Chapter 2

Laura stood in the bathroom of their suite, running a brush through her damp hair. "Before you ask, I already checked in with Frances and Harry is just fine," she stated with a smile as Remington leaned against the door frame, watching her.

"I'm sorry I got hung up, and I wasn't able to greet you when you arrived," he apologized.

Laura turned to face him, pushed up onto her toes, and pressed her lips to his. "I'll forgive you." She patted his chest before wandering into the living area. Her eyes lit up when she saw the small cart parked at the end of the couch. "You ordered room service," she declared.

"I figured you'd want something to tide you over before dinner," Remington stated.

Laura lifted the lid of the first covered dish. "Mmmm, strawberries and fresh cream." She lifted the second lid. "Bread pudding…" her voice trailed off as she excitedly lifted the third lid. "What's this one?"

Remington couldn't hide the smirk on his face as he explained, "It's called roly-poly. There are two kinds there. Chocolate and raspberry filled."

Laura grinned. "You know me too well, Mr. Steele." She stacked the lids to the side and lifted one bright red strawberry. She swirled it through the cream and brought the juicy berry to her lips. After taking a bite, she closed her eyes and moaned softly. "Delicious. Exactly what I needed. Something sweet, yet smooth."

Remington took several long strides to stand beside her where he cut a piece of the chocolate-filled roly-poly pastry. He brought the piece to her lips and waited. Laura lifted her eyes to meet his before she accepted the treat.

"You keep feeding me those and that's exactly what I'm going to look like," she sighed as she chewed slowly, savoring every flavor.

Remington's hands reached out and cradled her rounded belly. "And I'll love every minute. How's our babe today?"

Laura covered his hand with her own. "Quiet. Probably trying to figure out this whole jet lag thing," she teased.

"How are you feeling? Tired?" Remington raised an eyebrow.

"I'm fine. I told you, I slept on the plane and as soon as I arrived, I took a nap. Now I'm wide awake and ready to help," Laura assured her husband.

Remington lowered himself onto the couch and patted the seat beside him. He waited until she made a dish with a sampling of the desserts he ordered for her. Once settled, he suggested, "After you've finished your dish, let's head over to the building for a tour. It looks a bit different from the last time you saw it."

"What do you mean?" Laura asked between bites.

"Well, the rooms have all been repainted and furnished, including a teaching kitchen, a library, an art studio, three classrooms, and a workshop. The ballroom has been transformed into a multipurpose room, complete with ping pong and pool tables, a lounging area, and last but not least, a small, yet functional, stage has been set up along one end for performances," Remington rattled off.

Laura's eyes widened with each description. "Sounds like you and Lady Catherine have thought of everything."

Remington shook his head gently, "That's just it. There's something missing but, for the life of me, I can't figure out what it is. I tried to think of everything Daniel taught me when I first started my studies, and it all seems to be there, yet, it's not."

Laura patted his leg and stated, "You'll figure it out. You always do. Now, I'm going to get dressed and you can give me the grand tour." She pushed to her feet, and disappeared into the bedroom, leaving Remington alone.

Several minutes later, Laura reappeared, her hair braided off her face, wearing a pair of grey slacks, a white blouse, and a navy blue cardigan over it. "Ready?"

Remington rose to his feet and smiled. "You look radiant, my love. I can't be sure but I have to say, you are lovelier and lovelier each passing day," Remington complimented her, followed by a soft kiss on her temple.

"Really, because I'm beginning to feel like nothing fits again. Frances and I did a little clothes shopping but I swear it's all too small already. At the rate I'm going, I'll be as big as our house before this baby is born," Laura complained as she smoothed her hands over her belly.

"And it will all be worth it once you hold our sweet bundle of joy, Laura, won't it?" Remington tried. He pulled her into his arms and held her close, his cheek pressing against her's.

"I guess," Laura grumbled in his ear.

Remington was just about to release her when he felt a strange sensation against his abdomen. "What was that?" He separated them quickly, holding onto Laura's arms as he stared at her belly.

"She moved. Rolled over, I think. I'm still trying to figure it out," Laura explained.

"She? A girl?" Remington gasped, his eyes becoming moist with tears.

Laura shrugged her shoulders. "Or he. I promised you we wouldn't find out until the baby is born and I'm sticking to that promise. After all, it's the only gift we can still be surprised about."

Remington blinked back the tears and sunk to his knees, his hands splayed across her distended belly. "Can you make it happen again?"

"We can try." Laura pressed her hand over his and ever so gently, prodded at the hard mass beneath her skin. Slowly, it shifted and moved, and to Remington's delight, poked back at his hands.

Without saying a word, Remington stood and captured Laura's head with his hands. He pressed his lips to hers as he whispered, "I love you." Laura kissed him back with fervor until the baby shifted again, drawing their attention once more.

"I think someone wants us to move," Laura laughed.

Remington released his wife, placed his hands on his knees so he was level with her belly, and stated, "Your mother and I will be getting along in just a minute. Don't be so impatient." Laura's belly rippled in response. "Well… since you put it that way, let me get our coats. It's a bit chilly out there today."

Remington quickly found Laura's overcoat and held it up for her to slip her arms into the sleeves. He donned his own jacket and pulled the door open. "After you."

Together, they made their way to the lobby and outside where a taxi was already waiting. Hand in hand, they rode to the site of the foundation in silence. Remington nervously worried his thumbnail as they got closer. Laura squeezed his hand before Remington lifted her's to his lips. "I was just thinking about the last time we were here. I'm still expecting to see Shannon appear any minute."

"Or what about Felicia? Or any other woman from your past?" Laura smiled at him.

"They don't hold a candle to you, Laura. Not since the day I finally realized how important you are to me." Remington pursed his lips, winked, and leaned close to kiss her again.

Without batting an eye, Laura deadpanned, "And what day was that, dear?"

Remington's mouth opened and closed like a gaping fish as he struggled to find a reply. To his relief, the taxi stopped, and the driver announced, "Your location, sir." Remington scrambled to open the door and climb out. He handed the driver a few bills and held his hand out for Laura to steady herself as she stood beside him.

"Saved by the driver," Laura laughed. She lifted her eyes to peer at the newly painted building before them. "Wow," she involuntarily exhaled. She scanned the banner above the door and her heart skipped a beat as she proudly read, "The Harry Daniels Foundation for Boys."

"If you find that impressive, Laura, wait until you see the inside," Remington teased. He twisted the knob of the large wooden door and swung it inward. "Welcome to their new home."