gazed at herself, while her grandmother stood beside her smoothing out her veil. “You look so beautiful, Ashley. If only your mother could see you!”

“You look pretty, too,” she said, thinking her grandmother did look lovely in her slim-fitting rose silk dress, her silver hair turned under. On her shoulder was a gardenia corsage from Ryan. “I can’t believe this day is actually here.”

“It is, and it’s time for me to go, since I’ll sit in front, in your mother’s place.” She placed her hands on Ashley’s shoulders. “I wish you all the happiness in the world. You must be marrying a fine man, Ashley. He’s been amazingly generous and kind to us. I know about the mortgage and about his offer to send Jeff to college.”

“Dad seems to be happy and grateful. I was afraid he would refuse to let Ryan help.”

“I think Ryan convinced him that we’re part of his family now and he’s part of ours, so it’s all the same. But of course, it never really is. You’re fortunate, Ashley. You’re marrying a fine man.”

“I am, Grandmother,” she answered, feeling thoroughly insincere, wanting to cry that she really didn’t know Ryan that well, and they didn’t love each other. Or at least, he didn’t love her.

She turned to hug her grandmother, wondering what would have happened if she had told Ryan no. It was too late for such speculation now. She stepped back, and Laura straightened Ashley’s train.

“This is a gorgeous dress and perfect for you. Now c’mon, girls, it’s time,” she said to the bridesmaids, who wore yellow sheath dresses and carried bouquets of mixed spring flowers with huge yellow tulips.

They filed out with her grandmother, and Ashley turned back to the mirror to look at herself, unable to believe what she saw in the mirror. She fingered the exquisite gold filigreed necklace entwined with diamonds and pearls that Ryan had presented to her last night.

Ashley knew her father was waiting, and in minutes it would be time for her entrance. But she wanted a moment to compose herself.

There was a knock on the door, and she assumed someone had come to get her. She turned, expecting her father. “Come in,” she called. The door swung open and Ryan’s redheaded friend, Kayla Landon, entered.

Startled, Ashley felt a chill as she turned. “If you’re looking for the sanctuary, it’s down the hall to the right.”

“No, I’m looking for you,” Kayla said in a soft voice, and again, Ashley was amazed that Ryan had wanted so badly to marry, because this woman was stunning. She wore a gorgeous, skintight white silk dress with embroidered red rosebuds along the neckline and the hem. Her hair was curled, hanging to her shoulders. She had flawless skin; rosy cheeks; a full, pouty mouth; thick eyelashes; and a figure that should turn all male heads at the wedding.

As Ashley looked at her, she suddenly no longer felt so pretty, and her dress seemed incredibly plain and simple in comparison.

“I wanted to congratulate you on catching Ryan,” Kayla said, coming into the room and closing the door behind her. “That’s quite a coup. You’re not in his social class and you’re definitely not his type. We all know that he’s marrying you out of pity,” she said with a smug expression.

Ashley had started to reach for her bouquet, preparing to leave, but she halted abruptly in shock.

Kayla came close enough for her perfume to reach Ashley. “I never dreamed a pregnancy would do it,” Kayla continued. “You know he doesn’t love you. That’s the only reason a man like Ryan would marry you.”

Ashley clamped her jaw more tightly as a knot closed her throat. The only way Kayla could know about the pregnancy was from Ryan. He had broken a trust, and at that moment she hated him for it.

“Of course, he’ll marry you, but if you think he’ll stay faithful, think again,” Kayla purred, smiling slyly. “If he can’t stay faithful before the marriage, he won’t stay true after, and you might as well know now what you’re getting into. I’m sure you don’t care, though, as long as you get some of his money. He ought to insist on a paternity test, however, to make sure he’s the father.”

“Get out, Kayla!” Ashley snapped, hating the tears that threatened. “Get out!” She looked around for something to throw at the woman whose eyes widened before she turned to yank open the door again, her laughter floating behind her.

