A Fragile Design (46 page)
Christmas 1831
‘‘Lilly, she’s positively perfect,’’ Addie said as she beheld the newest member of the Cheever family.
‘‘Her father certainly thinks so,’’ Lilly replied. ‘‘Would you like to hold her?’’
‘‘Oh, please,’’ Addie replied.
Lilly handed her daughter to Addie, then nodded to Bella. ‘‘You, too. You can share her for a moment, and then I’m going to put her down for her nap and we shall have our Christmas punch and exchange our gifts.’’
Addie cuddled the baby momentarily before giving her up. Bella thought her heart would melt into a puddle on the floor as she took the baby into her arms. Violet Cheever looked up at her with large dark eyes. She yawned a tiny baby yawn and made sucking noises as she closed her eyes.
Bella gently touched her downy soft hair and smiled. ‘‘She’s perfect.’’
‘‘You look very natural holding her. You and Taylor should have a whole houseful of children,’’ Lilly said, reaching out to take Violet. ‘‘I’ll be back momentarily. Why don’t you both join the men in the music room?’’
Addie linked her arm with Bella. As they crossed from the parlor to the music room, Addie stated, ‘‘I’d imagine holding Violet makes you want to speed up your wedding plans.’’
Bella grinned. ‘‘Just don’t tell Taylor that or he’ll start pestering me all over again.’’
‘‘Don’t tell Taylor what?’’
Bella looked up to find Taylor at her side. ‘‘Never mind,’’ she said. ‘‘Some things are better left unsaid.’’
‘‘Since when? I’ve always known you to speak your mind and make certain that everyone knows your thoughts,’’ Taylor teased.
Bella smiled as Miss Addie left her with Taylor and joined John and Matthew across the room by the fireplace. ‘‘You are purposefully trying my patience in the hope that I will tell you what I do not wish to share.’’
He laughed and pulled her close. ‘‘I can be most persuasive, Miss Newberry. Would you like me to show you how?’’ He gently caressed her cheek with his fingertips, then trailed the touch down to her lips.
Bella trembled. ‘‘Hmm, yes, actually . . . I think that might be a nice diversion.’’
Taylor roared with laughter and kissed her soundly. Bella wrapped her arms around his neck and sighed. Maybe putting the wedding off for five years would be too long. Maybe three would make better sense.
Their kiss deepened as they completely ignored the other people in the room. Maybe, Bella reconsidered, a year would be enough time to wait.
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with Judith Pella