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"I certainly will," Elinore Powell agreed enthusiastically "At least Alanna has finally started the process that will bring us our future grandchildren"

"In due course, hed "In due course"

Children Color ht implied With the firm, masculine hand around her waist, her senses leaped in response, and she moved quickly away froings It was ie in them with Rolt

She had barely sat down on the sofa when Rolt was beside her He didn't exactly sit close, but his arhtly on her shoulder A slance from beneath her lashes just the same

Her father turned to therandchildren," he said affectionately and with a hint of apology "She alanted a houseful of children, but unfortunately she wasn't able to have them We consider ourselves blessed that we have you, Alanna So don't you be worried about disappointing youra family"

"Actually, dad, Rolt and I haven't talked about that," she said nervously "I don't know if he likes children"

"I like children," he told her, sirls with dark amber hair and beautiful violet blue eyes"

Desperately she wanted the subject changed And she wanted his hand off her shoulder The absent rubbing caress of his fingers made her feel weakly vulnerable, especially combined with the topic of conversation, and she steeled herself to ignore it She disliked him intensely She hated him!

The tall, spare housekeeper swept into the rooht with joy Alanna could have cried with relief Aratulations and explanations, the subject of children was lost

"It's just like having one ofmarried," Ruth declared "I've known Alanna since she was a baby" Her mother entered the room with a tray of coffee and cakes, and Ruth rushed quickly to take it from her "I told you to leave that, Elly It's too heavy for you"

"Nonsense," her o anyway You just sit back down"

Ruth did, insisting she would pour The spout of the pot was poised above the first cup when she put it back on the tray "Just think, Elly, of all there is to be done" She glanced at Alanna "When is the wedding? Have you thought about a date yet?"

Alanna was about to say that they hadn't had time, but she never had a chance to speak

"Right away," Rolt answered "Alanna wants to be a June bride"

She wanted no such thing! She turned to glare at hi into her shoulder in warning There had been no mention of when they would marry, but she hadn't dreamed it would be this soon Of course, what difference did it really ht bitterly