“Of course, it’s never too late to back out. And I’m definitely not out of his life.” She closed the door.

Shaking in dismay, Ashley dabbed at her tears, knowing she was streaking the light makeup she wore. Ryan hadn’t been faithful. He had shared the secret of her pregnancy with Kayla, when only their families were supposed to know. That hurt worse than anything.

Ashley clenched her fists. She couldn’t go through with this sham wedding! It wasn’t too late. She could run away right now, and explain to her family and friends later. It would prevent this wedding from happening, and save her from marrying a man she couldn’t trust.

She reached behind her to unfasten Ryan’s necklace and throw it against the wall. She hurt all over and didn’t want to marry him, no matter what he did or what happened.

She was reaching back again to free the top button of her dress, when she paused. Could she hurt so many people—Ryan’s family, her family, the baby? Or marry him and take his financial support and have an easier life—would that be better?

Someone rapped on the door. “Ashley, it’s time,” her brother called. “Everyone’s waiting.”

Numbly, she picked up her bouquet of white orchids and white roses. She walked slowly to the foyer, while her father came forward with a somber expression. He tilted her chin up.

“You don’t look happy,” he said gruffly, unable to hide his worry. He dug in his pocket and withdrew keys. “Honey, you can walk right out the door now. Take my car and go, and I’ll explain for you. Don’t enter into a marriage that’ll make you miserable. You can back out this minute and I’ll stand by you. Take my car keys.”

With a heavy heart she stared at the keys in his open palm. She could walk away and her father would give her his support. Did she want to escape this marriage to Ryan? Because here was her last chance before taking a vow.

Had something gone wrong? Ryan knew time was passing.

While he stood at the altar, he reminded himself to be patient. Maybe it was something with Ashley’s dress or hair that had delayed her.

The bridesmaids were in place and the organist was improvising, playing the same music repeatedly.

Right now, their wedding night seemed a thousand hours away instead of the end of the day. Ryan’s father stood beside him, and Nick and Jake were lined up beyond his dad and brothers. Ryan glanced over the large crowd. His church was beautiful, with rock walls, a vaulted ceiling and a huge pipe organ. The carpet was a brilliant blue and sunshine poured through the stained glass windows, which glowed like multicolored jewels, but he barely noticed his surroundings. He wanted to glance at his watch. Ashley was late, which was uncharacteristic of her.

Where was she? Had something happened? Was she having cold feet at the last minute? Worries plagued him and he thought about the moment this morning when he had been seized by the feeling that he had pushed Ashley too hard into this wedding. But then he’d come to the same conclusion he always had, that marriage was the best for all concerned.

Should he have waited and courted her, and married her after the baby’s arrival?

Too late now, unless she had run out on him. He shifted his weight slightly, wanting to leave and go find her. He’d heard of runaway brides.

And then he saw her appear in the narthex and take her father’s arm. They stood talking, and Ryan wished they would begin. Finally, the organist received the signal that the bride was ready.

As Ashley walked toward him down the aisle, all of Ryan’s worries and apprehensions vanished. His mouth went dry and his heart pounded. He remembered the first hour he’d met her at a party, and how he’d been drawn to her easy smile and open friendliness with everyone. The attraction between them had been instant and intense.

Today she looked stunning, incredibly beautiful, and he didn’t have a qualm or doubt that he was doing the right thing. He couldn’t imagine that they wouldn’t fall deeply in love.

She was ravishing, sexy, independent. So far as he could discover, she had great qualities. He liked her family. Reassured they were doing the best possible thing, he watched her. He wanted her to himself, and knew this would be one of the longest days of his life until he could get her away for their honeymoon.

As she drew closer, he frowned. She was pale as snow and wouldn’t look at him.

Surely this wasn’t her anger stirred up all over again. Last night at their rehearsal dinner, she had seemed to have a great time, and had kissed him thoroughly before she’d told him good-night. Yet as her father placed her hand in his, Ryan knew something was dreadfully awry. Her father’s expression reinforced his suspicions.

