Two days before Christmas, Arryn eased out of bed and walked down the hall to the guest bath to dress and put on her makeup. After she'd saved Rhys' job, he'd been nicer that day, and she'd seen a change in him. He'd initiated the conversation. Shown an interest in her. Made some almost kind remarks, but then after the office party, he went back to Bitter Rhys. He spent at least one night a week at the condo, and Arryn figured that was to be with his girlfriend.

There was no need to confront him because if he asked her to move out, she had no place to go. Since they'd fallen into a distant relationship again, the living arrangements weren't all that bad. She accepted any act of kindness or affection he tossed her way was pretend or for the benefit of others.

His alarm wouldn't go off for another hour, and she didn't want to disturb him, because, on the nights he was home, he stayed up late working on some big deal.

Arryn stretched the sweater over her belly. No matter what she wore, it looked like she had a basketball under her shirt, but there wasn't a bounce in her step. The expectant mother waddle replaced it. She toddled into the kitchen.

The cheery room was beautiful in the early morning light. She'd miss this place. How the sunshine streamed through the windows and bounced off granite countertops. The unobstructed view of the trees and lake beyond. Guinivere lying peacefully on the back deck unaffected by the forced relationship of the couple inside.

Regardless of their situation, she and Ace had become friends, and tonight her family would come for dinner. Before starting on the meal, Arryn made Rhys' lunch, taking time to cut his two ham and cheese sandwiches into holly leaves. Then she used a melon baller on the tomatoes so they'd look like red berries and added a dessert.

Outside, the shadow of a white egret landing on the pond caused the light to flicker across the room. Arryn turned her attention to watch him walk in the water, his legs like stilts. It made her happy that the baby would be a part of all this. Rhys would build her a playhouse and teach her to fish. They'd go for walks in the woods, and she'd love it here. If he married again and had more children, she wanted their daughter to be close to them. As an only child, she'd always wished for a sibling. Hell, she had a few more years to have more kids before early menopause set in. Maybe she could find someone else and have another child to give her baby a sibling. Arryn shook the daydream away. She went to the coffee maker and filled the pot, then started it to brew. She could hear Rhys moving around down the hall, so she braced for his daily cold shoulder.

Wearing navy pants and a white button-down, he appeared in the doorway. His hair, still damp from his shower, highlighted the natural curl he was blessed with. God, she loved how he looked. He'd stopped shaving and now sported a lumberjack beard. Shoes in one hand, jacket and tie thrown over his forearm, he set his loafers on the floor. "Morning."

"I put some strawberry cake in your lunch."

"Thanks."

"Coffee's ready. You want me to fix you something for breakfast?"

He shook his head as he slipped on his shoes. "Just a coffee to go, please."

Gee, six whole words. He was downright chatty. She scrambled to get it. "Don't forget Ace, Val, and the kids are coming tonight, so try not to work late."

"Okay."

Once he left, Arryn got busy straightening the house. After that, she baked a pumpkin pie and got started on the coquito. Then she wrapped some Christmas gifts and placed them under the tree. Following a short nap, she showered and dressed for the evening. At four o'clock, her guests arrived.

When Arryn opened the door, Olive and Effy embraced her. "Hey, little doves." They quickly released her and ran to the backyard to play with Guinivere. Arryn stepped to the front porch and called out. "Do you need help?"

Ace waved her off. "No, I got it." Within a minute, she brought in packages, took bread bowls from a sack, and stacked them on a tray. She gave Arryn a warm hug. "I'm glad to see you. How are you feeling?"

"Good. Better than good."

"Still having morning sickness?"

"No, I'm finally past it. Thank goodness."

"Well, let's see, it only lasted what? Almost seven months?"

"Yeah." She tapped on the counter. "Knock on granite, I hope it doesn't come back. What are the girls getting from Santa?"

"iPads are their main gift. Effy's getting really into art, and Olive follows in her footsteps. At least they can't make a mess of crayons and markers by drawing on a tablet. And then we got them some small stuff." She raised her eyebrow. "What's Santa bringing you—and by Santa, I mean Rhys."

