Bailey's Irish Dream (18 page)

Bailey took a deep cleansing breath and released it slowly.  “You’ve already given me the best wedding present a husband could give a wife.” 

Narrowing his eyes in disbelief, he asked, “I have?”

“Yes,” she said, her smile broadening.

Shrugging, he said, “Would you mind sharing the secret with me?”

“Not at all.”  She felt blissfully happy and fully alive, when she took his hand and placed it against her belly.  “You gave me a child.”

Quinn froze for a moment, staring down at her.  Then, his face broke out into a huge grin, his eyes running down the length of her.  “If you’re lying to me, Bailey, so help me God, I will take you over my knee and--”

Laughing, she said, “I’m not lying.  I swear.  We’re going to have a baby.”

Pulling her toward him, he hugged her, dancing and swaying back and forth.  “Oh, God, Bailey.  I’m so damn happy, I don’t know what to say.”

“Well, you could start with asking me to marry you.”

Throwing his head back, he roared with laughter, then looked seriously into her eyes.  “Will you marry me?”

“Yes, yes, yes,” she said, jumping up and down, and kissing his face.  “I thought you’d never ask.”

“Yeah, so did I.  So did I.”

EPILOGUE

Their hands were joined together as they stared into each other’s eyes.  Quinn looked at Bailey with adoration, respect and love.  She was so beautiful, dressed in the white, long, flowing gown.  She was the mother of his child, and in a few minutes she would also be his wife.  He couldn’t stop smiling at her.  He’d never been so happy in his life. 

Her hands were trembling in his, and she’d licked her lips so many times he was surprised blisters hadn’t formed on her gorgeous mouth.  He gave her hands a reassuring squeeze, and winked at her seductively, not that his own hands weren’t shaking too. 

The priest cleared his throat, apparently trying to get their attention.  “Do you, Bailey, take thee Zedidiah to be your lawfully wedded husband?  To have and to hold . . . to love and to cherish . . . in sickness and in health . . . until death do you part?”

When Bailey didn’t answer, Quinn gave her hand a gentle squeeze.  “Honey?” he whispered.  “Father Mike asked you a question.”

“Your name is Zedidiah?” she finally asked, blinking in astonishment.  “You never told me that.”

“What difference does it make?” he asked softly, glancing around at the church full of guests. 

The priest raised his eyebrows at Quinn as if to say ‘Is she serious?’

“I just wish you would have told me, that’s all,” she said.

“Bailey,” Quinn whispered harshly.  “Just say
I do
so we can get the heck out of here.  Everyone is staring at us.”  He forced a thin lipped smile, then nodded at Father Mike to continue.

“Do you, Bailey Maguire, take thee Zedidiah Quinn to be--”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked.  “Are you ashamed of your name?”

“No, damnit!”  Seeing the priest’s surprised expression, Quinn quickly apologized.  “I’m sorry.  Just go ahead.  Let’s get this over with.”

Father Mike looked at him like he was a piece of slime.  Clearing his throat, he started over.  “Do you, Bailey Maguire--”

“If you’re not ashamed--”

“Damnit, Bailey.”  He apologized to Father Mike for swearing again.  “She does, okay?  We both do.”  Over Bailey’s shoulder he saw Kaitlyn’s wide eyes staring back at him.  Turning around, he told Mark, “Give me the ring.”  Mark dug it out of his pocket and handed it to Quinn.  Quinn shoved it on Bailey’s finger. 

“Just pronounce us man and wife,” he ordered the priest.  “And do it fast.” 

“I . . .”  Father Mike scowled at them both, then said, “I now pronounce you man and wife.  You may kiss the . . .”

Too late.  Quinn had already covered her mouth with his.  Bailey wound her arms around his neck and kissed him back.  This was something he wouldn’t mind doing forever.  And ever. 

Romance

Bailey’s Irish Dream

Love, Lies and High Heels

Mystery

Lust’s Betrayal

Every Breath You Take

Prying Eyes