When they turned to repeat their vows, Ryan clasped Ashley’s icy hands and glanced at her bare throat. Where was the diamond-and-pearl necklace he had given her the night before? She had seemed thrilled with it, and said she’d wear it today, but no necklace adorned her throat now.

Ryan couldn’t wait to talk to her, and tried to concentrate on their wedding, knowing he should pay attention. Yet there was no way that Ashley was enjoying one minute of it. What had happened?

Finally the minister pronounced them man and wife. He introduced them to the crowd and they swept up the aisle. Ryan held Ashley’s arm and motioned to an usher. “Tell the photographer that we’ll be right back for pictures,” he said, before turning to her. “Come here,” he ordered, and tugged lightly on her arm. She went with him down a long hall, and the first empty room he could find, he stepped inside. Closing the door behind them, he gripped her shoulders and leaned down to look directly into her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

She gazed at him with a glacial expression. “I don’t know why I thought I could count on you. This marriage isn’t built on respect and trust.”

“What are you talking about? Trust me about what?”

“To be faithful. To not announce that I’m pregnant and that you have to marry me.”

Shocked, he frowned. “What on earth are you talking about? I haven’t done any such thing. There hasn’t been another woman in my life since you came into it. The only people I’ve told about your pregnancy were our families, when you were with me.”

“Please!”

“That’s the truth! Where’s all this coming from?”

“Kayla came to see me before the wedding—”

“Dammit!” Fury boiled in him over a woman from his past that he couldn’t shake out of his present. “You listened to her?” His anger intensified, hot and swift and blinding, but was followed instantly by common sense and relief. “Ashley, there’s not one shred of truth in anything she said to you. I swear, there isn’t. I wish I’d never met her.”

Ashley’s eyes widened as she searched his gaze.

“Kayla is over and out of my life, whether she likes it or not,” he insisted. “There hasn’t been anyone—”

“How’d she know that I’m pregnant?”

Surprised, he slid his hands down Ashley’s upper arms. “Darlin’, I don’t know what she said to you, but I’d say that she was guessing. If you’d denied being pregnant, she would’ve shrugged it away. Knowing you, I doubt you contradicted her. I swear to you that I didn’t tell her that you’re pregnant, nor have I been unfaithful to you.”

“She said I wasn’t in your class, and the only reason you’d marry me was out of pity, since I’m pregnant.”

“Dammit, forget all that rubbish about class. I’ve told you about my past. I came from nothing. I’m not of one class and you another. That’s absurd. It sounds feudal. You have a great family. I like them and I’m not marrying you out of pity or sympathy or any such thing. Kayla guessed the pregnancy. Did you confirm it?”

“No. I was stunned,” Ashley replied quietly. “Her accusation of your being unfaithful isn’t true. Or am I being naive to ask?”

“Hardly. I told you, there hasn’t been anyone for a long time, definitely not since you’ve been back in my life. Nothing Kayla said was the truth,” he insisted. “I promise you.”

Her gaze searched his and he waited quietly, knowing she was weighing what he’d said against what Kayla had told her. “I almost left this morning,” Ashley admitted.

“Thank heavens you didn’t!” he exclaimed. “Okay, now?”

While silence again stretched between them, he gazed into her eyes, until she nodded. “Okay. I may be the most gullible woman on earth, but I’ll accept what you’re saying.”

“Ashley, time will show you that I’m truthful. C’mon, let’s go enjoy our wedding.”

“All through the ceremony I kept thinking I was making a mistake. I barely heard what the minister said.”

“I’m sorry Kayla ruined your wedding for you. She’s out of my life. I hope you heard the minister pronounce us man and wife.”

“I heard that,” Ashley said solemnly.

Ryan looked at her features and her hair. “You look stunning today. I”ll remember you forever the way you look now.”

