Loving the Wild Card (Kingdom Book 5)

“What?” He replied with a devilish look in his eyes.

Before she could say anything else, the sound of an implement applied to the side of a crystal glass drew their gaze. As the room grew quiet, they both looked across the room.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Jake began once he had everyone’s attention. “My wife and I thank you all for joining us tonight.”

The round of applause that followed the mention of the word wife caused Aviva to smile at Jason, who winked at her.

“As you all know, our wedding took place a few months ago in Florida, as MacKenzie’s parents are too elderly to travel. Hence this belated reception for our friends.

We also have another announcement we want to share with you. MacKenzie and I already have a beautiful daughter, and in a few months we will be adding to our family.”

Aviva tuned out the sound of the applause and shouts of congratulation sent Jake and MacKenzie’s way.

Although she already knew about their good news, she couldn’t stop the tears that sprung to her eyes. Doing her best not to let them fall, she sniffed and batted her lashes to clear her vision.

The feel of strong arms surrounding her was her undoing. The soft cry that escaped her caused Aviva to press her fingertips against her mouth. Before she knew what was happening, Jason was leading her from the room and she didn’t resist.

The lights were dimmed, and Aviva and Jason lay immersed in lapping water and the foam of silky soft bubbles.

She was exactly where she wanted to be. It was as though she could feel the depth of her husband’s love and concern enfolding her. It didn’t matter that they exchanged no words, nor did she feel uncomfortable with their continued silence. She knew he would speak when he was ready. For her part, Aviva didn’t know when she would ever be able to put her disappointment into words.

The impression of his muscular body behind her, his arms cocooning her caused a hitch to form in her throat. As one of his big hands moved over her stomach, her tears came again. Glad he couldn’t see her face, Aviva allowed them to run down her cheeks unchecked.

“Don’t cry, Angel. Our time will come when it’s supposed to.”

Aviva knew he was doing his best to reassure her, but the doubts that had taken root in her mind refused to lessen. Pulling in a deep breath, she prepared herself to say the words that until now, she’d kept buried deep inside.

“What if it’s never our time?”

“We’ll have our time, my angel.”

His affirmation came with so much certainty; Aviva latched onto his words and repeated them in a silent prayer. She didn’t want to say anything out loud, but she knew she had to. They had to talk about it; she had to know that if they couldn’t have children together if it would break them.

“I know the doctor says we’re both fine, but we’ve been trying for two years. What if it never happens, Jason, what if I can’t have babies?”

“Let me ask you the same question. If we didn’t have children, would I be enough for you; could you grow old with just me by your side?”

“Jason!” She gasped. “Of course you’d be enough for me. How could you even ask me that question?”

“You may have phrased it differently, but the inference was there. I love you and whether we have children or not, I’m afraid you’re stuck with me. You are the only woman I will ever love, and you will always be enough for me.”

“Oh Lord, Jason Kingdom, you have got to be the most perfect man on this planet!” Aviva exclaimed, turning around to face him; all her love shining in her eyes.

“I’m told on Kingdoria my brand of perfection is what all others aspire to,” he teased with a grin. “Do you know what else they say on Kingdoria?”

“No, what,” Aviva asked around a smile at the mention of Kingdoria.

“They say that the second born of each family is the one blessed to be the greatest lover.”

“Is that right?” She played along tucking her disappointment away.

“Yep, that’s right. They also say the second son makes the most beautiful babies. Want to put that theory to the test?” Jason asked with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

“Hell to the yeah!” Aviva yelled, pushing to her feet. With one leg over the side of the tub, she looked down at her husband. “Come on studly, you’ve got some mighty big bragging to live up to.”

By the time she finished speaking; Jason was out of the tub. Looking at his body, Aviva adopted a mock coyness as her eyes traveled up his gorgeous body to glance at him. “Oh my, Mr. Studley, is all that for me? I declare I don’t know if it’s going to fit?”

Sweeping her off her feet, Jason headed toward their bedroom. “Oh, it’s going to fit, don’t you worry about that. Come the morning you are going to be carrying our baby or my name isn’t Jason Kingdom!”

Theresa L. Henry's books