The Guardian of My Soul (Soul's Desire) (31 page)

Stepping back, I looked from her to Alec, both of them beaming at me with affection. My heart filled with a deeper peace than I’d ever experienced. The two people who mattered most to me in the whole world were getting along just like I’d always dreamed they would. Then my eyes fell to the piece of paper in my hands. Even though my vision was blurred I could still see my name written on it clearly. My longtime dream was becoming reality. I was going to have my own line of jewelry. I was now my own boss, the proud owner of Lucio Jewelry.

EPILOGUE

Soft hands caressed my bare breasts and swollen belly, bringing me out of my peaceful sleep. I couldn’t help but smile as I caught Alec kissing my tummy and talking sweetly to the baby.

“You’re spoiling her already. But her mother likes it, so please, go on...” I giggled, stroking his hair.

A bright smile curled up on his face. “I can’t help it. She’s like a magnet to me.”

“She’s a lucky girl. I’m sure you’ll be an amazing father,” I said, leading his hand to where she was kicking. “See? I think she agrees.” I grinned, the twinkle in his eyes reminding me of a little boy on Christmas Eve, making my stomach all fluttery.

He replaced his hand with his lips, then pressed his ear to it, listening to her intently.

“Are you happy it’s a girl?”

“I’m ecstatic! I cannot wait to meet her. Two more months...”

“You know, I never thought I’d get to be a mom so soon. But I think this is the second best thing that’s happened to me.” At his questioning look, I clarified. “Finding you and loving you is the best thing.”

“Loving you is the greatest reward of my life, but I’m also grateful you forgot about taking the birth control pills.” He chuckled. “How could you forget such an elementary thing, K?” He grinned indulgently, running his hand up and down my leg.

I could feel the heat rise on my cheeks, the blush spread. “I had so many things on my mind. The shock of being kidnapped, the concerns related to Mom finding out about us, the press, the stress of getting caught sneaking into your room at night. The list could go on. Or...maybe deep down I wanted this.”

His face turned serious for a moment. “K, did you do this on purpose?”

“No. I wouldn’t make an important decision like this without consulting you. It was my mistake. But I’m so happy! I’m over the moon!”

He smiled with teasing love on his face. “Make some more mistakes like this...”

“Don’t tease me.” I pouted.

“I’m serious.”

“You want more kids?”

“As many as you’ll give me.”

“She’ll definitely have a sibling. I hated being an only child and often wondered what it would have been like to have a sister.”

“You have Megan...and Ana...and Paola.” He grinned.

“That’s true.” Even Paola.

“Baby...do me a favor and close your eyes,” he said, grinning mischievously.

“Oh, no. What are you up to now?” I giggled, but complied.

“Don’t peek,” he commanded, getting off the bed. When he returned, I felt something small and cold on my belly. “Okay. You can open them now.”

I held my breath at the sight of a glittery diamond ring, bedazzled by its beauty.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to get it.”

“Alec...” I could feel tears prickling behind my eyelids and I took a deep breath and blinked rapidly, trying to hold them back as I watched him slide it on my finger. It was a perfect fit. “It’s so beautiful.” My voice cracked. “You shouldn’t have spent so much—”

“You deserve the best and no effort is too great when it comes to you. You and the baby are my life now and I will be the best that I can be for you two.” He kissed my lips and then my tummy. His whole face beamed with delight. “I’m dying to marry you, K. I’d do it right now if you agreed,” he confessed. “But I know you want her to be present at our wedding. So I’m eagerly waiting for her birth. It will be a really special day.” He kissed my tummy once more.

I let my gaze worship him. This was the man I loved with all my heart. I placed my hand on his head with absolute reverence. There was none other on Earth such as he.

“Your mom and I have a surprise for you. Put on something nice.”

“Are we going out?”

“Sort of...”

Curious, I let him lead me to the dressing room where I chose a summer dress that reached a little above my knees.

“Hmm, shouldn’t you choose something more comfortable?” he asked when I grabbed a pair of high-heeled wedge sandals.”

“Alec, I’m pregnant, not sick.” I giggled.

“Of course. You need to be fancy even when pregnant.” His arms circled me from behind as I gazed at myself in the mirror and applied some makeup.

*  *  *

“Where are you taking me?” I complained, the blindfold preventing me from seeing anything as he led me down the stairs.

“Just a little bit farther.”

“You said we were going out.”

He chuckled. “We are.”

The soft breeze of the wind flowed over me when we stepped outside and loud cheers erupted the moment the blindfold went off.

“Surprise!” Everyone exclaimed excitedly, beaming bright smiles that radiated sheer happiness.

I blinked several times as I glanced with amazement at our beautifully decorated back yard. “My baby shower!” I squealed. My eyes began to weep moisture and I squeezed them shut for a moment, leaning back into Alec’s arms.

My dear friends Megan and Matt smiled lovingly at me before he gave me the thumbs up. Ana and Sam raised their champagne glasses, sending kisses my way. Jake and Paola, who’d come to visit us again from Italy, sat embraced and waved to me joyfully. Alec’s mother and sister, whose eyes sparkled with tears gazed mesmerized at my belly. Gilda nearby was sobbing, wiping her tears with a tissue, while Mother stood in farthest corner, close to the pool.

A thrill ran up my spine and caught me off guard when I noticed she was delicately holding Ryan’s hand. I could no longer hold back my tears once my eyes met hers and the biggest of smiles crept on my face. After all we’d been through I was glad to see she had finally understood what mattered more than fame and fortune in life, and that she had decided to give herself a chance to find happiness again with the man whom she’d probably always admired in secret.

Looking up, I met Alec’s loving smile.

“We live in a strange and wonderful world, don’t we?” He lowered his head to kiss my nose.

“Oh, yes. The strangest...” I murmured hoarsely before my mouth sought his. “And wonderful,” I agreed as our lips met and clung with the same passion that would always exist between us. I had found happiness. My life was complete. Alec would always be my guardian. He was my hero, the guardian of my body, my heart and my soul.

*THE END*

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily A. Lawrence lives in Transylvania with her family, hence her love for vampires and paranormal books. She is extremely passionate about fiction and has been writing stories, mostly fan fiction, for years now, but only began thinking seriously about publishing approximately a year ago. Having her family’s support, and encouraged by friends and fellow authors, she pursued her dream of becoming a published author.

Emily loves creating new characters with whom readers can identify themselves, and losing herself in their worlds. Usually, she writes contemporary romance in three heat levels: sweet, sensual and erotic. However, she would like to try her hand at other genres one day, such as paranormal or mystery.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures, new sceneries, food and meeting new people, or simply reading a good book.

Author contact links:

Website:
http://emilyalawrence.beaucoupllc.com

Facebook Fan Page:
https://www.facebook.com/author.emily.a.lawrence

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/EmyALawrence

Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/20344150-emily-a-lawrence

Email:
[email protected]