"Since he bought the Toyota, we agreed not to exchange gifts. But I got one of his coworkers to pick out a fancy hunting knife for Rhys. It's more of a thank-you gift than Christmas present."

"For what?"

"When he found me, I'd had my car stolen, lost my job, and a rent spike. Our relationship may not be normal, but if it wasn't for him, I don't know what I would have done."

Ace placed her hand on Arryn's shoulder. "You're having his baby. He'd provide for you and your daughter. Take my word, you don't owe him anything."

Arryn shook her head. "Well, I may be a liar, but I'm not a freeloader, so I've tried to do my part. Anyway, Devon's supposed to deliver it in time for the Christmas Eve party at Tawny's."

Just before dark, Val's joined the group and set up a board game. By the time Rhys got home at six, Effy had performed her victory dance, while the rest of the players hung their heads in defeat.

"Uncle Rhys, you want to play another game of Clue after we eat?" Effy asked.

"I'd rather beat you at dominoes."

She grinned and jumped up. "Okay. I'll get them."

Later, Ace and Arryn finished cleaning up the kitchen and listened to the girls' squeals as they added to their scores. Val and Rhys gave each other the eye, clearly letting the sisters get the best of them.

"Your tree is beautiful," Ace said.

Arryn opened a cabinet and put a pan away. "Thank you. Rhys even commented on how nice the house looked." Arryn still had a hard time believing she was living in such a beautiful house. The thought of another woman taking her place put a damper on her holiday spirit.

Ace swiped a cloth over the countertop. "He's never had a tree before or any decorations."

"Well, he'll need one from now on, because Santa needs a place to leave the baby's loot. If he's still single next year, I told him I'd be happy to come and decorate."

Ace stopped wiping and narrowed her eyes. "What makes you think you won't still be together? Has he mentioned a divorce?"

"No. But once the baby comes, and his job is in place, he won't need me." She glanced into the living room and Rhys had his eyes on her. His glass was empty, so she took him the Balcones sitting on the end of the counter. "There isn't a lot left in this. You don't need another bottle, do you?"

He pursed his lips. "Is that your way of saying I'm drinking too much?"

"That's not what I meant." She turned to go, but he caught her arm, pulled her down and kissed her. His gaze bore into her causing something hot and primal to slide down her spine, take a sharp turn, and settle between her legs. She swallowed hard. "What was that for?"

"Do I need a reason to kiss my wife?"

She raised an eyebrow. "I guess not." She went back to the kitchen, thinking he must be drunk. The wedding kiss and a dance at the office party was the most physical contact they'd had. Then she remembered how he almost kissed her the day of the interview. But that had been because he was excited about keeping his job. This kiss had to be a result of the whiskey.

While Arryn and Ace finished cleaning the kitchen, Arryn tried not to look in Rhys' direction, but she couldn't stop herself. The kiss rattled her. More than shook her. Hell, she had lust legs. She wanted to wrap them around him, pull him so deep inside her, he'd scream her name.

"Are you okay?" Ace asked.

Arryn took a ragged breath and mentally recited La Borinqueña to get the erotic thoughts out of her head. "Yeah. I'm okay. Why?"

Ace narrowed her eyes as if trying to extract state secrets with the force of her stare. "You look a little... I'm not sure. Flustered?"

"Tired, I guess."

"Well, we're leaving so you can go to bed."

"Oh, I didn't mean..."

Ace talked over her. "I know. The girls need to get to bed, too."

After the guests left, Arryn changed into her nightshirt while Rhys slept on the couch. She shouldn't wake him, but he'd be more comfortable in bed. She walked to the sofa and stood in front of him. He was sleeping so soundly, no need to disturb him. She could remove his loafers, lean him over on the cushion and cover him with a blanket. He'd be fine there.

No, that might wake him. She hesitated a moment to look at him. The only light in the room came from the tree, and the embers dying in the fireplace. In the soft glow, he appeared relaxed. His usual frown lines gone. She grabbed a throw from the end of the sofa and spread it over his lap, then turned to go.

He clasped her wrist.

Her heart stopped. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."

"Come here." He scooted to the edge of the cushion and pulled her onto his lap. Had it really only been seven months since she had him for the first and last time?

