Chapter 52
"Papa, your wife is. Miranda is only four years older than I am and the love I see shining from her eyes every time she looks at you tells me that it is true."
"Tom was supposed to keep his hands off of you when he went to Italy. He betrayed me."
"No Papa he did not. He fought me all the way. I seduced him."
"He's a grown man and could not be seduced unless he wanted to be. I should know..."
"Because Miranda seduced you? Did she tempt you out of your clothes? Did she make passionate love to you all day and night? Did she love you with all her heart and just want your arms around her until she fell asleep? Did she want to wake up to your handsome face every morning," by this time tears were sliding down her cheeks.
"I don't want to hear anymore about how he made passionate love to you Francesca. I see you are going to leave my home and go live with him until you return to Italy."
"Yes Papa because you will not let us be together here."
"You're damn right! I will not let you sleep with that man in my home."
Francesca nodded as tears continued to slide down her face. Putting on her coat she said, "I still love you Papa, but I love Thomas as well," she said as she kissed his cheek. "Good-bye."
Turning back to the window he whispered, "Good-bye"
As she arrived at the garage still wiping her eyes, and seeing Tom standing next to the truck she said, "I am ready to go now Thomas."
Noticing her tears Tom asked, "Do you want me to go and talk to him?"
"It will do no good. He has turned his heart against us."
"By the time the baby comes he will change his mind."
"I do not think so," replied Francesca. "He is a very stubborn man. We should go now." As she got in the truck she saw the grill that Tom had traded the lawn mower for, "Are you not going to take your gift, Thomas?"
"No, I don't want anything from AJ, but his daughter," climbing into the truck next to her, and noticing that fresh tears were falling, he started the engine and pulled out of the garage. It was very slow going. The trip that would normally take twenty-five minutes to his house took nearly an hour.
He pulled directly into his garage, "Well this is my home, and you're welcome to make any changes you like. You can work with the decorator that Miranda gave us for Christmas. Let me show you around." Tom gave her a tour of the house leaving the guest room and his room for last. "Francesca, I don't want to presume anything, should I put your bags in here or in my room?" he asked as they stood in the guest room.
"Please Thomas, place my bags in your room. I came to be with you and to share your bed."
"All right dear-heart," he said and took the bags to his room. "You didn't eat much breakfast can I make you something?"
"Not now, I am not very hungry. I would like to lie down and sleep awhile. Would you lay down with me and hold me in your arms?"
Looking at her tear-stained face he felt something shift in his heart and he knew that he was feeling more for her than she wanted him to, "If that's what you wish Cesca."
"Then come Thomas, and hold me, I feel so very tired."
Kicking off his shoes he laid down in the bed fully clothed and opened his arms to her. Lying down next to Tom she snuggled up as close as possible and was soon fast asleep. He watched her sleep for a time looking at her slim body wondering at the miracle that was growing in her. Did she really want this child? Would he ever know for sure? These were the thoughts running though his mind as he fell asleep too.
They slept for several hours and the late afternoon sun was low in the sky when Tom woke. He stared at Francesca thinking that he'd never have her in his arms again after their time together in Italy and he never dared to imagine she'd be here in his bed. But now both of those things were true and she was carrying his child. He couldn't help it, he couldn't control his reaction to having this incredibly sexy woman in his arms, his reaction caused Francesca to moan and wake.
She arched against him like a cat waking from a long nap. Her hand reached out and caressed his face and she whispered, "Good morning Thomas."
To be continued…
