Page 36 of The Hunted Wife

“It’s just with all the unrest that Ricard caused we really haven’t had a chance to just be married, to get to know each other?—”

“Millie, I don’t know what you want from me. I can’t read your mind, so you just have to spell it out for me.”

She looked down at her feet and kicked at a floorboard with her toe. “I just want to know that I still have a place here even though I’m no longer in danger.”

He looked at her and his eyes twinkled. “Yes, you always and forever have a place here. You’re my family, Millie. You and that baby you carry are my family. More than any one of my brothers, you are mine and mine alone. I won’t give you or the baby up for anything or anyone. You’re both mine. Do you understand?”

She nodded and shivered. He still didn’t say it. He might care for her and want her because of the baby, but he didn’t love her. Millie quickly looked away lest he see the tears forming in her eyes.

“Let’s get you up to bed. You’ll feel better once you’re nice and warm.”

“Yes. I’m sure you’re right.”

Suddenly, he swooped low and picked her up in his arms and started for the stairs.

Millie looped her arms around his neck. “You didn’t have to carry me. I have two perfectly fine legs.”

Adam grinned. “Yes, you do. They’re superb but I wanted to feel you in my arms and you need to start relaxing and getting warm. I feel the chill right through your clothes. We need you out of them as quickly as possible and into a hot tub.”

“Make it warm not hot and you’ve got yourself a deal.”

“Warm it is.” He carried her up the stairs as thought she was no heavier than a child. “How can you be so strong?”

He laughed and continued his trek to their bedroom. “Tossing hay bales and carrying my beautiful wife.”

Adam entered the bedroom and set her on the floor beside the bed. “Let’s get you out of these clothes. You do that, and I’ll start you a bath…a warm bath.”

“Thank you.” She couldn’t stop the shiver that traveled down her body.

“You better hurry before you catch your death.”

“I’m trying. My fingers don’t want to work.”

“Here, let me help you.” He knelt in front of her and unfastened her jeans and pulled them down to her knees. “Sit on the bed so I can remove your boots and jeans.” He pulled her boots and socks off and set them aside before pulling her wet jeans from her legs. “You’re legs are freezing. Do you think you can get the rest of your clothes off so I can start your bath?”

“Yes, I can get the rest. Thank you.”

“Of course, sweetheart.” He walked into the bathroom and started the water in the tub.

A warm bath sounded wonderful. She was so cold. When she was with Ricard, she’d never really had a chance to stay anywhere long enough to get warm.

Adam’s so kind and gentle with me and acts like he loves me. I know I love him. I need to tell him. We’re married, but I don’t want to be in a loveless marriage if I can help it. But Adam wants children, as I do. What would be best for the child? Why am I questioning this arrangement now? I made my bed now I have to live with that choice. It’s just these pregnancy hormones, that’s all.

I have to know. I can’t go on like this. I have to know if he wants me for me or just for the baby. She sobbed softly into her hands.

Adam returned to the room after drawing her a bath.

Millie was exhausted and crying quietly.

“Millie, sweetheart, what’s wrong? Are you hurt? Do you need to go to the doctor?” He crouched down in front of her where she sat on the bed.

“Nothing is wrong.”

“Then why are you crying?”

Tired of keeping everything to herself, she exploded. Not from anger, from exhaustion. “I love you, Adam.”

Silence.