The Hawk and the Jewel (Kensington Chronicles 1) (45 page)

When Andrea was able to get a word in, she informed them that Holly and Jordan were expecting. One would have thought the news was Sunny's own, so excited was she. Andrea and the newlyweds went on to speak of Miles' forthcoming marriage and the family's plans to be at Heather's for Foster's fortieth birthday party the next week.

Andrea's visit made Sunny feel ten years old all over again. In feet, she was still talking late that night when Brandon came into her room, dismissed her maid who had been brushing Sunny's hair, scooped Sunny up, and carried her to his own bed.

Minutes later Sunny sat before her husband on his huge bed and chattered as he brushed her thick chestnut curls.

"It's so lovely to have Andrea here. She's going to be a great-grandmother! Isn't that something? She doesn't look at all old. I can't wait to see Holly. Jordan must be thrilled. I hope she isn't feeling ill."

Sunny shifted so Brandon could better reach her hair and fell silent. Brandon, who had been enjoying Sunny's easy banter, wondered at her quiet.

"You've fallen awfully still," he said softly.

"I was just thinking about the past," she admitted.

"Want to share?"

Sunny gave a low laugh. "I was just thinking about the little 13-year-old girl who sat on the
Flying Surprise,
demanding a maid, while Captain Brandon Hawkesbury tried to brush her hair. I was so self-centered, wasn't I, Brandon?"

Sunny found herself hugged and hauled carefully backward to lay across Brandon's lap. His face was so dose to her own that she could feel his warm breath on her cheek when he spoke.

"No, you weren't."

"Oh, Hawk," Sunny spoke, shaking her head in disbelief.

"You were young and frightened, and you melted my heart the first time I laid eyes on you," Brandon responded, ignoring her doubt.

347

ais that true?" Sunny loved his words.

"Yes, and even though my love has grown into something entirely different from what is was in those days, one thing has never changed: My heart still melts every time I look at you.**

"Oh, Hawk, I love you so," Sunny whispered as her hand at the back of his head brought his lips down to her own.

Rain had begun to fall against the windows of the master bedroom at Bracken, but the duke didn't hear the sound. Kyle had told him years ago that Sunny would lead some man on a merry chase. He'd also said that someday she would be a priceless jewel. Brandon knew that if he ever saw Kyle again, he would have to tell him he had been right on both counts.