Reilly's Wildcard (14 page)

She started to say more, but he hushed her with a kiss to her lips and gently ushered her toward the door and out of the apartment. Once they were on their way to the hospital, Reilly glanced over and noted Lucy’s clenched teeth and her tight grip on the door handle. To see her in pain and unable to do anything about it sent a surge of helpless frustration through him. She was so fragile, her life so precious to him. It sickened him that she was going into labor thinking he didn’t love her, that he viewed her as a problem he’d been forced to deal with. But now wasn’t the time to deal with it. He’d have all the time in the world later to set her straight. And he’d damn well tell her over and over how much he loved her.

By the time they reached the hospital, he’d already called his mom and let her know Lucy was in labor. He’d asked about her going into labor early, and his mother had assured him the babies would be fine. Lots of babies were born early, she’d explained. He forced himself to think positive. The babies and Lucy would both be fine. They had to be, because the alternative was too terrifying to consider.

Lucy tried to sit up, but her back was still hurting, so she gave up and lay back down. Lordy, every muscle in her body ached, including a few she hadn’t even known existed. Clearly childbirth was no picnic, especially when delivering twins. The thought of ever going through it again made her cringe. Of course, she wouldn’t change a thing. Her babies were gorgeous identical twin boys, perfect in every way, even though they’d decided to greet the world early. They didn’t weigh as much as they should and needed to be monitored, but they were the most beautiful babies Lucy had ever seen. They had heads full of dark hair, just like Reilly. When Lucy recalled the way she’d blurted out her feelings moments before Reilly had rushed her out of the apartment, her face flamed in embarrassment.

“Reilly, we should probably, um, talk.”

He strode to the bed, grasped her hand and began to massage his thumb over the back of it. “Are you in pain? Do you want the doctor, sweetheart?”

She shook her head. “Nothing like that. But, our conversation before…all this happened… We need to finish it.”

“Are you sure you’re up to it?” She nodded, and Reilly sat next to her on the bed, then brought her hand to his lips and kissed each fingertip. “I love you with all my heart,” he said in a low, sexy tone. “I could not be happy without you in my life. I don’t view you as a problem. Nor do I feel that way about our babies. You’re a blessing to me, Lucy.”

Her heart swelled with hope for the first time since hearing that awful conversation. “I was so afraid you were only putting up with me because of the babies.”

He frowned and stroked her hair away from her face. “You should know better than that, sweetheart. Have I not shown you how much I care? Wasn’t I the one planning a romantic getaway? Wasn’t I the one vowing to your sister that I would take good care of you? Why would I do any of that if I didn’t care?”

She felt awful for suspecting he could be so cold. How could she make such a huge mistake? She nearly threw up when she thought of how close she’d come to leaving him. “I’m sorry, Reilly. So sorry I doubted you. I love you so much, and it scared me. I never wanted to be so vulnerable with a man again. David destroyed my trust.”

Reilly leaned down, placing both hands on either side of her body, caging her in. “Say that again. I sort of like hearing it.”

She laughed. “I love you, and I’m sorry for doubting you.”

His lips brushed hers, gently, sweetly; then he lifted a few inches. “I shot off at the mouth. I’m the one who should be apologizing. You were just guarding your heart.”

“You know, I’m glad Dad called. It forced me to realize how completely shallow the man is. How shallow he is compared to you. You’re one hundred times the man he ever was.”

“I pity him, to be honest,” Reilly said without a hint of remorse. “He lost two terrific daughters. One of them just happens to be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

She rolled her eyes. “I know what I must look like right now, and beautiful isn’t a word I’d use to describe it.”

“You are the stunningly gorgeous mother of my children,” he reiterated, his deep voice sliding over her skin like velvet. “And you belong to me. Always.”

Reilly pressed his lips to hers and kissed her with such warmth and tenderness that Lucy’s eyes welled with tears. She’d been swept away with passion by Reilly’s kisses, but this time his love washed over her, and Lucy absorbed every ounce of it. He brushed gentle pecks to her forehead and cheeks before he straightened. “I’m so damn glad you came to the grand reopening of the restaurant.”

“Me too,” she rushed out as she cupped his cheek. “And I have two healthy babies now who look very much like their father.”

Reilly puffed up with pride. “Have you thought of names for them?”

“Well, I’ve been thinking, and nothing really feels right.”

He chuckled. “And we have two to decide on, not just one.”

Her eyes widened. “Exactly. I was nervous about being a mother before. Now I’m twice as nervous.”

“Earlier, when Mom was pacing the halls, she suggested we name one of them after Dad and the other after our granddad. Chet and Cameron. What do you think?”

“Chet and Cameron,” she said, trying it out. “Yeah, I like those. They’re strong and trustworthy, like their father.”

He kissed her on the forehead and murmured, “Mom’s going to be over the moon when she finds out.”

“I’m over the moon right now,” she replied, feeling another sappy moment coming on. “I love you, Reilly Jennings.”

“I love you, Lucy Rice.” A noise outside the room caught their attention. Reilly glanced toward the door. “I’d better go let the Jennings bunch in before they break down the door.”

