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."I love you, " she sobbed."Oh, God.""I do.and I lied about something else.Back on the island.I said that the baby was.the most precious thing in the world to me.It isn't true—it was once, but it isn't anymore.You're.just as precious to me as the baby.but I can't hold you back, Spencer.If I did, you'd resent me the way you resent your parents.That would kill me."His arm tightened around her."Oh, Jenna.""I love you, " she whispered.Now that she'd said it, she couldn't say it enough."I love you."He let out a ragged moan."Ahh, angel." The hand that was wound around her pulled her hair back from her ear so that he could put his lips there.In a tortured whisper, he said, "I don't want to be living out childhood fantasies when I'm old and gray.I want life to hold more than Spanish galleons, sparkling gold and sex.""I was awful to say those things.""You were right to say them.""But your life is terrific.""It's not enough.I keep running so I don't miss things, but I miss them, anyway.I want warmth, angel.I want a home."Jenna had never thought to hear those words.Her tears came again."What should we do?""Think.We should think.And you should sit down and put that seat belt back on.You're making me nervous.""I trust your flying.""Yeah, well, you may not in a few minutes if you don't strap yourself in.I'm feeling the need to do more than hold you.""Oh." She drew her head back and looked up at him."But nothing's been settled.He kissed the tears from her cheeks."One thing has." His voice was heart-stoppingly tender, as ach-ingly warm as the silver in his eyes."There's love here.Somehow we'll find a way to make things work."For as long as he lived, Spencer would never believe how simple it was, but that was because, never having been in love before, he hadn't known its power.Jenna had insisted on passing the presidency of McCue's to her vice president.Spencer protested, but she claimed that she would likely have done it, anyway, once the baby was born.She wanted more time for her family, she said, and besides, she was still chairman of the board, and the company's controlling stockholder.They were married on the Thanksgiving weekend.Spencer's parents were pleased as punch with the union—then appalled when Spencer promptly took Jenna to the South Seas for three months.Even Caroline was miffed, complaining that instead of regaining a brother she was losing a sister-in-law.But Jenna had insisted on the trip.She had known Spencer wanted to go, had gotten full clearance from her doctor, and told anyone who argued that since Spencer had won his court case but was waiting to salvage his galleon until after the baby was born, this was definitely the time to go.And Spencer thought he had wanderlust! She had been as enthusiastic as he every step of the way, ballooning belly and all.Now, ballooning belly and all, they were back to await the birth.After spending time in Rhode Island to make sure all was well with McCue's, they had rented a cottage on the Maine coast, far enough from Spencer's parents to let him breathe, yet close enough to a top-notch hospital should the baby come early.It was late March and still cool enough for Spencer to light a fire in the fieldstone hearth.With flames crackling around the logs, he sat on the floor, against the sofa.Jenna was straddling his lap.Her arms were looped around his neck; her eyes were level with his; a sweet smile softened her lips."You're a very handsome man, Mr.Smith, " she said."Scar and all?"She touched his jaw."Scar and all.""Did you know that was one of the first things I loved about you? You weren't fixated on the damn scar.""It's just a scar.It's been part of you so long that I rarely notice it.""Know how I got it?""Uh-huh.In a jeep accident in Kenya.""Usually I tell women I was gored by an elephant.""You don't""I do.It's more dramatic."She rolled her eyes."More drama I can do without." She grinned."I still can't believe you're mine."He took her hand to his mouth and kissed the diamond wedding band he'd so proudly given her."I'm yours." Leaving her hand on his neck, he slipped his under her sweater.She was due in six weeks, but there were times when he wondered whether she would explode before then.Every bit of weight she'd gained was in her stomach, which protruded from her front like a great, fallen nose.From behind she looked as slim as ever, and he did enjoy her behind, but this was what he loved, this warm, smooth, tautly stretched belly that was glasslike and alive."Feeling okay?"She nodded."Feeling great.I love it here.""So do I.Maybe we could come back after the baby is born."She shook her head."We're going south.Your ship awaits.""You're really looking forward to that, aren't you?""You bet.I've never worked with a salvaging crew before.""Jenna, you're not working with my crew.How many times do I have to tell you that?""I know, I know.I'll be in your boat with a full-time captain aboard, but we'll be near the work boats, so I'll be able to see what's brought up.Are you sure your men won't resent my presence?"Spencer wasn't sure of it at all.The boat he had bought for Jenna and him was far more luxurious than the one the men would be living on.Some envy was inevitable
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