On a rush of joy, Olivia returned Darius’s embrace, relishing the feel of his solid frame against hers, breathing in the familiar scent of his aftershave. In his arms, she found a place of belonging that she’d never experienced before. She wanted nothing more than to stay there forever. When his lips left hers to trail down her jaw, electricity zinged through her system. She still couldn’t believe this wonderful man loved her—despite all her flaws, her tainted past, and her compromised reputation. What had she ever done to deserve someone so compassionate and kind? So loyal and protective?
With a contented sigh, she pulled back to look into his eyes. “You’re sure you don’t mind having a wife who works at a maternity home?”
His blue eyes darkened. “I know how important Bennington Place is to you. I’d never ask you to give that up. With my mother to help look after Sofia, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
At the mention of his mother, a niggle of fear surfaced as she recalled the other reason she hadn’t felt worthy to be Darius’s wife. “What about the fact that I may not be able to have more children?” She searched his eyes, dreading to see regret blooming there. What if he realized he’d made a mistake?
Darius held her face in his hands, his gaze steady. “Every couple that gets married has no idea whether they’ll be able to have children or not. But they marry in faith, trusting God’s plan for their life. And that’s what we will do. We’ll take whatever God gives us and be grateful for His gifts.”
Her heart expanded with even more love than she’d thought possible. All she could do was nod through her tears as he smiled down at her.
“I did have one possible idea on that subject,” he said. “I thought we could put in an application at the Children’s Aid Society. If no one has claimed Abigail yet, maybe we’ll get lucky enough to adopt her.”
More tears bloomed. Her throat constricted, making speech impossible, so she simply rose up and pressed her lips to his once more.
He caught her against him with a surprised laugh, then quickly claimed her mouth for a much more lingering kiss. She kissed him back greedily, as though a dam had broken inside her, and all the love she’d suppressed for so long now spilled out.
A few minutes later, he released her, his eyes brimming with happiness. “What do you say we go somewhere to celebrate this momentous occasion?”
She beamed up at him, her hands resting on his chest. “We could meet Ruth and the girls at Marty’s.”
“Hmm.” He wrinkled his nose. “Nothing against the ladies, but I was hoping to have you all to myself for a little longer. How about sharing a sundae at the ice cream parlor?”
“That sounds perfect.” She laughed, feeling so light and free that she just might float away on a wave of bliss. “And maybe while we’re there, we could discuss possible wedding dates. Because I don’t want to wait another minute to marry you, Darius Reed.”
He picked her up and twirled her around, his laughter blending with hers. “I like the way you think, Miss Rosetti.”
Epilogue
Eighteen months later
I’ll send him right in.” Despite the exhaustion hugging his face, Dr. Henshaw smiled as he rolled down his shirtsleeves.
“Please do,” Olivia said, “but let me break the news.”
“Of course.” The doctor slipped out of the bedroom door, leaving Olivia alone.
She bit her lip, barely able to contain the roller coaster of emotions racing through her system. She couldn’t wait to see her husband’s reaction.
Seconds later, the door opened, and Darius’s anxious face appeared. “Is it all right to come in?” His hair was standing on end, as though he’d been raking his fingers through it for the last several hours.
Sitting up against the pillows, Olivia couldn’t keep the tired smile from blooming. “By all means, my love. Come in . . . and meet your son.” She gazed down at the warm bundle in her arms, unable to contain the joy that bubbled up through her like a fountain.
“It’s a boy?” A look of awe spread over his features.
“A beautiful, healthy boy.” She cradled the little miracle against her chest, utterly humbled by God’s goodness.
Darius sank onto the chair beside her, not even bothering to wipe away his tears as he skimmed a finger over the baby’s cheek. “I have a son.” Wonder filled his words.
Olivia laughed, euphoria rushing through her. Never had she imagined she’d be able to give Darius such a gift, but God, in His perfect wisdom, had proved her wrong. She’d thought that becoming baby Abigail’s foster parents a month after they were married would be their happiest moment. Little did she know that God had even bigger blessings in store for them.
Darius leaned over and kissed her soundly. “I love you so much, Olivia. You’ve made me the happiest man in the world.”
“Nowhere near as happy as you’ve made me.”
The baby gave a squawk and squirmed within the blanket. Olivia laughed again. “It looks like this little one won’t be content to be overshadowed. He wants to be the center of attention.”
“I don’t blame him, since he has two older sisters to contend with.” Darius grinned at her.
“Well, Mr. Reed, what are we going to call this miracle boy of ours?”
“I did have a name in mind.” One brow quirked up. “I was thinking of Constantine. After my grandfather in Greece.”
“Constantine. That’s a noble-sounding name.” She smiled. “I’m proud of you for embracing your heritage.”
He shrugged. “He’ll likely get a Canadian nickname, which is fine by me.”
“Me too.” She brushed a kiss over the wisps of her son’s downy hair.
“I have another suggestion for a middle name, if you agree.” A hint of a smile played through his tender expression.
“Really? What’s that?”
“I was thinking of Matteo. After his older brother.”
Instant tears flooded her eyes,
