Lotus Blossom (29 page)

Lotus covered her mouth to smother her giggles but she couldn’t. She made an effort to stop when she saw a flash of hurt on his face. “My love, sit down next to me.” She put her arm around his neck and climbed into his lap when he sat. “I’m not laughing at you. I’m laughing at us. I have very special news for you, Mr. Colby. We are expecting a baby. . . She put her two fingers over his lips when he gasped. “I’ve talked to Dr. Ellen Ryan about it, and I have figured it happened the second time we made love. I knew you were very concerned about me getting a checkup

with a doctor before I became pregnant, so I didn’t want to tell you until we were absolutely alone on this island.”

“I talked to Dr. Ryan—” Dash shook his head. “She said you were capable of having a baby.”

“I wanted to tell you myself . . . have it be my surprise to you. That’s why she didn’t tell you." Lotus stroked his cheek with her hand.

“Are you well?” Dash croaked, cradling her close to him.

“Very well.Strong as an ox.”

“And with the same-size appetite. . . .” Dash’s smile was crooked as she nodded.

“And no morning sickness, nothing but blooming good health.”

“Oh baby . . . baby . . . baby . . .” Dash held her feeling his body tremble with need and happiness “I didn’t expect this. From the moment we met you’ve been bringing me happiness and now this I love you, Lotus, and if I live a thousand years, I will never be able to tell you how much. Never leave me.”

“Never in this life or any other, because if I leave you, then I leave myself. Love has made me yours.”

“And I belong to you.” Dash made the covenant then pushed her gently back on the blanket to make slow, sweet love to her.