“Sorry your brother didn’t make it in time for dinner,” Sloane said, resting her head against Ben’s shoulder and snuggling closer while the logs in the fireplace in front of her crackled and popped.

Orange sparks floated into the chimney flue, and the Christmas tree’s twinkling white lights illuminated the now empty great room where only an hour ago family had filled the space. Most of all, she had Ben. A man she could count on in every way… and he could count on her too.

“He’ll get here,” Ben said.

Her brother-in-law had been in deep cover for so long, no one had known when he’d return stateside. But there’d been a cryptic message from Jonah via secret channels that Ben had intercepted while coordinating a mission for his company’s covert operations.

“It’ll be the best Christmas present ever for your folks when he arrives.”

“They’ll be thrilled.”

He played with her hair, and she could hear the steady beat of his heart. As much as she’d enjoyed spending time with her parents and Ben’s ever-growing family, she cherished this time alone with her husband.

Their Napa Valley Chateau had echoed with laughter. The guys took some good-natured teasing, though they still griped about the boatload of dishes they had to wash after dinner, and two future grandmothers plotted three baby showers.

To think, just over a year ago, she’d been alone. Now she had more people in her life who cared about her than she’d imagined possible.

A fluttery sensation flitted inside her womb, and she touched her stomach, still awed by the life growing there. “Oh, I think she moved,” Sloane gasped.

“You sure you’re okay?” Ben immediately shifted to gaze into her eyes while covering her hand with his. “Nothing’s wrong with our Little Peanut?”

Sloane loved the way he watched over her, protecting her and their little one. After all, she’d had a bit of a scare during her first trimester and had stayed off her feet until she’d been cleared to resume normal activities by her OB/GYN. “I’m fine,” she reassured him. “She’s fine. We’re good.”

“You did too much… making that huge prime rib roast and three pies for dessert.” He cradled her cheeks and brushed his lips over hers. “Tomorrow, you’re not lifting a finger. No argument. We’ve got plenty of people here who can pick up the slack.”

“You forget that I’m not the only pregnant woman in this chateau.”

“Tell me about it,” Ben said. “Jonah has no idea what he’s walking into when he gets here. Estrogen overload.”

“You love it.”

“I love you,” he said, kissing her again.

She lost herself to the magic of the moment as Christmas carols piped through hidden speakers in the ceiling. Here, in the arms of her husband, she had found a safe place to fall. When Ben finally broke their kiss, he continued to hold her so close she could smell the intoxicating scent of musk and man mingling together. She could see the flecks of gold dancing in his beautiful brown eyes when she locked her gaze on his.

And when his lips curved into a sexy smile full of promises… promises she’d make him keep later tonight… she fell in love all over again.