Page 81 of Ambrosia (Nectar 2)

"It's not only that," He whispered. Turning his face into her palm, he kissed the soft flesh gently. "You want this baby so much that I am afraid that if something happens–"

"I am going to leave again." her dark eyes wandered over his face. "You want this baby as much as I do."

"But nothing would ever compel me to leave you."

"You think it's not the same for me," she guessed.

"It's not that darling. I keep waking up in the middle of the night just to ensure that you are sleeping next to me. I want to be able to shake the feeling of doom, but it's taking its time."

"You are still not sure about me staying. Hayes, I want to marry you, I want this baby, your baby and I want a family with you." Taking their joined hands, she pressed it against her stomach. I want both those things more than anything else in the world.

And if you think I should work from home, then I will consider it. If it means keeping our baby safe, then by all means, that is exactly what I will do."

"I know I am crowding you–"

"No." Shaking her head, she drew him to her. "Never, darling."

Chapter 15

His face was white and pale with strain as he stood next to the cot where the doctor was doing her examination. She was three months pregnant, and they had been lulled into complacency because it was going so well.

She had agreed to go in three times a week as a compromise to Hayes and he had been true to his promise by having her pick a room and calling in the decorators.

But she had started spotting again, and this time more heavily. He did not have to guess what the doctor was going to say.

"I cannot lose my baby. I won't." Camelia told her fiercely, her hand gripping his. "Please don't tell me I am."

Dr. Henson snapped off the rubber gloves and dumped them in the recycle, a slight frown on her brow. "I am going to have to put you on complete bed rest."

Camelia jumped at that. "Then I am not miscarrying?"

"There is still a chance that you might. Hence the decision to put you on bed rest."

"For how long?"

"Does it matter?" Hayes interjected impatiently. "I begged you to stop going into the office, and you didn't listen." he closed his eyes briefly at the stricken look on her face. "I apologize–"

"You are right. I did not listen, but I am listening now." She looked up at the doctor. "However long it takes. We are supposed to be getting married."

"I am afraid that will have to wait, unless it's a small ceremony with just family present. Let's say two weeks and go from there. I am going to perform a small procedure to ensure I hedge my bet."

"When?" Hayes asked.

"Now. It's not going to take long. Just in, and out and after a few minutes, you will be able to go home to your own bed."

Camelia's fingers tightened on his as she nodded. "Let's do it."

*****

"You don't have to say," Cameli told him quietly. "I promise not to move a muscle. Your mother is here, and you have tons of household staff at my beck and call. I am going to stay as still as possible, except when I have to use the bathroom. I am sorry Hayes."

"Stop apologizing." Sighing softly, he sat at her hip and took her hand in his. "I know how difficult it is for you to stay still. You were always one to be up and about. I respect that about you, but we need this pregnancy, and we will have to work together to make this happen."

"I know." She squeezed his hand. "I am willing to do anything to bring our baby into the world. Anything. And if it means laying here on my back for however long it takes, then I am prepared to do so."

Lifting her hand, he kissed it gently. "So am I. And today, I am staying."

"Hayes–"