Holding On (5 page)

“People at this party are going to think my wife is the most lovely pregnant woman they’ve ever seen. Arnold is going to love you.”

“What’s Arnold like?” she asked.

“White hair, full beard, at least the last time I saw him. He’s got a rather bawdy sense of humor once you get to know him.”

“No wonder you get along so well.” She fidgeted in her seat.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“I’m fine. I just need to pee again.”

Daniel smiled. He knew she hated how often she had to pee, but for him it was a reminder that their baby was getting bigger. “The sign said there’s a restaurant coming up ahead. I’ll take the next exit.”

“Oohh.” Marienne pointed out the window. “That sign says Hebert’s Chocolates. I’ve heard of them. Let’s stop there.”

“You think there’s a bathroom at a chocolate shoppe?” His eyebrows rose as he looked at her again.

She turned to him and grinned. “I don’t know, but I’m sure there’s chocolate.”

“Point taken. Hebert’s it is.”

They followed the signs until they saw the shop. Red and orange leaves glowed like fire all around them. Marienne opened her car door as soon as they parked. The aroma of chocolate wafted into the car.

“Mmmmmm,” she said. “That smells wonderful. But I really hope they have a bathroom.”

He held the door and they entered the shop, the delightful chocolate scent intensifying. One side of the store was lined with glass cases filled with candies and the other held an ice cream cooler. There were small tables to the side.

Marienne headed straight to the counter. “Do you have a ladies room?”

The woman behind the counter glanced at Marienne’s belly and smiled. “Yes. She pointed to the rear of the store, right over there.”

The rest of the drive flew by, made faster by the steady sampling of chocolates. Marienne fed Daniel as he drove, shoving bites of caramel clusters or dark chocolate crèmes into his mouth. He looked more content and relaxed than she’d seen him in ages. He grinned every time he glanced over at her and sucked her fingers into his mouth more than once when she popped in a candy.

She had a feeling he was up to something. “You’re in an awfully good mood.”

“Why wouldn’t I be? I’ve got a beautiful woman hand feeding me treats while we drive through the winding mountain roads of New Hampshire. I can’t imagine a better way to spend a Friday afternoon.” A smile tugged at his lips. “Well, I can imagine a few things that would make it better, but probably best to save those for when we get to the Inn.”

Marienne smacked his arm. She snuck another chocolate covered pretzel out of the white bag then picked up the Inn’s confirmation letter. She studied the small map at the bottom of the print out. “Looks like we’ll be there soon. I think it’s the next town.”

The highway twisted through the mountains, displaying rolling hills of endless color. Marienne was surprised by how tall the evergreens were, long and narrow, the bottoms free of branches. She’d never seen trees like that anywhere else.

As they neared the inn, they passed through Hanover. Marienne craned her neck, looking at the buildings as they drove by Dartmouth. “It’s the quintessential college town.”

“It is.” Daniel stopped at a traffic light and looked around.

“Do you ever miss campus life, working at NYU?”

Daniel’s face scrunched into a look she couldn’t quite read. “Sometimes. Though we do have Rutgers right near our house.”

“True, but that’s just for walking around, you don’t work there. Sometimes I wish I’d gone to a smaller university. I liked growing up on one. Hanging around my father’s office when he taught at Swarthmore was one of my favorite things as a kid. He was shocked when I opted to go to a city university.”

“It’s definitely different. I enjoyed having Oxford as my childhood home.” He turned down a tree lined street and pulled into the drive of a beautiful white house. “We’re here.”

Daniel got the bags out and left Marienne with them at the front door while he went to park. He jogged back a moment later. “Ready to check in?” His eyes twinkled at her.
He must really want to get started on our alone time.
She felt giddy. When she was pregnant with Ella she’d never felt more unattractive. This pregnancy she felt beautiful and even sexy, and it was all because of Daniel. The way he looked at her, the way he treated her. He loved her.

“What’s the matter?” Daniel asked as they waited for the woman at the desk to get their keys. He ran a thumb over her cheek.

She realized her eyes were all misty and blinked to clear them. “I’m just happy.”

He leaned in and kissed her.

“You’re all set, sir.” The woman gave them a knowing smile. “Take the door out back and follow the path. You can’t miss the cottage.”

“Cottage?” Marienne asked as soon as they stepped away from the desk.

Daniel grinned.

They made their way toward a small separate building. Daniel keyed into the tiny white clapboard house and held the door for Marienne. She stepped inside and looked around. “This is just for us?”

Daniel nodded.

Marienne set off to explore. There was a small living room with a leather sofa and a fireplace. A kitchenette with a fridge and microwave. The bedroom had a glorious king sized bed covered with down comforters and pillows, the walls awash in soothing pale blue. The bathroom featured a double Jacuzzi tub and deep blue granite vanity.

Daniel called to her and she followed his voice, finding him out on the deck, which overlooked a small pond. She stepped outside and wrapped her arms around him. “You’re too good to me.”

“Do you like it?” He brushed her hair behind her ears, his eyes glowing even greener than usual in the light of the sunset.

“It’s perfect. I wish we had a house like this. Everything is so beautiful here.”

****

Daniel was overjoyed by how happy Marienne seemed. He wanted her to relax and have a wonderful weekend. He was also pleased to see how much she seemed to like the area. Arnold was bound to be nudging him to look into the openings and he was glad at least their first impression was positive.

Marienne turned in his arms, her full hips grazing against him before she leaned back and nestled her head on his chest. He curled his arms around her, resting them on the shelf of her stomach. She swayed and he swelled in response. Her irresistible scent wafted all around him. He nuzzled his nose into her hair, inhaling deeply as she moved more purposefully against him.

“Mrs. Gardner, are you trying to seduce me?”

Her musical laugh shook through both of them. She tipped her head back for a kiss. Her lips were so full and sweet, he couldn’t get enough.