In a few long strides, he left the room, and Lucy let out a contented sigh. How had she ever lived without him? He was the best sort of man there was. Kind. Gentle. Loyal. Her life with him would not always be easy. She would certainly butt heads with him at every turn. Still, even their arguments were fraught with heat and passion. Every time Reilly looked at her with that ornery smile or touched her with his strong, gentle hands, it lit her body on fire and made her feel alive. That he was the father of her babies made her the luckiest woman alive. A wonderful man to love and two perfect babies—it made a woman want to cry a veritable river of happy tears. She only wished her mom were there to share in her joy.

When Reilly came back through the door with Wanda, Sam, River, Brodix and Sarah in tow, Lucy forgot her maudlin thoughts. Their smiling faces sent a rush of warmth through her. She had so much to be thankful for, she wouldn’t ruin the happy moment wishing for things that couldn’t be.

Sarah sprinted to her side and leaned down to hug her. “I’m so happy for you. Twins, that’s so fantastic!”

“And a little scary,” she admitted as she thought of all the diapers and food and double…everything. “But they’re healthy, and that’s all that matters.”

Wanda moved to the other side of the bed and patted her hand. “It’s a lot to take in, dear, but it’ll be okay.” She winked. “Besides, you’re going to have lots of help, I promise you.”

Oh God, there went the tears again. “T-thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you all.”

Reilly moved to stand next to Sarah. “I looked in on them real quick. They’re doing great.” He grinned from ear to ear. “The nurse on call said they both have a healthy set of lungs.”

She breathed a sigh of relief. “I want to see them.” She held up her arms and confessed, “I feel empty without them.” Lucy wondered how on earth she would manage to go back to work. The idea of leaving them nearly sent her into a panic.

Suddenly, Jeanette breezed into the room. She wore a red skirt that hit just above the knees and a short-sleeved white blouse. Her long, shiny, dark hair fell down past her shoulders. Lucy barely recognized her as the same woman who’d shown up at Reilly’s house all those months ago in a baggy sweatshirt and jeans. She was a beautiful, confident, young woman, and Lucy became acutely aware of her blotchy cheeks and extra pounds.

Jeanette grinned and pulled a bouquet of wildflowers from behind her back. “Congrats!” she said as she held them out to her. “Vance and Shayla are on their way to see you too, by the way.”

Lucy took the flowers and placed them on the little end table, then turned in time to see River moving up next to Jeanette. His gaze fixed on Jeannette in a way that had Lucy clearing her throat and quickly glancing away. When she spied Reilly staring at her, love shining in his eyes, Lucy thought back to the moment he’d proposed marriage to her. Did he still want to marry her? Only one way to find out.

“Reilly, I know this isn’t really the time, but I don’t want to wait.”

He moved closer and took her hand in his, squeezing gently. “What is it, sweetheart?”

She looked around at everyone and asked, “Would you all mind if Reilly and I had a moment alone?”

Wanda’s lips curved upward, and her eyes warmed. “Of course, dear, take all the time you need.”

“Thank you,” Lucy replied. After they’d all filed out, Lucy turned her attention to Reilly. “I love you with all my heart.” Her voice turned ragged with emotion. “I can’t imagine my life without you.”

“I love you too,” he murmured as he lifted her hand and pressed his mouth to her knuckles.

Lucy took a deep breath and went for broke. “Reilly Jennings, will you do me the honor of becoming my husband?”

He froze, and his eyes widened. “Seriously?”

She laughed at his obvious shock. “Of course, I’m serious. I love you, and you love me. We’re starting a family together.” She toyed with the sheet covering her, unaccountably nervous. “I figure it only makes sense.”

“I was all prepared to ask you again after you’d had a chance to recuperate.” He chuckled. “You beat me to it.”

She grinned. “So…that’s a yes?”

“
Hell
, yes,” he growled as he kissed her, hard. It was quick and fleeting, but the heat of it left her scorched all the same. “Jesus, I love you,” he groaned before darting across the room to let the rest of the family in on the good news. Everyone congratulated them, and there were a lot of watery eyes.

Wanda had tears streaming down her cheeks when she took Lucy’s hand and squeezed it. “Welcome to the family.”

“T-thank you,” Lucy stammered out. Not so long ago, Lucy had wallowed in self-pity over her broken marriage to David, all but ready to give up on love. Now she had an entire family to love and cherish. “I’m very lucky,” she said softly.

Everyone grew silent and stared at her, affection shining in their eyes. Reilly leaned over, kissed her lips gently and murmured, “We’re the lucky ones, sweetheart.”

River broke the enchanted spell when he stepped up, kissed her on the cheek and declared, “I’m definitely going to be their favorite uncle.”

Everyone started arguing at once, and Lucy laughed.

A family, wow. She couldn’t wait to tell Annabelle. Heck, maybe there could be a double wedding! Either way, she could hardly wait to start her life with the most wonderful man in the world.

About the Author

Anne grew up in a small town in central Ohio the only girl with three rowdy, older brothers. When she wasn't playing tackle football with them she could be found tucked away in her mother's book room getting lost in mysterious worlds created by authors such as Martha Grimes and Andrew M. Greeley. She's had a variety of odd jobs including Chiropractic Assistant, Frame Stylist, Restaurant Hostess, and Nail Technician.

Anne now lives with her fabulous husband, two gorgeous teenage daughters, two ornery dogs, three snooty cats, a tree frog named Gus, and a snake named Salizar. When Anne's not dressing, feeding, cleaning or spending time with them, she can be found at the computer writing stories hot enough to make your toes curl!

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