She smiled, and he smiled in return. “Let’s give each other half a chance,” he added. “I expect us to fall in love.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Did you hear him say, ‘You may kiss the bride’?” Ryan asked, his desire spiraling as he looked at her full, soft mouth.

“Yes, I did,” she answered, with that sultry quality in her voice that excited him even more. He leaned the last few inches to kiss her, and her mouth opened to him as she wrapped her arms around him. Her kiss aroused him, and he longed to be alone with her. He wanted her naked in his arms, in his bed.

A pounding on the door got through to him dimly above the roaring of his pulse, while Ashley pushed against his chest and wiggled away. “Ryan!” a deep voice called.

“That’s Brett.” Ryan reached around her to open the door, and his brother stepped inside.

“Sorry,” he said apologetically to Ashley. “They’re searching for both of you for pictures. You’re holding up the works.”

“Yeah, yeah, we’re coming,” Ryan answered, wishing he could pick her up and run out the back with her, sweeping her away right now. He took her arm and they started to follow Brett, then stopped again.

“Everything okay now?”

“Yes,” she said, smiling at him. Yet there was still a wary look in her eyes, and he wondered how much damage Kayla had done.

“Where’s the necklace I gave you?” he asked.

Her expression was stricken and her hand flew to her throat.

“Ryan, it’s—” She bit her lip and blinked. “I’m so sorry. I threw it on the floor of the room where I dressed. Let me go get it.”

He shook his head. “I’ll have Cal or Brett find it. Don’t worry. The necklace isn’t what’s important here.” He received a warm look at that, and felt better, hoping they’d cleared the air between them.

During the picture taking Ryan kept his arm around Ashley’s waist as much as possible, wanting her close at his side. The minute they reached the club for the reception, he was separated from her by crowds of friends and relatives, who congratulated him and wished him well. Often, he could spot Ashley across the room, and occasionally, she would look around and make eye contact. He could feel the invisible electricity instantly generated, and fought a constant urge to glance at his watch.

Finally she was at his side and it was time for the first dance. He took her hand as they made their way to the dance floor. She had shed the train of her dress, and followed his lead easily.

“I want to take down your hair and peel you out of that gown and kiss you all night long,” he said, knowing he ought to avoid the erotic images of her that he had thought about so much today. “You’re in my whole being, like a heady wine, Ashley.”

“Ryan, everyone is watching us now. I hope they can’t hear you.”

“You know they can’t. You’re beautiful, and I dream about having you in my arms. This is torture, and it’ll go on how many more hours?”

She laughed. “Most of the afternoon. We just got started. According to you, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so relax and enjoy it.”

“There are some other things I would rather be doing,” he said tersely. “The first minute we can feasibly get out of here, let me know and we’re off.”

“So you said you’d surprise me about where we’ll go for our honeymoon. When are you going to tell me?”

“Not until we’re on our way.”

“Which we won’t be for hours,” she said, and her tone had lightened, which cheered him.

Ryan drew Ashley close, wanting to wrap her in his embrace, but she pushed against his chest. “Everyone is watching, so show a little more propriety.”

“Propriety isn’t my strong suit,” he said with amusement as they circled the dance floor.

She danced with him, wondering about their future. Would they fall in love? Would Ryan be able to settle into marriage and give up his playboy lifestyle and beautiful women? The last was a question that constantly nagged at Ashley. Marriage was an abrupt alteration for him, even more than the disruption to her own life. Kayla’s accusations had unsettled her, and she couldn’t dismiss them with the cavalier nonchalance that Ryan had. And was she being foolishly gullible by believing him instead of Kayla?

Ashley realized then that to feel that strongly about him with Kayla, she must be in love with Ryan. How had love for him engulfed her so swiftly? She had her answer in memories, as well as when she looked at him.

Searchingly, she met his gaze. She guessed he would be a wonderful father, but she couldn’t imagine him being a devoted husband when there was no love, at least on his part, and he was accustomed to women and freedom.

