“Yes. There are numerous children in the West Indies who have lost their families. It’s positively criminal the way they must forage for survival on the docks. Some are even forced into labor on board merchant ships.”
Intrigued, he eased away from Raven’s naked body and raised himself up on one elbow to stare down at her. “Do you mean start a home here on Montserrat?”
“Possibly, although one of the larger islands might be better, since there it would be easier to hire teachers and staff… Antigua, perhaps.”
He contemplated her for several moments, noting how serious her blue eyes were. “You seem to have given this a good deal of consideration already.”
“Well, I admit I’m concerned about you. Establishing a foundling home would give you an occupation. Without your gaming club to claim your time, you have often been at loose ends since coming here.”
Kell couldn’t help smiling at her. “Are you trying to be rid of me, my love?”
“No, not at all. I simply think you would be happier with a challenge to give you purpose. Rescuing creatures in distress is your dearest challenge. And you could do a great deal of good at the same time.”
He regarded her in silent awe, wondering what he had done to deserve her. Perhaps it was indeed fate that she had wound up in his bed as a result of his brother’s destructive machinations.
He gazed down at her, admiring her vivid beauty. A light breeze teased the ebony tresses spilling around her face in a glorious tangle.
“I would help you, of course,” Raven added when he remained silent. “I don’t know much about raising children, but I know how to manage a household. And it would be excellent practice for when we have our own children.”
The thought warmed him. Not simply the prospect of having children with Raven, but that Raven had changed her mind so profoundly. She was adamant that no child of hers would endure the bitter experience she had suffered at the hands of her stepfather. It gladdened Kell that she wanted him as the father of her children, that she trusted him enough.
It amazed him that she had truly come to love him.
With tender solemnity, he drank in the sight of her, his eyes sweeping every tempting curve of her body. He had vowed to keep her heart safe always, and he renewed his vow silently as he bent to nuzzle her neck.
Raven was still trying to speak, however. “We could begin with boys at first, and then if that is successful, we could add a wing for girls… We could even name the home after Sean, if you like-”
He made a sound of pleasure as he savored the salty taste of her ivory skin.
“Kell, are you listening to me?”
“Yes, vixen, I am listening avidly.”
“So what do you think?”
“I think you are perfectly amazing.”
“Kell, I am serious!”
“So am I, my darling. So am I.” He cradled her face in his hands. “Have I told you lately how very much I love you?”
“Not in several hours.”
“Well, then, allow me to remedy my lapse.” His mouth found the rosy peak of her right breast.
“Kell, I think we should discuss our future-” She drew a sharp breath as his tongue laved her nipple.
“There will be time enough to discuss our future,” he whispered huskily against her flesh. “Just now, however, I want to make love to my beautiful wife, so I’ll thank you to stop arguing.”
“I, argue?” Raven retorted with a laugh that became a sigh of rapture as she surrendered to her demanding husband’s caresses.