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Once the backslapping and congratulations quieted down, someone yelled, “Speech, Vi!” Others joined in. Vi’s stomach wasn’t cooperating in the least. Suddenly, she could hear a cracker crunch. Cold and hot enveloped her. She looked into Rory’s concerned eyes. The ginger ale U-turned.
“Make a hole!” Rory’s deep voice boomed. Well-wishers hastily cleared a path.
Vi covered her mouth and ran for the bathroom.
All their guests gone, Rory and Vi stood on the balcony outside their master bedroom. Another round of mashed potatoes had staved off Vi’s nausea. For the moment.
“Feeling better?” Rory’s arm rested on her shoulder.
“So far. Too much excitement for these little ones.” She patted her small baby bump.
Rory’s hand tightened around her upper arm. “You’re gonna need more rest, Red.”
“Yeah.” The idea had no appeal, but her body wasn’t taking no for an answer.
They gazed into the night. Even now, birdsong sounded from the scrub trees below. The moon played hide-and-seek among the pale sketchy clouds. Stars blinked and nodded, and a faint barbeque smell drifted to where they looked out over the property.
“Rory.” Vi turned to him. “I have an idea for the land.”
“What would that be, love?” His voice drifted lazily.
Memories flitted through her mind. The terrifying morning Marvin had come to the property, saying Rory and his dad wanted to make an offer on it. Then, in the hospital, Rory’s assurances he didn’t want her land.
Vi had taken Rory at his word. His actions had proved he truly had no interest beyond her desires. They’d discussed possibilities more than once, but he’d never pushed an agenda or tried to rush her into a decision. He’d support whatever she wanted to do.
“Daddy always said this land had a healing touch. What if we built your rehab center here? A place where people can come to heal. Get restored.”
His sleepy eyes brightened, and then the line between his brows creased. “It’s your land, Vi.”
“Yes, mine to do whatever. I’ve thought about it and concluded God gave you the vision … and He gave me the way to make it happen.”
His sleepy eyes were mere slits. “What if we pray about it? Deal?”
“Deal.”
They watched the sky and the stars a while longer.
“Rory.”
“Yes, love.”
“Are you okay living out here in the sticks with me? I mean, we could’ve lived in the snazzy new subdivision you’re developing.”
Rory faced her, mouth in a soft smile. “Wherever you are, Red, that’s where I want to be. We’ve already built precious memories in this lovely old Victorian.” His hand rested on her tummy. “And it’s just the beginning.”
Vi snuggled against his warm chest to hear his heartbeat. She shut her eyes with pleasure as he leaned down, claiming her mouth for a long, leisurely kiss.
