Gabriel's Angel by Nora Roberts Page A

don’t think I want you to say it.” The nerves began to eat at her again, and she twisted her fingers together. He meant it. She had no doubt that he meant what he said. The prospect of being wanted by him both thrilled and terrified her. “Don’t you see, I’ve already made one terrible mistake.”
    He crossed to her, gently drawing her hands apart and into his. “You’re not indifferent to me?”
    â€œNo, but—”
    â€œYou’re not afraid of me?”
    Some of the tension seeped out of her. “No.”
    â€œThen let me help you.”
    â€œI’m going to have another man’s child.”
    â€œNo.” He took her face in his hands because he wanted her eyes on his. “Marry me, and the child is ours. Privately, publicly, totally.”
    The tears came back. “They’ll come.”
    â€œLet them. They won’t touch you again, and they won’t take the baby.”
    Safety. Could what had always eluded her really be only a promise away? She opened her mouth, knowing that agreement was on her tongue. Then her heart turned over in her chest and she lifted a hand to his cheek. “How could I do this to you?”
    For an answer, he put his lips to hers. The need was there, she couldn’t deny it, couldn’t pretend it away. She tasted it as his mouth drew from hers. She felt it when his hand skimmed through her hair to brace, both possessive and supportive, at the back of her neck. Instinctively, wanting to give, she lifted her other hand to his face. They rested there, comforting.
    She wasn’t the only one who had demons, Laura thought. She wasn’t the only one who needed love and understanding. Because he was strong, it was easy to forget that he, too, might have pain. Seeking to soothe, she drew him closer into her arms.
    He could have sunk into her, into the softness, the generosity. This was what he wanted to capture on canvas, her warmth, her spirit. And this was what he was forced to admit he would never have the skill to translate. This part of her beauty, this most essential part, could never be painted. But it could be cherished.
    â€œYou need me,” he murmured as he drew her away. “And I need you.”
    She nodded, then rested her head on his shoulder, because that seemed to say it all.
    ***
    Due to fresh flurries, it was three days before Gabe risked a trip into town. Laura watched him as he downed a final cup of coffee before pulling on his coat.
    â€œI’ll be as quick as I can.”
    â€œI’d rather you took your time and paid attention to the roads.”
    â€œThe Jeep drives like a tank.” He accepted the gloves she held out to him but didn’t put them on. “I don’t like leaving you alone.”
    â€œGabe, I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time.”
    â€œThings have changed. My lawyers have probably sent the marriage license.”
    Immediately she began to fuss with the breakfast dishes. “That would be quick work.”
    â€œThey get paid to work fast, and it’s been three days since I contacted them. If I can arrange it, I’d like to bring a justice of the peace back here with me.”
    A cup slipped out of her hand and plopped into the soapy water. “Today?”
    â€œYou haven’t changed your mind?”
    â€œNo, but—”
    â€œI want my name on the birth certificate.” He had a moment of panic, vague and disturbing, at her hesitation. “It would be less complicated if we were married before the baby’s born.”
    â€œYes, that makes sense.” It seemed so rushed. She plunged her hands into the water and began to wash. Her first wedding had been rushed, too, a whirlwind of flowers and champagne and white silk.
    â€œI realize you might prefer something a little more festive, but under the circumstances—”
    â€œNo.” She turned and managed a smile. “No, I don’t care