Golden Chances (Borrowed Brides 1)

Kevin smiled at Reese.

“It doesn’t have to be for the duration of the pregnancy, just until I know the baby is going to stay put.”

“If it means keeping Faith and the baby safe, I’ll do it, Doc,” Reese told him, “But I don’t have to enjoy it.”

“No,” Kevin agreed, “I didn’t say you had to enjoy it.” He clapped Reese on the shoulder. “Let’s go down and rejoin the party. We must let your guests know Mrs. Jordan is fine.” Kevin started down the hallway, but Reese hesitated, looking back over his shoulder.

“Let her rest awhile, Reese. You can look in on her later.”

Reese turned, then reluctantly followed Kevin down the stairs.

* * *

The last of the local guests had departed and the remaining guests had been assigned rooms for the night before Reese was able to return to the master bedroom. He tiptoed up the stairs, and after stopping to check on Joy, he moved down the hall to the door of the room he shared with Faith.

She turned to look at him as he opened the door.

“I thought you’d be asleep.” Reese said, walking to the bed. He could see her red-rimmed eyes and knew she’d been crying.

“I waited up for you.” Faith said. “How was the party?”

“It disintegrated into a political gathering after you left.” He sat down on the bed.

“I’m sorry.” Faith looked up at him, her gray eyes wide with concern.

“Don’t be.” Reese brushed her forehead with a kiss. “I missed you.” The words slipped out. He hadn’t meant to say them.

“I missed you, too. Very much.” Faith held out her arms to him.

Reese leaned down, barely touching her lips with his. Faith held on, trying to deepen the kiss, wanting the reassurance only his touch could give.

“No, Faith,” Reese pulled away from her, then eased off the bed.

He couldn’t trust himself not to touch her, not to make love to her.

And he couldn’t endanger her or the baby.

“Where are you going?” Faith was alarmed.

“Back downstairs.” he lied, “I have some paperwork to do. Try to rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Reese, please stay with me. I’m frightened.” she confessed.

He could see it in her eyes. Reese knew she was frightened. He knew she needed reassurance. He wanted to give it, but he couldn’t.

He was too afraid he would lose control. Too afraid he wouldn’t be able to stop at holding her. Afraid she wouldn’t let him stop.

But she was too precious. The life she carried, too precious to risk.

“I have to go back downstairs.” His voice was brusque, husky, but he offered no explanation.

She blinked back tears. “Yes, of course. I’m sorry.”

“I told you before, there’s no need to apologize. Is there anything I can get for you? Anything you need?”

I need you to hold me. I need you! She wanted to scream the words at him, make him understand, but she said nothing. She simply shook her head.

He lingered for a moment in the doorway. “Then I guess, I’ll see you in the morning.”