QUOTE : She felt his presence behind her even before she heard the crunch of his boots in the hay. Before she could turn, his hands slid around her waist. “My beautiful wife,” he whispered against her ear. His breath bathed her neck in warmth. His strong arms pulled her back against his torso, and his lips found the skin beneath her ear. She gasped and tilted her head, giving him access to her neck, to her very soul. “How is my littlest princess?” She smiled at his question and placed her hands over his as he made a leisurely tour over her well-rounded abdomen. “And what if it’s a prince?” “Then after he’s born, I shall have to set to work immediately procuring another princess.” Heat bloomed in her middle and fanned into her cheeks. “I missed you.” His lips descended again to her neck and made a warm trail to her collarbone. “I couldn’t live another day without you.” “Then it’s a very good thing you came home.” She loved the gentleness of his hands on her belly. “I certainly wouldn’t want you to perish on account of me.