She looked at her hand in his. Hers was pale, smaller, her fingers slender next to his. Her ring sparkled in the bright lights of the ballroom.

She remembered Jake and Emily’s wedding. When Emily had confided that it was purely a marriage of convenience, Ashley had wondered how her friend could bear to go into such a union. Yet here she was, locked in one almost like that herself. All the reassurances she had poured out for Emily seemed hollow and empty now.

Yet as she danced, hope grew. Now that Ryan had insisted she should ignore Kayla, the future once again held possibilities.

He was watching her, and she tilted her head and smiled up at him.

“So you’re happy now?” he asked.

“Ryan Warner, you made me marry you. Well, I’m going to make you fall in love with me. Hopelessly in love.”

Excitement flashed in the depths of his gaze and his dark eyebrows arched. “That’s a promise I look forward to. It makes my day even more than the wedding.”

“You’ll see,” she said, smiling at him and meaning what she said.

In minutes the dance ended and he led her back to the sidelines, where her father claimed her and Ryan turned to ask Laura to dance.

“I’m worried about you, Ashley,” Ben said when they were on the dance floor. “It’s good to have Ryan’s financial support, but that’s not enough for marriage. Just remember, I’m always here for you, day or night.”

“I know, Dad. I’m fine. There was something disturbing this morning, but it’s all right now.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear it. I wish you all the happiness in the world,” he said, and she smiled up at him.

“Thanks. I love you,” she said. Her gaze went past him to Ryan, who was charming her grandmother, she was sure. Tall, exuding self-assurance, radiating vitality, he seemed convinced that all would go well. His confidence was contagious, and she knew she was falling under his spell.

Next, Ryan’s father danced with Ashley, while Ryan stood on the sidelines and watched. He wanted the event to end. He was eager to get Ashley to himself, and this reception was stretching his nerves.

The minute the dance was over Ryan took her arm. “They want us for a picture or some such,” he said, leading her toward the nearest door.

“Ryan, the photographer is over by the cake.”

“So he is. If you must know, that was just an excuse to get you alone. C’mon. Let’s slip away for one quick kiss,” he said, taking her into a room across the hall and turning her to him as he leaned down to kiss her. She clung to him, responding as always to his kisses, setting him on fire. Her mouth was soft and she wore an enticing scent. Her shoulders were bare, tantalizing soft curves showing at the straight neckline of her dress. Now she was his wife. With every moment that passed he grew more certain they had done the best thing possible, and to his surprise, he was growing pleased with the whole prospect.

“We have to get back. This is our party and we’re host and hostess,” she whispered, pushing against him.

Ryan inhaled deeply. “It seems like an eternity until we can get out of here,” he told her again. “Just one more quick kiss.” He pulled her to him, sliding his hand down her back to cup her bottom. His breathing was ragged and he ached.

Finally, he reluctantly released her, and this time, she stepped away from him. “Ryan, we’re going back to the party,” she said firmly. “You’ll have to wait.”

He looked at her features as if memorizing them, then nodded. She took his hand and led him inside the ballroom, and minutes later she was surrounded by old friends and Ryan was across the room.

He tried to pay attention to friends talking to him, but all he could do was think about Ashley and glance at her constantly. She was laughing at something someone said to her. When had any particular woman been this important to him? He knew the answer to his own question, never before, and that made him all the more certain he’d done the right thing in forcing her to marry him. Every time they kissed, she responded to him fully. They enjoyed each other’s company and they liked each other’s families, all of which meant they were truly bonding. But it was already deeper than that. He trusted her and knew he could confide in her. He could tell her his hopes and plans, and he valued her opinion when they discussed topics. Most of all, she set him on fire with her passion.

No sex after their wedding night … He was certain after making love tonight, she wouldn’t hold out in the days to come. Sex would be fantastic and make the ties between them stronger. How could they keep from falling in love?

He turned and Kayla was there. His irritation surfaced, but it was mild because she was no longer important and nothing she said mattered. “I heard what you told Ashley,” he stated.

