Wrong. He took both her hands in his. "I'm not going anywhere without you. I'm here to humbly ask you to forgive all my faults."
"Such as?"
He'd compiled a laundry list that was too long to recite now, so he would concentrate on those which would matter most to her. "Forgive me for periodically leaving my towel on the floor after I shower. Forgive me for leading you to believe that I think you're not capable of being involved in the business, because you are, and I welcome your input. Above all, I beg you to forgive me for being such a bloody, controlling coward."
"I have never said you are a coward."
A point in his favor. "Perhaps not, but I wouldn't blame you if you thought it." He paused to draw a breath. "The truth of the matter is, I have fought with men twice my size-"
"Seriously?" Violet interjected.
"I'd believe it," Mac added.
Rafe cleared his throat. "Let the man continue. Violet needs her rest and at this rate, we will be here until midnight."
Violet leaned over and patted her husband's cheek. "Thank you, honey."
"As I was saying," Sebastian continued, "I've been in several situations that required bravery, but the thought of being responsible for a tiny, helpless creature frankly scares the hell out of me."
He studied Nasira's eyes and saw a glimpse of understanding, or so he assumed. "Sebastian, you are in charge of a major corporation. I am confident you can handle fatherhood with the same aplomb."
"Except for the dirty diapers maybe," Mac said, earning him a look from Rafe.
"I can only promise I will try," Sebastian said sincerely. "But what I lack in skill, I will make up in the willingness to learn."
Instead of falling into his arms, she frowned. "Why the sudden turnaround, Sebastian?"
He should have realized she wouldn't make this easy on him. "I spent hours thinking about what you said. Life isn't without risk, but I'm willing to take that risk with you in light of the reward. I've also spoken with Stella and my father. I've come to the conclusion that I've wasted many years resenting a man without just cause, and I will never know true peace unless I learn to forgive his faults. And I hope you forgive mine. In reality, I'm very much like him, and only part of that is learned behavior. The other part is genetic."
He couldn't seem to even coax a slight smile from her. "Will you be able to love our baby?"
More than she would know. More than he could express. "I vow to love our child as much as I love our child's mother."
When he pulled the bracelet from his pocket in an effort to confirm his commitment, and placed it on Nasira's wrist, his wife finally smiled. "That is all I needed to know. And I love you, too. I forgive you all your faults, if you will forgive mine as well."
His spirits soared like a hawk. "You're perfect, Sira. But I need to warn you, you'll have to be patient with me. I'm going to worry about you every moment of every day during your pregnancy. I'm definitely going to be ridiculously overprotective and I'll be gauging your every move-"
"Shut up and kiss me, Sebastian."
She would get no argument from him. As he took her in his arms and kissed her soundly, for the first time in many years, he felt entirely at peace. Once they parted, he realized the room had cleared out as though he was a randy rock star giving a bad performance. "Would you care to accompany me back to our rented ranch?"
She hid a yawn behind her hand. "Gladly. I am so exhausted. I could not sleep without you by my side."
Neither could he. "Rest assured I will respect your need for sleep. You will have to get more of it to remain healthy."
She slid her arms around his waist and sent him a sly grin. "Actually, I am not that tired, nor am I fragile."
No, she was not, and he realized he had known that all along. "Well then, Mrs. Edwards, let us away to our borrowed bed."
"That sounds like a very good plan, Mr. Edwards."
* * *
They made love once during the night, and again in the morning. As the first light of dawn streamed through the slightly parted curtains, Nasira rested her cheek on Sebastian's chest and listened to the strong beat of his heart as she basked in the afterglow of remarkable lovemaking...and much-needed hope for their future together.
Sebastian's steady strokes on her back threatened to lull her to sleep, but she awoke completely when he shifted slightly. "You know what I like best about your pregnancy?" he asked.
"I know what I like best," she murmured. "I can avoid tight clothing for nine months."
"You would look good in a gunny sack, Nasira. I personally enjoy not having to wear another bloody raincoat."
She shifted onto her back and stretched her arms above her head. "What do you mean? We are not in London, Sebastian. Today you will not need a raincoat. The forecast calls for an abundance of sunshine."
He chuckled. "I meant raincoat as in condoms. I've had enough of those annoying rubber ducks to last a lifetime. Sheer torture, I tell you."
The description made her smile. "The reference to a bath toy presents quite a grand visual."
He rolled to his side, bent his elbow for support and propped his jaw on his palm. "What time do we have to be at the wedding?"
"Noon. I have to assist Violet with her dress."
He lowered the sheet, baring Nasira's torso, and laid his cheek beneath her breasts. "I'm certain she has several ladies-in-waiting who will come to her aid."
"Perhaps, but I would like to be a part of the process."
Using a fingertip, he drew circles around her belly. "Then you should definitely get some rest."
"How can I rest with you touching me this way?"
"I am trying to connect with our child."
And that proclamation moved Nasira in unexpected and wonderful ways. "Do you wish for a boy or a girl?"
His hand came to a stop on her belly. "I'm still getting use to the fatherhood idea. I haven't had time to consider the gender."
She stroked his hair. "I personally have no preference, although I could see you with a daughter. She would have you wrapped around her finger in an instant."
"That would mean she's exactly like her mother." He pressed a kiss on her belly then rose up slightly and began to speak softly, sincerely. "Hello there, baby Edwards. This is your old dad. I wanted to introduce myself even though some might believe I've taken total leave of my senses, talking to a tadpole who undoubtedly won't remember this conversation."
He sent Nasira a grin before giving his consideration back to his unborn child. "In the future, beyond your toddler years, you're most likely going to be frustrated with me, and perhaps during your teens, you're going to despise me. At times I might be strict, but you never need to doubt how much I love you, and how much I love this wonderful woman who is currently giving you a safe haven in which to grow. But whatever you decide to become, be it a businessman or a butler, please know I will always be proud of you, and I promise I will always forgive your faults."
Overwhelmed by the sweetness of his words, Nasira battled tears. This time, tears of joy. Of blessed relief. "You will be an amazing father."
He returned to her side and kissed her cheek. "I will be the best father I can be."
"Sebastian, my love, I know in my soul you will be the very best."
Nasira had finally been granted her heart's desire-the gift of a precious baby and the love a good man. She felt as if she were the most fortunate woman in the world. And before she drifted off again, she wished that same good fortune on Rafe and Violet on this day when their life together would truly begin....
* * *
"With the power vested in me by the great State of Texas, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Now give that little gal a kiss."
Nothing was more boring than sitting through a wedding, especially when the man presiding over the nuptials was clearly a repressed comedian. Yet Sebastian admittedly enjoyed Nasira squeezing his hand during the vows. And he reluctantly acknowledged that Violet and Rafe's pledge to each other had been rather moving at times.
Bloody hell. He had turned into a lovesick sap. But he wouldn't want it any other way.
After the bride and groom vacated the makeshift altar, Sebastian took his wife by the hand and led her through the hordes of humanity. He had no idea so many people resided in this spot-in-the-road town of Royal.
"I'm going to congratulate Violet and Rafe," Nasira said when they managed to find a small space to stand without bumping into guests. "Are you coming with me?"