Two years later
Rachel searched the restaurant full of diners for Helen and Harold. She saw them in front of the picture window and strode to their table, so glad her best friend had given Harold a chance. He’d turned out to be such a dear man and perfect for Helen.
“I hope the dinner was to your satisfaction.”
“Are you kidding?” Helen placed her hand over Harold’s. “It was a delicious prime rib.”
“Only the best for your first anniversary.”
Helen smiled. “What are you going to do about your second one coming up in three weeks?”
Rachel laid her hand over her rounded stomach. “Hopefully, be in the hospital delivering this sucker.”
“Are you sure you trust me in your kitchen while you’re on maternity leave?”
“Well, it was you or Michael. And he told me in no uncertain terms he would be too busy taking care of me and the baby.”
Helen squeezed her husband’s hand. “Aren’t men grand?”
“Harold, you better watch out. She wants something,” Rachel said with a laugh.
“I’ve learned how to handle this woman.” He winked at Helen.
“I think that’s my cue to leave you two lovebirds alone.”
Rachel headed toward the kitchen, stopping at tables on the way to say a few words to the customers. When she reached one couple, she smiled and said, “I’m glad you and Tom could come this evening, Mary Lou.”
The woman returned her smile. “I thought it would be a perfect way to top off a great week, since we had to bring Garrett and Shaun back.”
“I haven’t seen them yet. Did they have fun at Disney World?”
Mary Lou’s eyes sparkled. “I didn’t realize how much energy they had. We were up at dawn and went all day—not one break. I believe I wore out a pair of tennis shoes.”
Rachel laughed. “I know what you mean. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
Rachel paused at the entrance to the kitchen to scan her restaurant. Pride straightened her shoulders as she noted every table was full. People came from all over to sample her food. She and the Cajun Queen had been written up in the New Orleans and Jackson newspapers. But all this wouldn’t mean much without Michael and his love.
As she entered her domain, she was captured from behind and pulled against a hard body. She snuggled against the man holding her, his familiar, comforting scent wafting to her.
Michael buried his face in her hair. “Mmm. You smell like garlic and onions.”
“I’m not sure that’s a compliment.”
“To a chef, I’m sure it is.” He turned her around, his arms still loosely about her.
“You know I’m busy.”
He looked over her shoulder at the workers in the kitchen and drew her to the side so a waiter could get through the door. “I won’t keep you. I just wanted to check and make sure you were all right before heading home.”
She cupped his face. She loved how he fussed over her even to the point that the riverboat had remained at the pier for the past two weeks and would until after the baby was born. “I realize you’ve been gone all day to Vicksburg, but honey, I have your pager number as well as your cell phone number. Believe me, if I go into labor, you’ll be the first person I notify, even before the doctor.”
“Do you think that’s wise?”
“In this case, yes. You’d think this was your first child, not mine.”
Michael placed his hand on her stomach, stroking it. He felt a kick and smiled. “He wants out of there.”
“His mother wants him out of there, too. I think I’ve put on thirty pounds.”
His gaze linked with hers. “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”
Tears thickened her throat. “You’re going to make me cry, and I still have work to do.”
“Then I’ll leave. I’ll be back to pick you up.” He slid his hands into her hair and brought her mouth to his.
His kiss, full of all the emotions he felt, shook her to her very soul. Right in front of all the kitchen staff, she returned his kiss, her arms winding about her husband’s neck.
When they parted, the staff clapped. Rachel blushed while Michael gave her another quick kiss, then left. Content and happy, she walked to the sink to wash her hands before cooking. She had everything she could ever want.
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