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"We did."
"Do you have thoughts about a name?" he asked. I was surprised that we hadn't discussed that yet, but then we were busy with many other things.
"Yes." I felt self-conscious. This wasour child, but I had made some decisions about her name, and I hoped he'd agree. "I was thinking of Solène Marcella Sainte-Croix Archer."
His eyes softened and went moist. "I love it. No Moreau?"
I shook my head. "Not a name I want my daughter to be associated with. As long as Papa does what he does, he will always have enemies. A lot of people know now that I'm hisdaughter—but that doesn't mean I have to plaster the Moreau name on myself or my child."
"My mother will be delighted." He leaned his forehead against mine. "Thank you,ma douce."
"For what?" I wrapped my arms around him, my stomach bumping against his.
"For loving me, for teaching me to love you, for our Solène, for beingyou."
He was making itveryhard for me to resist him, and truth be told, I wanted to find every excuse I could for us to be back to where we were during the early days of my pregnancy.
I didn't want to think about it, so I changed the topic. "This date? What should I wear?"
"Anything you want. But pack a bag to stay the night."
I arched an eyebrow. "MonsieurArcher, where exactly are you taking me?"
"It's a surprise," he said with a mischievous smile. "Just trust me."
I licked my lips. "I do, Duncan."
But doubts still assailed me. Growing up with Jean-Luc Moreau as a father meant that faith in people was a precious commodity, and I wasverycareful about who I gave my affections and confidence.
"Good." He gave me a quick kiss. "Now, I better go make arrangements. A car will pick you up at around six at your apartment."
"Will you be in the car?" I asked.
"I'm afraid not,ma chérie. I will be working hard to make sure you have a perfect evening." His eyes went from happy to sad in an instant. "I realized just a few days ago that I've never taken you out anywhere."
"Sure, you have. We've been out for dinner and—"
"I never took you out on a date."
I patted his shoulder. "For me a date is us being together. When we cook together and watch television; when we talk—all of that was as you Americans like to call it:dating."
"Let me make it up to you."
"There's nothing to make up," I said easily, "But I'd love to spend the evening with you.”
The car took me to the Ritz. I laughed to myself as one of the staff members took me to the suite where I'd first met Duncan all those months ago when we made Solène.
When I entered the suite, memories flooded back, and I found Duncan waiting for me with a warm smile.
"Surprise," he said softly.
I couldn't help but smile back, feeling both nostalgia and excitement. "What are you up to?"
He kissed me softly. He did that a lot these days. But I missedmymaninsideof me. The hard and demanding one.
"Come with me." He took my hand and led me through the suite to a private elevator. We ascended to the rooftop, and as the doors opened, I gasped.
The rooftop, which I didn't even know existed, was transformed into a magical haven. Fairy lights twinkled all around, casting a soft glow over the intimate setting.
