Breaking All Their Rules

‘Just one glass.’

‘CC, relax. You are not an alcoholic.’

‘No, but I want to take you to bed and have my wicked way with your body, and too many glasses of champagne might spoil the fun.’

‘Can’t argue with that.’ Zac grinned and hooked his arm through hers. ‘Come on, we’ve got a cork to pop. And you can tell me why it took you so long to drop by.’

‘Not tonight. Tonight’s for us. But I’ll fill you in soon enough. Promise.’

EPILOGUE

Fourteen months later

‘HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.’ Zac sank onto the edge of their bed and placed a tray with breakfast on her knees. In the corner beside the small bowl of maple syrup for the pancakes and bacon was a tiny box.

Picking it up, she locked her eyes on the man she adored and who had been everything he’d promised and more since that night she’d told him she loved him. ‘What’s this?’

‘Only one way to find out.’

When she flipped the lid a set of exquisite emerald earrings and a matching bracelet sparkled out at her. ‘They’re beautiful,’ she squeaked.

‘For a beautiful woman. Here.’ He slid the bracelet over her hand. ‘Perfect.’

She put the earrings in and then reached for the top drawer of her bedside table. ‘Happy anniversary to you.’ She placed a small, thin box in his outstretched hand and sat back to watch his reaction.

‘What’s this?’ He gaped at the plastic stick he held up. ‘Are we—?’

‘Yes, we’re pregnant. And I can hardly wait.’ This past year had been wonderful, and not once had she faltered. Not even when Mum had run away from the clinic twice. With Zac there she could face anything. ‘We’re going to be parents, great parents.’

‘Yeah, sweetheart, we are.’ His kiss was made in heaven and had consequences that kept them busy for most of the morning and left the pancakes to go cold and gluggy on the plate.

Her hero for sure.

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