He pulled her closer. “If you weren’t already pregnant I think you would be after this weekend.”

Chapter Five

The feel of Marienne’s fingers running through his hair woke Daniel from his sleep. “Wake up, sleepyhead.” Her warm breath caressed his neck. “I’m starving.”

Daniel smiled, pulling her into a hug. “You’re always starving, lately. You’re turning into me.” He went to run his hand under her nightshirt, but realized she was already dressed. “Wow, you really mean business if you’re up and dressed this early.”

“It’s not early, it’s nearly 10:30. We need to get to breakfast before they stop serving.”

Daniel was amazed how well he’d slept. It was the first restful night he’d had in ages. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d been able to sleep in.
Must be the mountain air
.

Marienne tugged at his hand. “Come on.”

“I’m up.” He yawned and stretched.

Marienne ran her hand down his chest and giggled. “Yes, I can see that.” She ran her hand over his erection. “We’ll take care of this later. Let’s go eat.”

“So bossy.” He tried to grumble but he couldn’t pull it off, he was too glad to see her so happy.

The innkeeper seated them at a small table on the side of the room and immediately placed a plate of pineapple chunks and raspberries in front of each of them. Before they’d even finished she brought over a basket of freshly baked blueberry scones. Marienne moaned when she bit into one. “I’m so glad you picked this place. These are wonderful.”

She was shoving the last bite into her mouth when their eggs arrived—over easy with thick slices of whole grain toast and maple glazed breakfast sausages.

Marienne cleaned her plate in record time, looking calm and satisfied. “So, what time do we have to be at the party?”

“I think the cocktail reception begins at four this afternoon.”

She sipped her juice. “What should we do until then?”

Daniel felt the smile spread across his face.

Marienne chuckled. “After that.”

“Nap?” He loved the annoyed look on her face.

“How about we walk around town? It looks like a beautiful day.”

They made their way back to the tiny cottage. The gentle fall breeze sent ripples across the pond, but the sun was still strong enough to keep the air from being too chilly. The second Daniel closed the cottage door Marienne was all over him. One hand dug into his hair as the other pushed his jacket off his shoulder and scurried beneath his shirt.

“Lock the door,” she said, her hand snaking around to the front of his jeans.

“What’s gotten into you?”

“Nothing, yet…” She squeezed her fingers around him and every question left his mind, he just wanted to get her to the bed.

****

Marienne felt a twinge of nerves as they walked toward the Hanover Inn. It had been a while since she’d played the role of wife to a new audience, and she’d never done it pregnant. She wanted to make a good impression on Arnold. Daniel spoke so highly of him she didn’t want to be a disappointment.
Please don’t let pregnancy brain make me say something stupid
.

Daniel rubbed his hand over her lower back, as if he sensed her tension. “Let’s check your coat then we can go find the man of the hour.” He eased the black wool garment off her shoulders and handed it to the pretty blonde coat check girl. The woman smiled demurely as she handed the return tag to Daniel, her hand lingering near his. Daniel seemed unfazed, shoving the plastic chip into his pocket and turning to press his lips into Marienne’s hair. “Shall we?” He linked his fingers into hers and ushered her through the crowd.

There was a long table lined with platters of antipasto, grilled vegetables, and poached shrimp with dipping sauces. Waiters sauntered by offering trays of bruschetta and stuffed mushrooms. Daniel gave Marienne’s hand a squeeze. “There he is. Come, I want to introduce you.”

Marienne felt a flutter in her stomach as they approached. Arnold was dressed in a dark suit with a crisp white shirt and a bold red tie. He had a head of thick white hair and a full beard to match. Although he was much shorter than Daniel, he had an imposing presence, until he smiled, which he did the second he laid eyes on Daniel. They swiftly clasped hands and Arnold pulled Daniel into a half hug, firmly clapping his shoulder.

“I’d like you to meet my wife, Marienne.”

Arnold’s gaze shifted toward her, and he took her hand, sandwiching it between his. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Likewise.” Marienne couldn’t help but smile.

“I have to tell you, when Daniel first started telling me about you I thought perhaps you were a figment of his fertile imagination.”

A petite woman with salt and pepper hair came up alongside Arnold and put her hand on his arm. “Will you stop giving Daniel a hard time? You’ll make him sorry he came.” She turned toward Daniel. “It’s so good to see you again. You look wonderful.”

He bent and kissed her cheek. “How is it that Arnold’s turning sixty, and you look the same as the day I met you?’

“You were always my favorite of his students.” She winked.

“Look,” Arnold said. “Marienne does exist, and she’s just as lovely as he said.”

“I thought I told you to behave.” She scowled at her husband then took Marienne’s hand. “It’s so good to meet you. You look wonderful. Your skin is radiant and that dress is gorgeous. I wish they’d had such beautiful maternity outfits back in the days when I was pregnant.”

“Yeah, the things you wore looked more like floral tents.” Arnold’s eyes twinkled.

Cynthia ignored him. “Let’s leave these two to their own devices and go get some food. I’ll introduce you around.”

Marienne threw Daniel a quick smile then followed Cynthia.

“Do you like duck?” Cynthia asked.

Marienne nodded.

“You have to try these.” Cynthia stopped a passing server who held the tray out toward them.

Toasted brioche points with sliced duck breast and berry jam. “Oh that’s good.” Marienne said after her first bite.

Cynthia smiled. “I hear you like to cook. It’s my favorite hobby too. I had a ball planning the menu for this. I’ll show you all the good stuff so you don’t miss anything.”

She knows I like to cook? How much does Daniel talk about me?
The thought warmed her. She glanced across the room to see Daniel shaking hands with a group of men. Arnold’s hand was on his shoulder again as he introduced him.
Must be colleagues.