13
Long after thefestivities were over and everyone had gone to bed, Marcus and Samara cuddled up by a cozy fire, quietly continuing their celebration.
The room was dark save for the flames glowing in the hearth, spreading warmth through the elegantly furnished bedchamber. They were sitting on a thick Persian rug in front of the crackling fireplace. Marcus was leaning back against an antique wing chair as Samara sat astride his outstretched legs with her arms looped around his neck. Their faces were close together as they talked and laughed and shared lingering kisses.
“So how’re you feeling?” Marcus murmured.
“I feel wonderful,” Samara said with a contented sigh.
“No morning sickness?”
“None whatsoever.” She grinned teasingly. “I’m already liking this kid more than the others.”
Marcus laughed, the sound wrapping around her like the warmest embrace. He was wearing black silk pajama bottoms, leaving his chest and abs bare. Samara wore the matching top, unbuttoned low enough to expose the curve of her breasts.
Firelight danced across Marcus’s face, illuminating his dark eyes as he smiled at her. “I can’t believe you kept your pregnancy a secret from me. For three whole weeks.”
Samara grinned. “It was hard, but I really wanted to surprise you.”
“You definitely did. You surprised the hell out of me.”
“I know. The look on your face was priceless.”
“I bet it was. Seeing you up on that runway with the tiger…” Marcus shook his head, marveling. “It felt like déjà vu. Like coming full circle.”
Samara smiled. “Exactly.”
He stroked her hair, smiling softly. “I love all the Christmas presents you gave me this morning. But a baby...I can’t think of a more perfect gift.”
“I was hoping you’d feel that way.” Samara nibbled at the corner of his mouth, interlocking her fingers behind his neck. “We’ll have to start thinking of names.”
“Definitely.” Marcus smiled against her lips. “You know I’ve already started a list.”
She laughed. “Why am I not surprised?”
Grinning broadly, Marcus placed his hand over her stomach, long fingers splayed wide.
Samara watched him, her heart bursting from the profound depths of her love for him.
“I’m feeling just as amazed as I did when you were pregnant the first time,” he murmured quietly. “The thought of a life growing inside you…a life we made together…”
Samara smiled softly. “Itispretty awe-inspiring, isn’t it?”
“Definitely.” He stroked her belly through the silk pajama top. “I can’t wait to feel him kicking. Or her.”
Samara grinned. “Thankfully we don’t have to wait several more weeks to find out what we’re having. Mom says she’ll do her trusty necklace ritual whenever we’re ready.”
“Let’s do it tomorrow,” Marcus said without hesitation.
Samara laughed, laying her head on his shoulder. “We’ve got so much going on tomorrow. How about the day after? It’s supposed to snow, so I plan to laze around all day and stuff my face.”
Marcus laughed. “So youhavebeen eating more than usual. I knew I wasn’t imagining things.”
“Nope. You weren’t.” She grinned. “Mom’s chef is phenomenal, but I’m really looking forward to the special dinner that Aunt Prissy, Mike and Lexi have planned for us. I got excited when I overheard them discussing the menu yesterday. Everything sounded absolutely delicious.”
“I bet,” Marcus said humorously, kissing the top of her head. “But you weren’t supposed to be eavesdropping.”
“I know,” she said sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to. I went down to the kitchen to get a piece of Mama Wolf’s pound cake—which disappearedwaytoo fast, I might add.”
