“I’ll do my best, but that’s easier said than done.” He couldn’t stop smiling when he saw her scowling at him. “I’m learning Renata Boone is all kinds of stubborn.” And she was his. Healthy and alive and carrying his two babies. He was going to do whatever it took to keep them that way—all three of them.
“Another Boone trait?” Dr. Farriday laughed, handing him the ultrasound pictures. “Congratulations on the babies—I’m sure the wedding will be a big to-do. Waiting until after the holidays?”
“No wedding,” Renata said, shrugging.
Dr. Farriday paused at the door, glancing back and forth between the two of them. “Oh? Well. All right.”
It was on the tip of the tongue to mention that was all Renata’s decision, but one glance at her red cheeks kept him quiet.
“No.” Renata’s cheeks turned a bright red as she carefully avoided his eyes. “Guess I should change. Give me a minute?”
Ash stood in the lobby, staring at the pictures, until Renata nudged him.
“Ready?” she asked, not waiting for his answer.
It had been a long time since hope and anticipation had surged through his blood, but now, because of these babies—because of Renata—it was there. While she was making their next few appointments, he watched her. The way she used her hands when she talked. Or wrinkled up her nose. Or how expressive her face was. Right now, she was all but vibrating with happiness. And when she flashed those blue eyes his way, he felt it, too. He glanced at the pictures of their babies. Babies. Twins. He tucked the pictures carefully into his wallet, a newfound sense of euphoria kicking in.
Today had gone from bad to incredible. There were no words to describe what he was feeling. But he didn’t need words. What he needed was right beside him, talking and laughing and delighted about the babies growing in her belly.
His babies.
Life was going to be different now. But, dammit, it would be good. Her smile, her energy, woke him up in a way that excited him. And scared the crap out of him. Scared or not, he knew what he had to do. First up, talk to Teddy Boone.
Chapter 9
Renata hid behind one of the tall, elegantly potted Christmas trees placed strategically throughout the main tent. Hosting the ball at the refuge, located a stone’s toss from the Lodge, allowed attendees an up-close-and-personal experience with the facility and the incredible work Archer did. But there were few places to escape from the heat, the noise and the countless clashing perfumes of a hundred or so women inside the tent. To say Archer’s first charity ball was a success was an understatement. Archer, poor guy, was doing his best to be gracious, but it was taking a toll on him. Thank goodness his sweet wife, Eden, stayed by his side—her smiling, eloquent self—because her brother’s patience was wearing thin.
At around the two-hour mark, Renata started to relax. But once the excited butterflies wore off, good old-fashioned pregnancy-induced nausea set in. She’d downed water and eaten a few crackers from the appetizer trays—fresh air was her last hope.
Now that the success of the ball was a foregone conclusion, an early departure might be her only option. Tonight’s focus should remain on the refuge and all the good work Archer did here—without any whiff of the scandal of her pregnancy tainting it. But navigating the crowd of perfume and cologne that stood between her and the exit without throwing up would be no small accomplishment. The other option, climbing over several corral fences—in an evening gown—would likely lead to the one thing she wanted to avoid: attention.
“Renata?” Josie appeared, offering her a glass of water. “Here.” Kylee, Annabeth and Clara were behind her, wearing equally sympathetic expressions.
“You’re looking a little pale.” Annabeth smiled. “Doing okay?”
“I’m fine.” It wasn’t exactly a lie. According to the pregnancy ebook she’d downloaded, nausea was perfectly normal. So was being emotional. And tired. “But, don’t judge me here, I’m wondering how hard Archer would take it if I snuck out.”
“Archer would be fine.” Kylee smiled. “But people will notice you leaving.”
“They will?” She sipped her water. It was cool and clean and delightfully refreshing.
“You look amazing, Renata.” Josie pointed.
“The lack of boots and jeans has been noted,” Annabeth agreed.
Renata pressed her hand against her neck. “I feel horrible.”
“Sorry, sweetie.” Kylee patted her arm, giving her a full once-over. “But sneaking out might be a challenge.”
She groaned. “I will never wear a dress again.”
“Sit.” Clara moved one of the folding chairs outside the tent. “Drink more water first. It might help.”
“We’ll keep you company until you feel better,” Annabeth offered.
“I’m good. Some fresh air will perk me up. Go dance with your husbands.” She appreciated the show of support, but she was fine being alone.
“To be honest, dancing is the last thing on my mind.” Kylee sat in a chair just inside the large white tent, within range of a radiant space heater. “My ankles are swelling. I look like a bowling ball with legs. In a fancy dress.”