Page 48 of Bryson

Chapter 14

The weeks rolled into months, and before they knew it, she was five months into her pregnancy. They waited tentatively to see if there would be a repeat of what had happened, and so far everything was going great.

Julianne was adjusting to ranch life and becoming accustomed to being the wife of a rancher, which was not easy. She had spent her life being independent and having a career, and now she was heavily involved in being the wife of a very important man. He had suggested she work from home, in a consulting position, but he had an excellent team of lawyers and there wasn't really anything for her to contribute. She could open her own law firm in town, but she was reluctant to start anything right now. Maybe later.

In the meantime, she was helping with the household. And discovering that it was not just ordering supplies and planning menus. Over the months, she was beginning to admire and appreciate how much Barbara did. There was the planning for the various functions.

Her husband hated entertaining, but it was necessary. He also hated being away from the ranch, but they had gone out to several places, including his club, as soon as the doctors cleared her to fly. Now it was Christmas. She was excited, and she was showing. When she first noticed it, she had gone all out and ordered clothing to highlight her pregnancy.

They were photographed regularly, and everyone was excited at the prospect of Mr. Bryson and Ms. Julianne bringing a new life into the world.

She was treated with the utmost respect, and whenever she went into town, she was eagerly served. People talked to her and asked about the baby all the time.

"We should start decorating the nursery," she murmured, staring at herself in the mirror. It was Christmas. The place was decorated with lights that could be seen miles away. Trees were in almost every room, and they were expecting Brian for the holidays.

He had been back twice already and was in the process of acquiring one of the cottages owned by the family.

"I want to eventually retire here," he had announced.

"Hmm." Her husband looked up from the buttons he was snapping in place. They were having guests over for supper and he wasn't looking forward to it.

"I was thinking neutral colors. Maybe lime green or sunset yellow. We don't know the sex yet, so it's best to be careful."

She turned to face him, but he looked preoccupied. He had been that way since he came home.

"Am I boring you?"

"What?"

"You're not listening to me, and come to think of it, you barely acknowledged me since you arrived. Is it my big belly? That's it, right?" She plopped her hands on her hips, her eyes blazing. "All that talk about loving me even if I look like an elephant was just talk. And now you have your eyes on some slim svelte blonde who walks as gracefully as a swan and doesn't waddle around like a duck. If that's the case, you'd better tell me right now."

He bit back the amused smile and crossed over to her.

"Swan? Duck? Has someone been to the lake again?" he asked teasingly.

"You haven't answered my question," she pointed out, jabbing him in the chest.

"Let's see if I got all of it." His lips quirked at the murderous look she sent him. "You said something about your big belly." Hecupped his hands around her bump. "I think I've spent a decent amount of time showing my fascination for your new shape. And even though you might look a little like an elephant..." He grinned and held up a hand as she folded her fist. "Just showing you that I was in fact listening. I still love you. And there's no blonde on this planet who can hold a candle to you. Does that cover everything, my love?"

"You're forgetting something," she grumbled.

"Ah, the nursery. Why don't we wait a month? Unless you don't want to know the sex of the baby. The next doctor's visit we could find out what we're having and then decorate the nursery then." He pulled her into his arms, one hand still possessively cradling her belly. "If you think I could ever fancy someone else, you obviously need more proof of how much I adore you. Haven't I shown you enough times, darling?" He tilted her face up, admiring the glowing skin and shimmering lips.

Her hair was brushed back from her face and coiled at the nape of her neck. A pair of stunning sapphire and ruby earrings he had given her as an early Christmas present swung from her lobes, and she was wearing the matching necklace. Her dress, a floaty ruby red glitter with fitted bodice and high waist, with the skirt floating down to her ankles, made her skin glow even more. She was stunning. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and his heart swelled with pride.

Every time they went out together, he felt as if he was walking next to the most beautiful woman in the world. It made him proud as hell. And he loved her so much, his heart was overflowing.

"I am a little distracted," he admitted reluctantly. "We lost a shipment going to Maine and there's a storm moving in. A major one. We're usually prepared for the worst of course, but this one promises to be record breaking. We've been making preparations over the last two weeks to provide shelter for the animals as best we can." His hands caressed her smooth cheek. "We're also sending away the itinerants before the storm breaks. It's just been a lot. But most of all, I don't want to be snowed in with you pregnant and no way for the doctor to get to you. I'm half tempted to bring him here to stay during the storm to get rid of that worry."

"I'm going to be fine," she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"You've never seen a storm like the one they were predicting." He was trying to get rid of the niggling worry, but he was having a difficult time of it. He did not care about losing livestock or being snowed in, but he cared a hell of a lot about her wellbeing. He wished he was strong enough to send her to a warmer climate or suggest she go and stay at the hospital until the storm blew over, but he knew his wife and there was no way in hell she would ever agree to anything like that.

And he couldn't bear to be apart from her.

"We'll be fine."

He brushed back a tendril of hair from her cheek. "I have to believe that sincerely. I will never forgive myself if anything happens to you. I wouldn't be able to survive."