Always - Iris Johansen [57]
“I am.” He gave her another kiss and stood up. “It’s been a hellish two days. It was one blind alley after another. Every time we sent men out to raid one of the terrorists’ hiding places, we’d find he’d just flown the coop. There’s got to be an informer in the palace. That’s one of the reasons I have to go back. I have to plug that leak.” He undressed quickly, turned out the light, and slipped into bed. His arms went around her and he held her spoon fashion, his hand cupping her abdomen. “I like to hold you like this. I thought I felt a little flutter night before last. Is it time for that?”
“Yes, I’ve been feeling a little movement now and then.”
His breathing was already deepening, his arms growing heavy around her. “Tell me the next time it happens. I want to …” His words trailed off, and she thought he was asleep. Then he spoke again, his voice a drowsy murmur. “So much wonder.…”
The tears that had been brimming suddenly ran down her cheeks. Clancy. So dear. She loved him so much in that moment, she’d thought she’d explode with it. Oh, God, and she hadn’t told him that she loved him yet. She would tell him tomorrow after they were married. Surely fate wouldn’t be so cruel as to snatch this happiness away. She didn’t think she could stand it if she lost Clan—No, she mustn’t be such a coward. Clancy had been all that was open and giving to her. She must be the same with him. He had lovingly taught her that a new beginning was possible for her. That beginning must be bright and brave and completely honest.
Lisa closed her eyes. She must try to sleep. She was going to be married tomorrow. But she lay there a long time before sleep claimed her, thinking about Clancy and their child and new beginnings. And Clancy’s last words before he went to sleep:
“So much wonder.…”
THE SLEEVELESS SHIFT was sunshine yellow in a natural silk that looked fashionable yet understated. It didn’t hide the fact that she was pregnant, but it did give her a certain stylish elegance. It was the best she could do, anyway. She would really have to shop for a maternity wardrobe when she was in Marasef. Lisa turned away from the mirror. “I’m ready. It’s not exactly bridal, is it?” She grinned at Clancy. “You look much more impressive than I do.” He looked wonderful in his steel-gray suit. It contrasted beautifully with his golden tan and deepened the blue of his eyes. “I haven’t seen you in a suit since you wore the tuxedo on the first night we arrived here.”
“You look beautiful.” He put his arms around her. “You’re always beautiful, but this morning you have a glow.”
“I’m happy.” Lisa pressed a kiss on his cheek. “I think I must be old-fashioned, too. I like the idea of getting married. Will it be difficult being married in Marasef? What about all the bureaucratic paperwork?”
“Alex will fix it. I’ll call him as soon as we go downstairs and tell him to arrange for a special license.” He stepped back and turned her toward the door. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
“I’ll have to tell Kira. Do you suppose she would be willing to be a witness? I don’t really know anyone in Sedikhan yet, and—”
A knock sounded on the bedroom door. Clancy crossed the few remaining paces and opened it.
“Oh, you’re already dressed,” Kira said. “That’s a relief. I didn’t want to disturb you, but it’s almost nine-thirty and there’s still so much to do before—”
“Good morning, Kira,” Clancy said with a touch of irony. “There’s nothing like starting the morning with a bit of your usual zaniness. Now slow down and elucidate.”
“Elucidate,” Kira repeated as if she were savoring it. “I’ve always loved that word. Perhaps because I seldom manage to achieve the blessed state of elucidation.”
“Try,” Clancy suggested.
She wrinkled her nose impishly at him. “All right, but it’s not nearly as much fun.” She drew herself up with regal dignity. “Will Mr. Donahue and Miss Landon please have the courtesy to descend to the foyer so that we may proceed to Marasef?” She dropped the pose. “In other words, will the two of you get your asses in gear so that you don