The doorbell rang. “That will be Flora.” Sarah was still chuckling as she rose, crossed the room, and opened the front door of the suite.

“Flora!” Lilly hopped out of her chair. She ran over to her nanny and tugged on her hand. “Come on in. We’re having pizza!”

“I can see that,” Flora replied, laughing affectionately down at Lilly’s sauce-smeared face.

“We have plenty.” Sarah waved her hand toward the dining table laden with pizza boxes. “Help yourself.”

“Hi, Flora,” Jane said, dabbing her napkin against her lips. “Thanks for taking the train in.” She pushed away from the table. “Well, I’m off to get beautified for the big night. Wish me luck! After all that pizza, I hope I don’t have difficulty squeezing into that glorious dress Sarah made me buy.” Smiling happily, Jane blew Sarah and Lilly kisses, wiggled her fingers at Mick, and then disappeared into her bedroom.

*   *   *

“What are you grinning about?” Sarah asked as she stepped out of the shower and wrapped herself in one of the hotel’s big robes. He would need to purchase a couple of those robes to bring home, as the sight of Sarah in one conjured memories of the very first time they’d made love. The stitches in her hand had been removed that morning, and throughout her shower, she had kept up a running commentary about how wonderful it was to no longer have to wear the protective covering while bathing. How grateful she was that her abdomen was healing so nicely, and that she was finally able to withstand warmer water and what a blessing it was. And all the while his heart was full to overflowing listening to her happy chatter about all the good in her life, this woman, who had been to hell and back, talking about blessings. No wonder he loved her.

“What?” Sarah nudged him with her hip. “Are you laughing because I look goofy?”

“No.” Sarah was wearing a shower cap to protect her new haircut for tonight, but that wasn’t why he was grinning.

“You look too pleased with yourself,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind, nuzzling his neck. “You’ve got to be up to some kind of mischief.”

“I can’t tell you.” He turned from the mirror, where he’d been halfway through shaving.

“No secrets,” she said, tugging on his towel, both of them remembering what had happened the last time she’d done that. However, things were different. They were getting ready to go to his premiere and couldn’t be late. Lilly was sprawled on her belly in the next room playing a rousing game of old maid with Flora. “Tell me,” Sarah demanded as imperious as a queen, which just made him burn for her even hotter.

“Later.”