The Ugly Duckling Debutante (House of Renwick #1)(59)

“And I couldn’t have asked for a wiser husband, I do believe I have you to thank for saving my life?”

He sobered immediately. “God—not me, I take no credit, my prayer life however has blossomed to extravagant proportions.”

She managed a weak laugh and held his hand. “What should we call him?”

He looked at her curiously. “Our child?”

Sara felt weightless as she thought about spending her life with Nicholas, Duncan, and the new baby. She had no doubt the baby would be healthy. If anything the baby would be stronger after helping her fight such a battle.

“Let’s name him Samuel,” he said, invading her thoughts.

Tears welled in her eyes. “I think that’s a perfect name.”

He laughed. “Why don’t you get some sleep?”

So she did. She slept for the better part of three days, falling in and out of sleep until she was so tired of being tired, she thought she would scream.

During the afternoon of the third day, Nicholas paid a visit. Glued to her side for the past few days, it left her little time for herself; not that she minded it one bit. She had after all spent countless weeks without him by her side.

“Why am I not surprised to see you?” She laughed.

Nicholas pretended to be wounded as he threw his hand across his heart. “Oh so you don’t want your surprise then?”

She jerked up in her bed. “Surprise?”

He shook his head. “Well, I guess if you’re going to behave that way then—“

“Nicholas Renwick don’t you dare mess with the sick!”

“Fine, fine.” He put up his hands innocently. “You’re a heavy sleeper, by the way. I was able to get this done without you even stirring.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Good to see you’ve gotten part of your attitude back,” he mumbled turning toward the door that adjoined their rooms.

She stuck out her tongue when his back was to her. It made her feel slightly better.

“Do you think you can walk, or do you want me to carry you?” he asked tenderly. What she wanted to do was hit him for assuming she was that weak, but then again he had been terrified of losing her, she shouldn’t be so mean.

She huffed. “I think I can manage.”

“Then I’ll lead the way.” He opened the door and walked into the next room. She followed slowly after. It was hard for her to move out of bed; her body wanted to go slow, but her mind was so curious she wanted to run. By the time she reached his room, she was perspiring and out of breath. She really needed to regain her strength.

He stood behind her and kissed her neck. “Surprise.”

The entire room had been decorated with wildflowers. He had obviously been very busy. In the far corner of the room stood a tub with roses floating in the water; it smelled absolutely heavenly. “I don’t know what to say!” She flung her arms around him and started thanking him in the way she had been dreaming of for days.





Chapter Twenty-Seven



Nicholas felt his body react to her touch. Her delicate hand was placed onto his chest. His breathing turned laborious; her touch was like lightning, igniting a passion in him that was beyond his control. “What are you doing?” he asked against her face.

“Nothing.” Her response sounded anything but innocent. It was hard to believe that just a few days ago, she was literally on her deathbed with a fever. Now she looked positively radiant and her body didn’t even show the pregnancy yet. He needed to feed her more, he decided.

Small hands began tugging away at his shirt, making him laugh. “Sara, what are you doing?” He couldn’t keep the huskiness from his voice. He hadn’t wanted to pressure her, but how he wanted her! In every way possible.

She began humming, obviously trying to distract him, but if she thought her heavenly voice would do the trick, she was wrong. He was ready and willing for whatever distraction she had in mind, other than singing that is.

His shirt came up over his head. He watched as Sara grew slightly pink in the face, from embarrassment or excitement, he didn’t really care. He grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her into his body crushing his lips against They were warm and inviting, making it so much harder to think straight. Out of pure excitement he laughed against her lips then pulled her gown up over her head. She stood before him like a naked goddess but not the least bit scandalized. Marriage was a gift from God.

He groaned then pulled off the remainder of his clothing before claiming her mouth again. Her creamy white skin against his own made his ears roar with desire until the need to possess her was all he could think about. He needed her, he had missed her, she was every much a part of him as he was a part of her.

They explored one another for the next hour until he reminded her yet again of their purpose in his room, not that he wanted to stop the other more exciting activities. He led her to the bath, marveling at her beautiful figure.

She lowered herself into the water and sighed. Suddenly, he was envious of the bath. Fighting the sudden urge to ravage the beautiful body before him, he focused on the water as it lapped around her shoulders and tickled her feet. He found himself angry that her eyes closed in ecstasy against the warmth of the tub. Would he always be jealous of things that touched her or pleased her? Even things that weren’t alive? He shook his head and smiled.