Clinging to her husband, Tricia told Jeremy everything from the moment her pregnancy was confirmed to when she placed a single red rose on the tiny white casket before it lowered into a grave and her subsequent decision to marry Dwight.
“If I had come back to the farm, she never would have died.”
Jeremy placed his fingers over her mouth. “Maybe all she was given was three months, darling. She’s an angel now.” His mouth replaced his fingers and he kissed her. “Our little angel.”
Tricia clung to Jeremy, feeding on his strength. “I love you so much.”
He smiled. “Love you more.”
“I don’t think so,” she countered.
“Would you like to place a wager, Mrs. Blackstone?”
Easing back, Tricia smiled up at him. “What would I have to wager, Mr. Blackstone?”
“Your heart.”
She felt a warm glow flow through her. “I accept, but only if you’re willing to wager the same.”
“You have it, Tricia. I gave it to you a long time ago.”
“How long ago?”
“The first time I peered through the bars of my crib to see you staring back at me.”
Leaning back in his embrace, Tricia tilted her head and laughed uncontrollably. Jeremy’s laughter joined hers and they were still laughing when they walked into their home and smiled at Gus, who watched them climb the staircase to the second floor.
Jeremy lowered his wife to the bed with the intent of reconciling in the most intimate way possible. They took their time loving each other with all of their senses.
Sated, limbs entwined, hearts beating in unison, Tricia and Jeremy were filled with the peace that had surrounded them from the moment they’d acknowledged their love for each other. It had taken a long time, but they were now ready to plan for another generation of Blackstones.
THE BLACKSTONE LEGACY
ISBN: 978-1-4592-0904-6
Copyright © 2011 by Harlequin Books S.A.
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holder of the individual works as follows:
THE LONG HOT SUMMER
Copyright © 2004 by Rochelle Alers
VERY PRIVATE DUTY
Copyright © 2004 by Rochelle Alers
All rights reserved. The reproduction, transmission or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without written permission. For permission please contact Kimani Press, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 3K9, Canada.
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, incidents and places are the products of the author’s imagination, and are not to be construed as real. While the author was inspired in part by actual events, none of the characters in the book is based on an actual person. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is entirely coincidental and unintentional.
® and TM are trademarks owned and used by the trademark owner and/or its licensee. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and/or other countries.
www.kimanipress.com
The Blackstone Legacy Page 25