She shrugged. “I figured you wouldn’t marry her unless she’s pregnant. And if she’s not, well, I don’t think you’ll be able to stick with one woman either way. Particularly one who isn’t in your social world, Ryan. You’re not going to settle down and be the sweet, faithful husband,” she said, smiling slyly at him.

“It’s over between us, Kayla. Absolutely and forever.”

Her smile widened and she licked her lips slowly. “Darling, you’ll be back. I give you three months tops.” Her strong perfume assailed him when she stood on tiptoe and brushed his cheek with a kiss. Stepping away, she smiled at him.

“You stay away from Ashley,” he declared again, wondering how he could have ever been so involved with Kayla.

Still smiling, she turned and walked off.

One of his brothers called to him, and Ryan joined Brett and a group of friends who stood nearby. He forgot about Kayla, because Ashley filled his thoughts. His gaze drifted across the crowd until he spotted her. Talking and laughing, she stood in a group of guests. He wondered if he would ever tire of looking at her.

He glanced at his watch. “C’mon, Ashley.”

Ashley glanced around and saw Ryan talking with his brother and some other men. Nick Colton stood in the group, and she saw Jake Thorne join them. She had gotten to know Jake because of planning his wedding, and now Jake had been a groomsman in her own. He had rugged features that softened when he smiled. He was friendly, but she felt he was reserved, keeping strangers at arm’s length. All three men shared that same determination and poise, and she wondered if they had ever clashed in the years they had been friends.

She looked at her tall husband. She had seen Kayla talking to him only a short time before. When she’d seen the redhead brush his cheek with a kiss, Ashley hurt briefly. She had never been jealous in her life, but it pained her to watch Kayla kiss him even lightly.

Had Ryan really meant all he’d said? She would take him at his word until she had a reason not to, but again, she hoped she wasn’t being foolishly gullible. Even though Ryan had been convincing and reassuring, uncertainty still hovered in the back of her mind.

She watched him while she half listened to those around her. He was charismatic and exciting, and she still couldn’t believe that she was Mrs. Ryan Warner.

Ryan’s wife. The whole world seemed different now. If only … She couldn’t stop wishing that there was mutual love between them.

They would have a real wedding night. The thought turned her knees to jelly and heated her insides, because she could remember their weekend and what a consummate, energetic lover he had been. She pulled her thoughts back to the present and looked at Ryan, meeting his gaze. Even though he was across the room and people were between them, sparks flew. She smiled and saw him wink at her in return, and her eagerness to be alone with him mushroomed.

The hours dragged until finally she decided it was time to go. Last-second jitters sent a tingle up her spine.

She worked her way around the room, and when she reached Ryan, she took his hand.

He turned to look at her and excused himself from those around him. She led him to the dance floor and stepped into his arms.

“We can leave now, but I wanted one last dance,” she said, and saw a flare of satisfaction in his expression.

“Aah, that’s the best news since the minister pronounced us man and wife. And it’s not as if we can’t dance on our honeymoon.”

“This is magical, Ryan. I want to dance and remember it,” she said.

“I’m encouraged if you’re really enjoying yourself and want memories of today.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her tenderly while they danced to the slow number. “This is the beginning, Ashley. Life will be good between us.”

“I hope so,” she answered solemnly, her heart thumping over his words, and hope kindling that his love would blossom.

The minute the music ended, he took her hand. “C’mon, Ashley, we’ve partied and danced and schmoozed all afternoon. I finally can have you all to myself.”

“Let’s tell our families goodbye before we go, and let a few other people know.”

He groaned. “That’ll take another hour.”

“But that’s what we’re going to do,” she insisted.

“Let’s just get away and let them all party. Look—everyone is having a grand time. They won’t even know,” Ryan urged.

“As if you can slip away from anything without being noticed! No, we’ll say goodbye and give our friends a chance to throw balloons at us.”

