The Secret Love-Child

'No,' she said. 'I don't want to do that. I'm sure my period is going to arrive any minute now, provided I don't start stressing about it. I think that's the problem with it. Stress.'

'I think you could be right. From now on, you are going to be relaxed and happy.'

'Sounds wonderful. So what are we going to do today?'

'I'm going to take you shopping for an engagement ring. That way, at lunch tomorrow, Mum will know I'm deadly serious about marrying you. Though it's going to cost me a pretty penny to top that rock you're still sporting on your left hand and which I presume Luke gave you.'

Isabel frowned. 'You're not jealous of Luke, are you, Rafe?'

'Well...'

"There's no need to be. I didn't love him.'

'Maybe, but you do have a lot of reminders of him around you. That ring, for starters. And this place. I don't mind the money he gave you but do you have to live in his house?'

"This was never really Luke's house. I mean, nothing in it reflects him on a personal basis. He bought it already furnished. And he wasn't living here all that long. Still, I'm quite happy to move in with you, Rafe, if you like. Though a terrace is not really suitable for a family. What say we sell both places and buy another one? Together.'

'Done.' Rafe smiled his satisfaction at that idea. 'Now, let's get dressed and go into the city for some serious ring-shopping.'

* * * * *

'Are you sure you can afford this?' Isabel asked Rafe later that morning, after she'd selected a gorgeous but expensive-looking diamond and emerald ring.

'No trouble. I'll just go ring my bank manager for a second mortgage.'

Isabel looked at him with alarm. 'I don't mind getting something cheaper.'

Rafe smiled and kissed her. 'Don't be silly. I was only, joking. I can easily afford this ring, Isabel. I might not be a multi-millionaire but I have more than enough to support a wife and family. I am a very successful photographer and an astute investor, even if I say so myself. I'll tell your dad that when I officially ask for your hand in marriage tonight.'

'When you what?'

'As you once pointed out to me, Isabel, your parents come from a different generation. I want to get off on the right foot with your father as well as your mother.'

'You'll get off on the right foot with my mother by just marrying me,' Isabel said drily.

Rafe smiled. 'That's what I gathered when I told her I was going to do just that at the funeral a couple of weeks back.'

Isabel was astonished, then amused. 'So that's what you did to make her like you! You are a mischievous and manipulative devil, Rafe Saint Vincent. But I love you all the same.'

'You'd want to after costing me this much money.'

'Don't worry,' she murmured, reaching up to kiss his cheek. 'If you ever run out, I have plenty.'

'Huh. Now I'm not so sure I like Luke giving you all, that money, either. A man likes to be his family's provider, you know. He likes to be needed for more than just his body.'

Isabel giggled and Rafe bristled. 'What's so funny?'

'You are, going all primal male on me. Who would have believed it from the man who let me buy his body to do with as I willed for a whole fortnight?'

'I did not!'

'Oh, yes, you did. You didn't pay for a single thing on that jaunt to Dream Island.'

'I did so, too.'

'Name one.'

'I paid for the condoms.'

'Only half.'

'The three dozen I bought should have been more than enough. How was I to know I was going way with a raving nymphomaniac?'

They both realised all of a sudden that everyone in the jewellery shop had stopped what they were doing and were listening to their highly provocative bickering.

Isabel blushed fiercely whilst Rafe laughed.

'How embarrassing!' Isabel cried once they'd paid for the ring and fled outside. 'Lord knows what they thought of us.'

'Probably that you're a rich bitch and I'm your gigolo lover.'

Rafe loved it when she looked so mortified. She was such a delightful contradiction when it came to sex. So wildly uninhibited behind closed doors, but so easily embarrassed in public. Being with her was like being with a virgin and a vamp at the same time. It was a tantalising combination and one which he aimed to enjoy for the rest of their lives.

'Let's get right away from here,' Isabel urged, grabbing his arm, 'before someone comes out of that shop.'

Rafe found himself being dragged forcibly down the street. "That's better,' she said, stopping at last. 'Oh look, Rafe, a chemist. I think I will buy another of those tests.'

'I thought you said you didn't want to.'

'I know but I...I've changed my mind.'

'Oh. Why's that?'

'Well, just now I felt kind of funny in my breasts.'

'What do you mean? Kind of funny?'

'All tingly and tight around the nipples.'

He gave her an amused glance. 'There are other explanations for that besides pregnancy, sweetness. You were just embarrassed by what happened in that shop. You find embarrassment a turn-on.'