Her heart accelerated as her father let go of her arm and handed her over to her husband, not as a symbol of possession like she once would have thought, but of love. She went toward Damien willingly.
Later, at the reception, after they’d danced around the wooden floor under the marquee, he drew her away from the crowd to a secluded area amongst the ferns. The tropical moon shone down on them through the palm trees as Damien pulled her into his arms. “I need a kiss from my newish bride,” he murmured.
She wound her arms around his neck and offered her lips up to him. “And I need you.”
Damien groaned and kissed her deeply, his breath becoming one with hers.
As were their hearts.
Long moments later he lifted his head. “Are you ready for our honeymoon?” he asked, his hands slipping down to her waist.
She nodded. “A château in France sounds wonderful.” Yet she knew she didn’t care where she was as long as she was with Damien.
His eyes wandered over her face. “You are so beautiful, my love.”
“And you’re so handsome.”
He grinned. “I think we’d better leave so we can do further admiring on our private jet.”
“Oh, but—” She could no longer keep something a secret from him. “Darling, I have something to tell you. I wasn’t sure if I should. I mean, I don’t know if it’s too soon—”
His eyes flared. “Tell me.”
“I think I’m pregnant,” she said, hearing the excitement in her own voice.
He shuddered, then tenderly cupped her face with his hands. “Thank you, my darling. That’s the perfect gift for a man who has everything.”
Her heart was full as his head lowered for another kiss. She knew exactly what he meant.