It was almost an hour later when Ryan took her hand and they dashed to the waiting limo, past their well-wishing guests. Their driver sped away toward the airport.

Ashley had given a dress to Ryan to have ready for her later and as soon as they were airborne, she changed to a pale blue silk sheath.

“You look as beautiful as ever,” he said when she returned to sit by him. He had shed his coat and sat facing her with his long legs stretched out.

“Thank you,” she replied. “Now you have to tell me where we’re headed for our honeymoon.”

He leaned forward to take her hands in his. His hands were warm and he looked surprised. “You can’t be cold! Nervous?”

“Maybe a little,” she conceded. “This is a giant commitment.”

“New and wonderful,” he said, surprised at himself because he not only hadn’t expected to be married at this age, but he never would have guessed he could be so happy about it.

“Tonight we’ll stay at one of my hotels in Houston, and tomorrow we’ll fly to my villa on the Yucatan Peninsula.”

“How many homes do you own?” she asked, constantly reminded of how little she knew him.

“I have my condo and this villa. Everywhere else, I stay in a hotel.”

“I hope you’re right about marrying like this, Ryan,” she said solemnly, and he reached out to take her hand and pull her onto his lap. She glanced at his mouth, wanting his kisses, yet intending to wait until they were off the plane and alone.

“I know I”m right,” he said, carefully beginning to take her hair down, removing first one pin and then another to let her long blond hair fall free.

She grasped his wrist. “I’ll look all mussed up when we go into the hotel.”

“You’ll look absolutely gorgeous. I like your hair down, so it might as well be that way sooner rather than later,” he said, while pulling out another pin. He tilted her face up to his. “Not still angry with me, are you?”

She shrugged. “Not about Kayla.”

“Thank heavens. I’d forgotten about her. I hope you will. She’s history, Ashley.”

“Good. I still can’t keep from wishing we’d waited for love to come first.”

“It will,” he said with his usual assurance. “And I look forward to when you tell me I was right.”

“You may prove to be correct, but your method was too cavalier. You’re too strong willed and certain you’re right. If you’ll stop making every decision for me, I’ll be a lot more happy.”

“I had no idea that I was doing so. You’ve seemed pretty damn independent.”

“Not since I met you,” she argued, releasing some of her pent-up feelings.

“We’re not going to quarrel today,” he said, his voice dropping as he twirled a strand of her hair in his fingers. “You looked fantastic for the wedding,” he added in a deeper tone. “I’ll never get tired of just looking at you.”

“Yes, you will,” she said, smiling at him, warmed and flattered by his compliment in spite of her harsh words to him. “You’ll get very tired of it before a week, with just the two of us. I hope you brought a good book to read.”

“On my honeymoon—never! There’ll be plenty to do that you’ll like. You’ll see. Trust me, you won’t need a book,” he said, nuzzling her neck, while his hand drifted along her arm.

She closed her eyes, relishing the sensations he caused, knowing if they got beyond just kisses, she would forget her surroundings and all thoughts of waiting until later for lovemaking.

A pang of wishful thinking rocked her while she caressed his nape. If only they were wildly in love how different this day and tonight would be! She opened her eyes to run her fingers through his thick hair as he pressed sultry kisses on her throat.

She wanted his love instead of this impetuous union where sex and the baby were the big ties for Ryan. She inhaled, closed her eyes and tried to stop thinking about the absence of his love.

Finally, gulping for air, she scooted off his lap to another seat while she straightened her clothing. She looked up to find him studying her with a scalding look that blatantly undressed her.

“Slow down, Ryan. Your kisses are melting me and we’re not alone up here. We wait until we’re in the hotel room in Houston.”

“I’ll be patient, but I don’t want to,” he said in a husky voice she barely recognized.

They landed in bright sunshine and drove to the hotel. Soon Ryan was opening the door to a suite on the top floor. He picked her up to carry her inside. “Now we really begin our lives together as Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Warner,” he said.