Chapter 16 #3
They talked about everything. Since they were both stubborn, they argued a lot, but never to the point where they ever left each other without the argument being resolved.
More often than not, they ended up in bed.
She was pregnant! Pressing a hand to her still flat stomach, Regina breezed into her refurbished building, eyes dancing.
"You look like the cat who ate the last of the cream and licked the bowl," Macy remarked as soon as she stepped into the foyer.
"I'm happy. Any news from Housekeeping?" she asked, referring to the popular magazine geared toward ordinary, everyday women.
"You'll be pleased to know that we have a signed contract. They want three models to spotlight their ad campaign."
Macy's deep brown eyes danced. "And have I properly thanked you for taking a chance on me?"
"Several times. I think I got the best deal. You're doing an excellent job."
Macy had been a stay-at-home mother for her children and had lost her husband over the last few years, forcing her to try and get back into the corporate world. She had wandered into "Natural Beauty," just when Regina was interviewing for an assistant.
She had never regretted hiring the woman.
In just three weeks, they were up and running and had signed more than a dozen models already. She had to admit that her husband's name, the staggering influence of her friends, Kelly and Leesa, had made a tremendous difference.
But she had to tell her husband the good news. And it had to be now.
While it was still fresh. She was quivering from excitement and fairly bursting.
"Macy, I have to step out for a while longer. I know I have a meeting with Jon and another-"
"I'll hold them off." The woman waved a hand.
"Go, I've got this covered."
"You really are the best."
"Bear that in mind when I ask for a raise," Macy called out as she raced for the door.
"I will."
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Craig didn't lecture. Matthew had laughingly told him that his approach was first class.
"You don't have to raise your voice, man; you have this authoritative thing about you that scares them straight. I guess having all that money puts the stamp on."
"I was born with it." Craig told him loftily.
"You sure were."
Crisis averted, he was about to leave his office and go talk with Matthew about the latest addition to their growing family of boys, when he looked up and saw her coming towards him.
Even after several months of marriage and even more of living with her, he still felt the quick jolt at the look of her.
She was wearing a gold-colored sweater over painted-on jeans and knee-high boots and looked like a queen. His queen.
"Hey." Catching her by the hand, he drew her into the small space and closed the door.
Before she could say anything, he claimed her lips, the kiss long, smoking hot, and hitting the right spot.
"Well." she managed when he finally lifted his mouth from hers. "Well."
Taking a deep breath, she commanded her muddled brain to wake up.
"Hi." He grinned at her, eyes wicked.
"What brings you to my neck of the woods?"
"I-" She had to shake her head again to get her brain moving. "It's embarrassing what you do to me."
"I think the proper word is delightful."
She simply snorted. Lifting her hands, she framed his beloved face.
"I have wonderful news."
"You're pregnant." He laughed at the frown touching her brow.
"I was wondering how long it was going to take to tell me."
"How? What-"
"You're forgetting that I know your body as much as I know mine." His hands skimmed down her back.
"And your breasts are of particular interest to me. The shape started changing recently."
She pouted, her excitement deflating a little bit. "I wanted it to be a surprise."
"I can pretend to be surprised."
"Bite me."
When he bent to take a nip out of her neck, it had her squealing. "You mentioned it."
Swinging her into his arms, he kissed her again. "I adore you, darling, and I'm over the moon happy."
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Their son, Nicholas Clive, was born on a blustery day in June.
Cecil Muldoon gazed down at his great-grandson, who already bore a striking resemblance to him and Craig, and did nothing to hide the moisture of tears shining in his eyes.
"You did good work," he told Regina gruffly. The delivery had gone smoothly, and she only had to spend one day in the hospital.
Now she was back home. Both Dylan and Sherry, newlyweds, had been by and were gone.
"I did spectacular work," she corrected him with a smile.
"Thank you," Cecil told her humbly. "I don't know how many times I'm going to say it, but thanks for being part of the family and for bringing this miracle into our lives."
"I second that." Craig wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.
His family, he thought dazedly.
His family, Cecil said silently as he continued to gaze down at the beautiful baby. A miracle indeed.
The end…