The Disobedient Virgin

It took a moment to sink in. When it did, Cat began to smile.

“That means our marriage will fulfill the terms of my parents’ will and of Enrique’s, too.”

“You’ll get your inheritance.”

“I don’t care about that! What matters is that Estes will tell you the names of your brothers.”

“Better than that. The three of us are going to meet in his office.”

“When?”

“He’ll phone with the date.”

Cat’s smile broadened. “That wily old fox. He knew, didn’t he? He knew we were meant for each other…and so did your father.”

My father, Jake thought, trying the words for size. Was it possible? At this point he was willing to admit it might be.

“Maybe. But right now…” Jake’s arms tightened around Catarina. “Right now I think you should know something about proper Brazilian husbands.”

She caught his teasing tone. Smiling, she linked her hands behind his neck.

“What’s that, senhor?”

“They believe that snowy nights and snowy days should be spent in bed.”

Jake began to climb the stairs with Cat in his arms. She pressed her lips to his throat.

“What about starry nights and sunny days?”

“Bed,” he said solemnly.

“And rainy nights?”

“And rainy days.” Jake shouldered open the door to his bedroom. To our bedroom, he thought, and his heart filled with joy.

“In fact,” he said softly, “I can’t think of a better place to spend the rest of our lives, sweetheart.”

“Neither can I,” Cat whispered, and drew his mouth down to hers for a kiss.

CHAPTER TWELVE

MAYBE there came a time in every man’s life when he felt unnecessary.

Superfluous might be more accurate.

Jake introduced his mother to his bride-to-be at Sarah’s apartment on Sutton Place

, had all of an evening to beam as he watched the women in his life form an instant bond…and then discovered what all men discover when the word “wedding” is spoken.

He was unnecessary, superfluous and, more to the point, in the way.

“A wedding next week?” his mother said in horror. “It isn’t possible! Catarina? Tell my son we need more time than that to get ready.”

“More time for what?” said Jake, in his innocence.

“For what, he asks.” Sarah rolled her eyes at Catarina, who smiled at Jake but rolled her eyes right back at her mother-in-law-to-be.

“Where will you have the ceremony? The reception?”