I Do! I Do!. Jacqueline Diamond

might remember all the reasons for her decision and back down. “You hadn’t given me an answer yet, so I assumed you were still making up your mind.”

      “You could put it that way,” she conceded. “Until I blurted it out, I wasn’t sure…I mean, Mason, the idea of a temporary marriage goes against everything I believe.”

      “But so does abandoning the people who need you,” he added quickly.

      “Yes.” She nodded. “It does.”

      Reaching across the table, he cupped his hands over hers. “What you did for the girls was wonderful. Honey, I appreciate it more than I can say. I hope it’s not too much of a sacrifice.”

      Her lips clamped together. After a moment, she said, “It’s as much a sacrifice for you as for me. Isn’t it?”

      “Not at all,” he said.

      “Oh?” She brightened a little.

      “I’m not the one who has to give up my job and my home,” he explained. “I want you to know, Gina, that I’ll do everything possible to make your stay comfortable. Anything you need, just ask.”

      A long, slow breath escaped her. “I see. Is that all?”

      What had he left out? “You’re welcome to invite your friends to visit. Also, if there’s anything you’ve been wanting to do on a ranch—ride horses, whatever—it can be arranged.”

      “Thanks.” She didn’t look happy, though.

      Mason wished he understood women better. Or, more particularly, that he understood Gina. He hoped she wasn’t concerned about his taking advantage of the situation. “We’ll have separate bedrooms, in case you were worried about that.”

      “That’s—a good idea,” she said. “How long do you think it will take?”

      “The adoption?” he asked. “It depends on Margaret and Stuart. Once they stop seeking custody, it could be finalized quickly.”

      She rested her chin in her palm. “What do you think it will take to discourage your sister?”

      “An act of God?” he teased.

      “If only we understood her motives,” Gina said. “Obviously, she hasn’t bonded with the babies. I don’t get the impression she needs to solidify a shaky marriage, either. Maybe she’s trying to ease the empty-nest syndrome, since her kids are getting older.”