However, both Daniel and Jude had noted the adoption could potentially proceed much faster, given the circumstances—and that placing Sophie with the McMillans would clearly be in her best interests. The judge, Daniel had said, would not want to draw out a case as neatly packaged as this one, and that gave Kate even more hope.
She slipped out of her dress and into a silk nightie before joining Jude in front of the fireplace.
She eased onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I can’t wait for the three of us to be a family,” she whispered against his lips.
He kissed her, then said, “I suppose we’re going to have to tell your parents about our extended stay.”
“I suppose so.” Kate sighed. “Won’t that go over oh-so-well?”
Jude’s sexy, rumbling chuckle made Kate’s stomach flutter.
“We’ll have to formulate a plan to spring all of this on them. Sooner rather than later, Kate.”
She groaned. “Must we be so responsible?”
Another low laugh from him resonated in the quiet living room.
“Sorry to burst your bubble, baby.”
“I’ll consider some options,” she said with a hint of resignation. “In the meantime, do we rent an apartment here or see if this penthouse is available for the next few months?”
“I vote for the penthouse. I like the restaurant downstairs.”
“Convenient, opened late in the evenings and we get twenty-four-hour room service.” Kate couldn’t argue those merits. “Plus, Daniel indicated the group home Sophie will likely be moved to is within this district.”
Kate sighed and Jude caught onto her sudden melancholy.
“She’ll only be there a short while, Kate. I truly believe this won’t be a drawn-out issue. Keeping Sophie in the system is more expensive than allowing an adoption between parties mutually wanting the permanent placement. We have a relationship with her and that should work to our advantage.”
“I just don’t want her to ever feel like she won’t be with us. That she’ll forever be stuck in a group home.” Kate’s lids drifted closed to combat a few tears.
“Kate,” Jude murmured. “Sweetheart, don’t worry so much.”
“She’s only five, Jude.”
“And we’re quite fortunate for that. If she were any younger, she wouldn’t meet eligibility.”
Kate’s eyes opened and she smiled. “I do like that our stars seem to be aligning.”
“Well…with the exception of you having to tell your family you’re married and are about to have a daughter.”
“You had to remind me,” she dryly teased. Though, of course, it was newsworthy of relaying, regardless of the reaction it incited.
Snuggling a little closer to her husband, Kate said, “Perhaps you should take me to bed now. I want to get up early in the morning to shop. It’s almost Christmas and I’d like to decorate the suite for when the adoption service provider comes to meet with us and brings Sophie.”
“Our first Christmas together. Nice,” he mused as he stood and scooped Kate into his arms.
“Sorry it won’t be at your apartment in New York.”
“I don’t care where it is, Kate. As long as we’re all together.”
She kissed him, then whispered, “That earns you a bonus round in bed this evening.”
He laughed again. “I’m definitely going to enjoy being married to you, Mrs. McMillan.”
“Thank God for that,” she joked. “Little late in the game to have doubts now.”