Dream Bride by Susan Mallery

Author:Susan Mallery [Susan Mallery]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

DESPITE THE HARD ground, Chloe found herself drifting off to sleep. Perhaps it was a result of the physical exercise from hiking all afternoon. Or maybe it was because her body had been so thoroughly satisfied by Arizona’s lovemaking. She decided she didn’t much care. As long as he snuggled next to her, his arms around her making her warm and keeping her safe.

She lay on her side with him behind her, spooning against her. One arm rested heavily on her waist. She placed her hand on top of his and savored the feel of him. Her mind drifted and images formed. Images of Arizona. They hadn’t know each other very long, but already the man was very much a part of her life.

She slept dreamlessly until well after midnight. Then she sank deeper and deeper into the dreaming place. Unrelated bits and pieces flitted through her mind until they came together to form a picture. Chloe found herself walking toward a vehicle. But instead of her sleek, sporty convertible, she unlocked a Suburban.

“Come on, you two,” she called over her shoulder. “We’re going to be late.” But she wasn’t angry as she spoke. The scene had been played out a hundred times before and they’d never once been late, although the children did love to dawdle.

A girl of maybe six or seven and a boy of four trotted after her, then climbed into the truck. Chloe stepped in after them. She checked to make sure they were wearing their seat belts, then carefully adjusted her own so that it encircled her very pregnant belly.

As she backed out of the driveway, she glanced up and saw the Victorian house where she’d lived her entire life. An upper floor curtain moved and Aunt Charity waved at her. Chloe waved back. Aunt Charity would take care of making dinner tonight, as she had for the past couple of weeks. Chloe was running behind on her book deadline, and she wanted to get the project out before the baby came. Plus there was the party on Friday, for which she wasn’t close to ready. Her daughter needed a costume for the school play; she and Arizona had to make plans to celebrate their anniversary. It was overwhelming.

As she turned onto the main street, she found herself smiling. Yes, at times life overwhelmed her, but she’d never been happier or more content. She and Arizona were so right together. As if they truly were each other’s destiny.

As she drove into traffic, the two children in the back began to sing. Chloe joined in. The words were a familiar rhyme. Then the sound faded and she found herself drifting out of the dream. She tried to call out a protest. She didn’t want to leave. It was perfect there. She wanted it to be real. She wanted him to be her destiny.

Chloe awoke with a start. Cold night air caressed her cheek and for a moment, she didn’t know where she was. Something long and strong and warm cradled her from behind, trapping her in an unfamiliar cocoon.

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