The Coltons: Nick, Clay & Jericho. Marie Ferrarella

me.”

      Frustration tightened her mouth, but she controlled it. “Tonight I have to tell you I had a test today.”

      “What kind of a test? Is the baby all right?” Fear nearly dropped him to his knees. Even if he couldn’t provide for this child as he had for Dan, he’d love the new baby. He’d be the best father his resources allowed.

      “I’ve scared you again. I’m sorry.” Cate hurried around the bed and reached for his hand.

      Her fingers felt vulnerable in his, but he couldn’t let go. “I should be taking care of you,” he said.

      “I should have found a better way to say this. Dr. Davis did an exam today and discovered we’re having twins.”

      “Twins?”

      She nodded. Seconds passed. He didn’t know how to respond to twins. The cost, the timing. She’d never understand his panic. Distance came into her eyes. By not answering, he was losing her, the woman he’d loved since he’d learned to love, and the woman he no longer knew.

      He threw a longing look at her chair. “Do you mind if I sit?”

      She grinned, and he sat without her consent. Was she laughing at him? She didn’t respect him for sitting?

      “Not that I mind,” he said. “The twins. I don’t mind the twins.”

      “You don’t have to prove how tough you are. If I hadn’t been lying down when Dr. Davis told me, I might have fallen.”

      “Twins.”

      “Will you tell me how you really feel?”

      “Startled.” He tried hard to think how she’d want him to answer. How he should answer as a decent human being who wanted his wife back, who loved the child they’d already created, and who knew he could love two more when the shock wore off. “How are you?” he asked her.

      She actually seemed to find his lack of assurance comforting. She relaxed her tense stance.

      “Glad to see you.” She squeezed his hand once and then let go to scoot onto the edge of her bed and straighten her leg. “I couldn’t tell anyone else before I told you.”

      He should be the first to know. He tugged at the hem of her robe. “Do you feel anything for me?”

      Her expression was solemn, but full of regret. “I feel responsible.”

      He let her go. “I don’t know what I think about responsible.”

      She folded her hands. “Let’s just be honest and see what kind of relationship we can salvage.”

      “I want a marriage.” He still didn’t mention the business. Eventually, she’d understand. Between the twins and her memory loss, he couldn’t add to the pressure on her.

      He’d been afraid she’d leave if he admitted his lie about the company had caused all their problems. Now, he kept the embezzlement to himself because he wanted to protect his wife and their unborn children. This time, he was right to try to protect her.