Page 69 of Zane

They bought patties, a local delicacy that reminded her of their own American pot pie, tasty meat wrapped in a flaky pastry that was decidedly spicy. They stopped at Devon House, where they had Devon stout ice cream.

He treated her to the local cuisine when they returned to Negril. Instead of taking her to a five-star restaurant, he bought food from an old, wizened woman with a stained apron tied around her waist and a wide smile on her creased face. Her first taste of ackee and saltfish, their national dish, had her eyes widening in pleasure.

And at night, he would make love to her on the beach and inside their cozy bedroom. It was the most fun she had ever had in her entire life, and she told him so.

"You've made this very special," she murmured.

They were spending their last night at the cottage and were sitting on a towel on the soft white sand. She lay back against his chest, utterly contented, his arms wrapped securely around her.

"I hope you know that this is not the end," he told her, nuzzling her neck. His need for her was so intense, he wondered how he didn't just burn to a crisp. He had watched her during the two weeks and took pleasure in surprising her. He loved to see her laugh and marveled at how much she had changed.

Turning her head, she gazed at him. His hair was loose and blowing in the slightly chilly January breeze. They had spent Christmas in Jamaica and had drunk sorrel, a rich red beverage with a touch of wine and ginger. "You mean even when we return home, the honeymoon will still be going on?"

"Absolutely." His tawny eyes studied her face. "I want us to take frequent trips."

"I have a career and so do you," she pointed out.

"And I refuse to allow that to stop us from spending time with each other." His expression was sober. "That's important to me, darling. Promise me that we will not end up slaving at our respective careers and forgetting what's really important."

Tilting her head up, she kissed him on the lips. "That's a promise that's easy to keep."

"Good." His eyes darkened. "How about we spend the last few hours in bed?"

"That's a change."

Grinning, he swung her into his arms. "I think the sand is getting into places I prefer to keep clean and free from debris."

"I totally agree." Winding her arms around his neck, she closed her eyes and sighed in complete contentment.

*****

Seven months later, their son, Zachary Gregory, was born on a hot and humid day in July. The pregnancy was thankfully easy, and the labor lasted only six hours.

Now she was home, and with all the visitors gone, they were finally alone with their son.

Her mother had been emotional, hardly wanting to hand him over to the rest of the family, and had offered her babysitting services whenever they needed her. "I know you can more than afford to hire a nanny, but I'm here."

Zane's parents and sister had echoed the sentiment. In fact, they had designed a nursery at the manor for when the baby came over to spend some time with them.

"Are you going to put him down anytime soon?" Propped up among the pillows, Kara sent her husband an indulgent smile.

"I don't think I told you properly how much I appreciate you." His voice was thick, his loving gaze sliding from his son to her. A jolt went straight through him as he took her in. She was wearing a sensible blue and white cotton robe with buttons at the front that made it easy for her to breastfeed their son, and had never looked more beautiful.

"The emerald and ruby necklace not thanks enough?" she asked him teasingly.

"Nothing I can ever do will ever be thanks enough." Rocking his son gently in his arms, he finally went to put him in the cot and drew the blanket over him. "He's perfect."

"Let's hope you continue to think that way when he's into his terrible twos." She made room for him on the bed and just snuggled, inhaling his masculine scent.

"He'll always be perfect, because you are." Tipping her face up, he kissed her slowly. "You've given me everything I never thought I needed."

Her eyes misted. Lifting a hand, she cupped his hair-roughened cheek. "And you changed my life in ways I never imagined. Thank you."

"We changed each other." Kissing the tip of her nose, he held her close and sent up a silent prayer of gratitude.

Chapter 16

On a very chilly day in December, Kara stood in front of the mirror and stared at her image, her eyes dazed, her hands trembling slightly. She had spent the night at the manor, much to Zane's annoyance, but his mother and sister had insisted that they throw her a bridal shower. So, Abigail and her mother had also been invited.