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the marina.
    The room was beautifully decorated with wood furnishings in an antique style, appropriate for the city. Their suite had a large balcony overlooking the harbor. It was the ideal location—in the financial district, yet close to eateries and tourist attractions. And it was only ten minutes from the North End, which was known for its wealth of authentic Italian restaurants.
    If it hadn’t been so cold, Natalie would have lobbied to go out on a whale-watching boat. Instead she was inclined to plan warmer activities. Their room was large, well appointed, and quiet. A bottle of champagne and chocolates with fresh fruit were there when they arrived. Looking out at the snowy ground below, Natalie nearly opted to stay in and enjoy the luxury accommodations. But it was her first time in Boston, so she dug warmer clothes out of her luggage and helped Tanner decide where they should go.
    He wrapped his arms around her down-filled coat and squeezed her. “I’ll never be able to find you under all these clothes.”
    “Don’t worry about that. They are all removable.” Natalie grinned. Maybe she would convince him to hide away in the hotel; getting naked in the warm room sounded pretty good.
    “We better go before you tempt me.” But he didn’t let her go. Holding her tighter, Tanner covered her mouth with his. The warmth of the kiss and softness of his lips captivated her. Leaning into him, Natalie brushed her tongue along his, already looking forward to the evening. If he’d kissed her just a second longer, she would have started undressing him. Boston paled in comparison to his beauty any day.
    “I know that look,” he said, lust flaring in his eyes. “Either we go or stay. But if we’re going, it has to be now. Otherwise…”
    “Okay. I’m going,” Natalie said, heading for the door. “Are you coming or not?”
    Tanner laughed and followed her out.
    The city of Boston was rich with history and culture. It had cosmopolitan sophistication, yet retained its Old World charm. From the comfort of their hotel in the heart of the downtown central business district, they ventured out to the restaurants not far away. Sightseeing could wait; Natalie was hungry. Hearing about all the Italian restaurants had her salivating.
    On the recommendation of the concierge, they went to Assaggio in the heart of the North End, and sat at a table with a view of the harbor. Natalie shivered, warming her hands, glad to look out at the cold from the warmth of the restaurant. She ordered the minestrone soup with crusty bread, and Tanner the smoked salmon panini.
    The warm soup hit the spot, and she leaned back with a sigh of satisfaction. Watching Tanner finish his lunch, for some reason she imagined him as a father. He would make a good father, she knew. But he hadn’t brought up the subject since the day they went ice skating. Should she press the issue? Natalie wanted to, but wasn’t sure it would do any good.

11 – Baby Discussion
     
    Tanner took a sip of his water and dabbed his mouth with his napkin. “Good food here.” Natalie nodded but didn’t say anything. “Still cold? Do you need anything?”
    He could be so sweet. Natalie smiled at his question. “No, I’m fine.”
    “You’re looking at me.”
    “Of course, you’re too handsome not to look at.”
    “It’s not that kind of look. I know that look, and this is definitely not it.”
    Natalie looked out to the water. Caught .
    “Something you want to talk about?” Tanner looked so sincere, so interested. He was impossible.
    “Yes, if you must know.”
    Tanner waited, his eyes looking deep into her soul, seeing more than she’d spoken of.
    “You know, don’t you?” Natalie waited.
    “A baby?”
    Natalie shrugged.
    “I’m beginning to recognize the signs.” Tanner ran his hand through his hair. “You know I want a baby as much as you do.”
    “Do you?”
    “Of course I do.”
    “How would I know? We talk about it, but only when I bring it up.