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probably should have, but we’ll work it out. That’s what marriage is all about, being able to work through things together. Right?”
    He reached over, put his hand on top of hers and gave a little squeeze. “That’s a good outlook on marriage. I like it.”
    Molly smiled and looked at their hands, his on top of hers. “Thank you for taking care of me last night. I must have been more tired than I thought.”
    “You seemed fairly exhausted. You didn’t awaken, not really. As soon as I said you could go back to sleep, you were out. I’m not sure you even opened your eyes when I moved you to the bedroom.”
    She shook her head a little. “Probably not. Yesterday was a very long day for me and I suppose today will be just as long. I really need to go get ready.” She rose from the table. “I’ll meet you in the lobby at nine-thirty. Will that be enough time?”
    “Yes, but you’d better hurry.”
    “I will.” She yawned and lifted a hand to cover her mouth. “Oh, pardon me. I must still be tired from the trip. My bath will wake me up.”
    Her bath had the opposite effect. She leaned back to rest in the hot water and fell asleep within moments. She awoke to strong arms lifting her from the tub.
    “Ben. Oh my, goodness.” Heart pounding at their positions. She turned toward him, so he saw her side, not her front. “I’m late aren’t I? Oh, dear. Please put me down and close your eyes so I can get to the bedroom. It’ll only take me a few minutes. I already did my hair, unless I messed it up. Oh, goodness, what you must think of me.”
    “Shh, everything is fine.” He didn’t move to let her down. “I sent a note to the judge that we might be a little late and the boy will stay and let Lizzie and Mal know, too.”
    She sagged against him, her mortification complete.
    “Well, you can let me down now and I’ll go get dressed.”
    “I find I like you in my arms, especially when you’re naked.”
    It was only then she noticed that it was his warm skin, not a shirt that she felt against her. He’d removed his suit coat and shirt so they wouldn’t get wet. He was so strong. His arms well-defined muscles held her easily.
    He let her slide down his body as he released her. When she reached the floor she felt his erection hard against her belly.
    “We’d better get married in a hurry or I’m going to make you mine before we say our vows.”
    She looked up at him and was breathing hard. “I agree. Close your eyes.”
    “All right they’re closed.”
    She hurried to the bedroom.
    When she looked back before she entered, she saw his eyes were closed. He’d kept his word to her.
    Hope was on the floor and squealed with delight and started crawling toward Molly. “Babababa”
    Ben’s eyes popped open, and widened when he saw she was still in the room. She saw them darken with desire before he bent to pick up Hope but his gaze stayed on Molly, trapping her in its fierceness. Only when he finally looked down at the baby did Molly scoot into the bedroom to dress.

CHAPTER 5

    Molly ran to the bureau where she grabbed her bloomers and chemise. In the interest of time, she decided against the corset. Her dress buttoned down the front and was very fitted, so even without the corset, she’d have shape. Besides, her figure was just fine, even if she was a little fleshier than was de rigueur. Her bosom was full and high, her waist small and her hips generous.
    She finished with the last button on the lavender dress and put on the matching hat with dyed-to-match feathers. She took the amethyst ear bobs and a plain gold band from her jewelry pouch. The ear bobs finished her ensemble. Checking for the last time in the mirror, she saw her color was high. She had no need to pinch her cheeks or bite her lips. She took the gold ring and put it in the pocket of her dress she’d had them put in for just this occasion.
    She stopped and took several deep breaths to slow her racing heart. Taking a final deep breath she