Then he tilted her chin up and took her mouth. Her heart kick-started. As her mouth tasted his and her hands grew reacquainted with his body, she couldn't help but think it felt like years. She'd been in a drought ever since their weekend together.

He broke the kiss and moved his mouth to her ear. "I want you so damn much."

Her breath caught. "You do?"

"All the time." He cupped her elbows and lifted her to stand before him, then ran his hands under her nightshirt and removed her panties.

[[MATURE THEMES AHEAD]]

She wished she'd worn prettier sleeping attire. The decal of a baby peeping from her stomach wasn't exactly a turn-on, but he didn't seem to mind as he busied himself with her nightshirt. Once she was stripped, he gazed at her with the same longing and hunger she felt for him. He ran his hands over the length of her body, reverently tracing each curve of her hips and breasts. "So beautiful," he murmured, stretching back and shifted beneath her so that her breasts hung over his face, allowing him to take one of her nipples into his mouth.

A gasp escaped her. Not just because of the touch of his tongue-which was exquisite, but because it was him. His lips and tongue teased her nipple until it was aching and tender. Then, he switched breasts, lavishing her other nipple with the same adoration.

Fire flared up her spine. She cried out softly, and he slid her down so that their mouths could meet again, this time in a kiss so deep and crushing, it made their weekend a lifetime ago seem chaste.

As they kissed, she felt him slide a hand down the side of her body, moving toward her inner thighs. His fingers moved deftly as they explored her, slowly moving farther and farther until they slid inside of her. She exclaimed again, but the cry was swallowed in the kiss, which was so deep she felt as though she could hardly breathe.

Patiently, those fingers danced, testing her until he found the place that garnered the biggest reaction. Starting slowly, he stroked her over and over, playing with her wetness, while intense pleasure lit all her nerve endings.

A few more skillful touches, and her body exploded with bliss, the sensation so overwhelming she wasn't certain she could handle being touched anymore, even though she craved it. Rhys' fingers continued teasing until her orgasm finally subsided, and only then did he remove his hand.

He finally broke the kiss too, and they both gasped for breath, eyes locked on each other.

He rose and faced her. "Unbutton me."

She couldn't get his shirt off fast enough and luxuriated in the feel of his bare skin under her fingertips.

He pulled his jeans down, along with his boxers and kicked them away.

He sat again and brought her on to his lap to straddle him again, crushed his mouth on hers as if he was starving for her.

"Do you want me?" The question came out husky and full of need.

"Yes."

"Say it."

"I want you."

"Say it again."

She took his face in her hands and trailed soft kisses across his cheek, then down to his mouth. "I want you. I want you," she whispered and meant it. Desire spun through her like a hurricane, twisting her emotions tight.

He pressed his body against hers and slipped inside, hard and ready. The room spun, stopped, turned again. "I'm not hurting you, am I?"

"No. Don't stop."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again as he began to thrust in and out of her. Arryn wanted as much of him as she could get, wanted to make contact with as much of his body as she could.

She gave, and he took. From their first time together, she'd been his. He kissed her. Feathered his fingers over her skin. Pulled her deeper. Possessed her. And she let him because he was everything she'd ever wanted and he'd finally forgiven her.

She moaned pleasure, and he drove harder into her. A deep low rumble came from the back of his throat as he came undone. His gasps matched hers. Then he leaned his head into her chest to catch his breath. He exhaled heavily and planted a kiss between her breasts. "God, you smell so good."

[[MATURE THEMES OVER]]

She ran her fingers through his hair and never wanted him to let her go.

He titled his head back and smiled up at her. "I've missed you in my bed. Stay with me. Okay?"

"Yes."

She didn't understand what had changed and didn't care. All she knew was she wanted him, and that was good enough. Maybe it was the liquor, or he was horny, and she was available, or he'd finally realized they could recapture what they had when they first met. Her heart swelled at the possibility.

He took her by the hand and led her to his bed—their bed. She crawled in next to him, and he pulled her back against him and rested his hand on her belly. She'd never been happier. With that thought, she drifted into sleep within his arms. Right where she belonged.

Arryn woke the next morning with a smile on her face. Last night, she'd felt the same connection to Rhys as she had the night she'd conceived. For the first time since the ceremony, she was hopeful they'd raise their daughter together.

