Authors: W. Lynn Chantale
Forever in Love (13 page)
She curled her fingers around his wrist. He held his breath, fearful she was going to push him away and he steeled himself for the rejection. When her warm palm covered the back of his hand he slowly exhaled.
“Just don’t do that again. We’re in this together. For better or for worse.”
Buck smoothed her hair from her face. “We’ve had the worse. It can only get better from here.”
Bonnie swallowed. “I’m sorry about the baby, Buck.” She lowered her head, but not before he read guilt and sorrow.
“Hey. It’s not your fault. And from what the doctor says we can try again whenever you’re ready.”
“And what if I don’t want to try again?”
“Then I’ll spend the rest of our lives spoiling you. I need you in my life, Bonnie.” He rested his forehead against hers. “When the doctor clear you to leave, we’ll take a few days out on the boat and just relax. Just you and me.”
“What about Cool-Ade?” Fear wobbled in her voice.
“He won’t bother us again. Ever.”
She nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck. Hot tears slid down his skin and into his collar as he gathered her close. Her body shook as she wept against him. He buried his face in her hair and allowed his own tears to fall. One thought comforted him, they were still together.
Epilogue
Four years later.
“You’re doing entirely too much,” Buck admonished. He grabbed the plastic pitcher of iced tea from his wife and shook his head. “Sit down somewhere.”
Bonnie laughed at the disapproval in her husband’s voice. He was such a worrywart. “I’m fine, Buck. The doctor even said so.”
He set the tea down with a thud, then propelled her toward a soft comfy chair. “Well I’m not convinced. He may have said you were fine, but I’m still worried and when you think I’m not looking so are you.”
She ducked her head. He was always so perceptive and attune to her moods. This was their third pregnancy, though she was slow in admitting it, she didn’t want this one to end in heartbreak either. She allowed him to gently push her into the chair and lift her feet to rest on the ottoman.
“I’m here to do whatever you need me to do.” Buck sat on the edge of the ottoman.
She leaned forward and swept her lips across his. “I know, but I’m excited. It’s been a couple of months since I’ve seen my brother and he says he has some news for us.”
“Is he still seeing that girl?”
Bonnie giggled. “You don’t like her either?”
“She’s only going to break his heart.”
“We could warn him.”
Buck shook his head. “I tried that. He won’t listen.”
She shoved his shoulder. “You actually told him to stop seeing her?”
“Something like that.”
“Seriously? He seems happy enough with her.”
He shook his head. “She’s going to break his heart and then who will be left to pick up the pieces?”
“We give him our support, because that’s what family does.”
“I understand that, but I still don’t want to see him hurt.”
She cradled his cheek. “Maybe we’re wrong about her and she’ll be the best thing for him.”
The doorbell chimed and Buck rose. “Let’s hope so. I’d hate for her to come up missing.”
Bonnie laughed. When she swung her feet to the floor, Buck frowned. “Fine. I’ll stay put.”
“Good.” He flung open the door. “Hey. It’s good to see you.”
“It’s been too long,” Dexter agreed. “Where’s Bonnie? I thought she’d tackle me at the door.”
“I heard that,” Bonnie called.
Dexter lifted a brow.
“I’ll let her tell you.” Buck stepped aside so the couple could enter.
“You remember Nathalie?” The younger man swept a hand toward the stunning woman beside him.
“Of course.” Buck smiled. “C’mon in and have a seat.”
“A pleasure to see you both again.” Nathalie smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She carefully arranged her dress around her legs and perched on the sofa across from Bonnie.
Dexter leaned down to hug his sister. “What’s going on with you?” He straightened. “Is everything okay?”
“Of course. We made a ton of food to celebrate your visit.” Bonnie glanced at Nathalie. “And no worries, my dear, there’s plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables for you to dine on.”
“Oh thank you.” Nathalie turned a high wattage smile on them and Bonnie resisted a giggle. How her brother could tolerate such a pampered princess, she’d never know.
She studied the other woman a moment. Her long black hair fell around her slim shoulders in perfect waves, her barely there make-up was applied with a careful hand and Bonnie had to admire the way her nail polish complimented the teal and yellow strapless sundress she wore. Everything about Nathalie screamed money right down to the Kate Spade sandals on her feet.
“So why are you sitting down. Last time I was here, you greeted me with a plate of food and didn’t stop feeding me until I left.”
Bonnie shifted her focus back to her brother. “Well, we’ve got some good news.”
Dexter settled next to Nathalie on the sofa, then twined his fingers with hers. Bonnie smiled in approval when Nathalie scooted closer. For a moment love bright and promising flared between the two. Bonnie glanced at Buck. He’d seen it as well. Maybe they were wrong about these two. She truly hoped so.
“We have a bit of news to share.” Dexter raised Nathalie’s hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “We’re getting married.”
“Congratulations.”
Buck squeezed Bonnie’s shoulder. “This calls for a toast. I’ll be right back.”
“When?” Bonnie leaned forward.
“In the fall,” Nathalie said. “We’re so excited.”
“Such an exciting time.” Bonnie agreed.
Nathalie beamed. “My parents offered to pay for the wedding and my mother is just beside herself with all the preparations. I should show you my dress. It’s a one of a kind original.”
Buck returned with four champagne flutes and a bottle. He poured, while Nathalie handed Bonnie her phone.
“That is gorgeous.” Bonnie studied the lacy gown that seemed to drip with crystals and pearls. While it was pretty, she couldn’t justify spending that amount of money on one dress, even for just one day.
“What did your wedding dress look like?” Curiosity hung in the woman’s voice. “Did you have a big wedding?”
Bonnie chuckled. “My dress was simple compared to yours and Buck and I got married at the courthouse.”
“Oh. I’m sorry.”
“Why? It’s what we wanted. That’s the important thing.”
Nathalie fell silent.
“Here ya go.” Buck passed out the glasses. Bonnie raised a brow when he handed her one. “You can drink it.” He held his glass aloft. “To the happy couple.”
“To the happy couple,” they echoed.
Bonnie lifted her glass to her lips and tipped the contents across her tongue, not surprised to find it non-alcoholic.
Dexter lowered his glass, stared at it a moment, then at her. “Bonnie.”
“This is cider.” Nathalie said, surprise in her voice.
Bonnie grinned. “Yeah. We’re having a baby.”
“Congratulations. So good news all around, huh?”
She nodded. “Yeah, but your news is better. I get a sister-in-law and maybe a niece or nephew of my own.” If she wasn’t mistaken, a shudder undulated Nathalie’s body at the mention of children. Bonnie glanced at Buck and he shrugged. Maybe things weren’t as happy as they seemed after all.
THE END
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