Gabriel's Promise (Gabriel's Inferno 4)

Gabriel took the smaller box and opened it, presenting it to her.

Inside the box was a ring, which featured a large oval ruby flanked by two round diamonds. The setting was platinum and reminiscent of Julianne’s engagement ring.

He removed the ring and grasped her right hand, slipping it on her fourth finger. “This is a gift to commemorate the great gift that you’ve given me. The ruby represents you, the heart of our family, and the diamonds represent me and Clare. Together, we form a family.”

He leaned down to press his lips against the base of her finger.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered. She gazed at him in wonder. “I don’t know what to say.”

Gabriel’s eyebrows moved together. “Do you like it?”

“I love it. It’s gorgeous. But most important, I love what it represents.” She stared at the ring. “And it fits.”

“I had to approximate the size based on your other rings. But it can always be resized.” With his thumb he moved the ring back and forth on her finger, experimentally.

“It’s incredible. Thank you.” She kissed him once again.

Gabriel took the boxes and ribbons and placed them on his nightstand. He switched off the light. “When is the baby’s next feeding?”

“Soon. I set the alarm on my phone.”

Gabriel settled under the covers and brought Julia into his side. “Wake me when you’re finished, and I’ll change her. Then you can get back to bed sooner.”

Julia hummed and lifted her right arm, examining her ring in the semidarkness. “I’m exhausted.”

He chuckled. “Then go to sleep.”

“Now I’m wired. It’s the flamingo’s fault.”

Gabriel laughed. His wife giggled in response.

When their laughter abated, Gabriel found himself staring down into her large, expressive eyes. Something passed between them.

Impulsively, he shifted her to her back. He traced her eyebrows with his fingertip. “Beatrice.”

She sighed when his lips met hers.

The electricity between them had not abated. Gabriel took his time, allowing his mouth to worship hers.

He deepened the kiss, his hand stroking her hip over her nightgown.

As his tongue gently teased hers, she made a noise in her throat. Gabriel felt encouraged and continued to dance, his lips firm and insistent.

His hand slid up her side and hovered over her breast. His eyes held a question.

“Your gift deserves a celebration,” she whispered. “I’ve missed you.”

Gabriel smiled widely, his hand hovering like a bird over her breast.

Julia’s expression changed. “But it’s too soon. My breasts are sore and I’m sore around the incision and farther down.”

Stricken, Gabriel lowered his hand to rest on the mattress, near her hip. “I’m sorry.”

Julia’s palm moved to his thigh and began to slide upward. “I can look after you.”

Gabriel caught her wrist. “Another time.” He lifted her wrist to his lips and kissed the pale skin that stretched over her veins.

Julia sig