She slipped out of bed and went down the hall to shower and dress. Afterward, she started coffee, poured herself a glass of Orange Juice, and stepped out onto the back deck. The cold wind cut at her face, but despite the chill, she was warm all over.

Sunlight winked through the trees, and a big gray crane stared into the pond, then jabbed the surface with his beak, and swallowed his catch whole. She loved nature. This place. Her husband. Pulling the sweater tight, she went back inside. From her purse, she took the ring box, flipped it open, and stared at the ring. Maybe it wasn't love yet, but the proof was in his touch. His kisses. The words he said. She heard the shower come on, so she knew he was awake. Pulling out the griddle, she mixed a batch of pancakes.

Rhys started the shower, and while he waited for the water to heat, he thought about last night. She'd surrendered to his advances without hesitation, and when she'd said she wanted him, he believed her. For the first time in months, he was happy. There was hope for them to have a real marriage. No more pretending. A family. That's what he'd wanted. He realized now that's what he'd always wanted—with her.

It was a casual day at work, so he got a clean pair of jeans and a sport shirt. His phone dinged, and he went to read his message, but there wasn't one. Arryn's cell lay next to his. He glanced down at it, and his heart stopped.

Devon.

Doesn't suspect a thing. Can we meet at 5? Her phone had no passcode, but he wasn't going to violate her privacy even then. Rhys dropped to the edge of the bed. He'd convinced himself his jealousy was uncalled for, but once again, he'd been a fool. He wondered how long it had been going on. Anger rose in his chest. Well, he wouldn't stay late today, he'd be following his so-called friend. He finished his shower, dressed, and went into the kitchen, fury seething in his chest. He placed her cellphone on the counter.

Arryn turned to face him, smiling. "Good morning."

He didn't speak. Just stared, wondering how she could act so innocent. She walked to him and put her arms around his neck and kissed him. "Last night was one of the best nights of my life."

He stepped away. "Really? Why is that?"

She drew her brows together. "Because we had a moment. Didn't we?"

"I was drunk. We fucked. If you call that a moment, then yeah. I guess we had one."

Air rushed from her lungs. Placing one hand on her belly and the other on the counter, her nostrils flared as she struggled for breath. "I guess I was wrong."

"Guess so."

For a second, he expected her to cry, but then she straightened and glared at him. "I thought you'd forgiven me. Has this been your plan all along? To give me hope that maybe we could have something and then throw it in my face?"

He took the coffee pot and filled a cup. "Yeah, well, we don't always get what we want, do we?"

She flinched. "Stupid me. I convinced myself I had. I regret what I did to you. But I understand now, no matter how many times I say I'm sorry, it'll never be enough."

She picked up her phone, put it in her purse, and walked to the end of the counter. "As hard as I've tried, nothing is better. Not my guilt. Not your anger." Her voice cracked.

Rhys walked toward her. "Crying won't help."

"Oh, I'm done crying," she seethed. "I'm done lying. And I'm done with you. You've made it obvious that you intend to punish me forever, so I won't bother anymore. So go find your little blonde bowl of frosting and knock yourself out." She rushed to the front door and slammed it behind her.

Arryn hurried to the car, climbed in, cranked the engine, and escaped down the drive. She'd atoned all she could, and it'd made no difference. It was time to make things right. Something she should have done from the beginning, and she knew where to start.

Thirty minutes later, she parked in the drive at his parents' house. She pulled her wits together and marched to the front door, with the ring box in her hand.

Tawny greeted her. "Arryn! What an unexpected surprise. Please come in."

She fought tears. "I'm sorry, Tawny."

Her mother-in-law embraced her. "Oh honey, what's wrong?"

She pushed away and looked at her. "I need to tell you something, and when I do, you'll hate me."

I know, I know. Ya'll probably pissed at Rhys (and at me!)

Just one more chapter and an epilogue left, guys. I'm so sad. Parting with characters always hurts me.

ANYWAY, What do yall think about to happen now?

TEASER: Darcy leaned around the doorjamb, wild-eyed and pale. "Rhys. Arryn's been in an accident."

Don't kill me, please.