The Marriage Clause by Dahlia Rose Page B

already the mother of my baby and I’d like you to be my wife. I love you India, I’ve always loved you. If our grandparents hadn’t meddled with our lives or the baby never happened I’d of found my way to you because it’s always been you. Marry me.”
    Her smile only enhanced her beauty and when she nodded and whispered, “Yes.”  Mikael was on top of the world. True to his word, he grabbed her and kissed her like his life depended on it, while people passing cheered at his proposal. They were officially engaged when he slipped the ring on her finger and he pressed a kiss to her lips once more.
    “Let’s pay the check and head to our suite at the hotel,” Mikael murmured.
    She used her fingertip to wipe the tears away. “Okay, I’m sorry I’m crying, the hormones don’t let me stop.”
    He put the money for their dinner in the leather case the waiter placed on the table making sure to leave a large tip.  Mikael helped her up from the table and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
    He kissed her temple as they walked. “Baby, you cry as much as you want. I’m just happy you said yes.”
    India leaned against him. “I’m happy you asked me.”
    Even though they were in the city, it took almost forty-five minutes to get from the Seaport to Times Square. Outside the hotel he opted for valet parking, not wanting to deal with more traffic trying to find where the parking deck was.
    As he checked them in the receptionist smiled at India. “How far along are you?”
    “About five months,” India answered.
    “Boy or girl?” she asked as she worked on the keys.
    “We don’t know yet but we find out soon,” Mikael said.
    The receptionist patted her own flat tummy. “Eight weeks, is it really hard to be carrying a baby? It’s my first.”
    India leaned forward on the desk. “It’s my first too, and after the morning sickness finally left it’s been nothing but great.”
    The receptionist beamed in happiness. “Thank goodness you said that, my sisters are always talking about the pain and how sick they were. I’m glad to know everyone doesn’t feel that way.” She handed Mikael two key cards. “Happy Fourth of July and enjoy your stay.”
    “Congratulations and you enjoy your pregnancy,” India said.
    They took the elevator to the sixteenth floor and once there Mikael pulled the blinds apart to reveal the amazing view of the river. From here they would be able to see the fireworks of Fourth of July without having to brave the heat or the crowds.
    India came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.  “Did I mention how happy you make me?”
    He loved feeling her warm body against his. “It couldn’t possibly be as happy as you make me.”
    “How about you check out the Jacuzzi tub and I’ll order you some cheesecake,” Mikael invited.
    She pressed a kiss against his back. “Okay, but you get two pieces and we get in the tub together?”
    He turned and kissed her nose. “You have the best ideas.”
    She winked as he walked away. “I know.”
    India left and he made two calls. First it was to tell Etta and Brownie that she had said yes to his marriage proposal, to which they squealed and started talking wedding plans. That was his cue to say goodbye, and his next call was to order cheesecake. When it was delivered he joined her in the Jacuzzi and there they soaked while the jets relaxed their bodies.  India made the announcement that they’d be sleeping naked on the sheets that felt like clouds. Who was he to disagree? If the woman he loved wanted to sleep naked she could have whatever she wanted.   With the air on a very cool sixty-two, they snuggled under the comforters and he pressed kisses on the skin on her neck.  He loved the way she squirmed when she was getting aroused.  She gasped and went still which set him on alert instantly.
    “Are you okay, did I hurt you?” Mikael asked.
    “No, I felt the baby move!” she said excitedly. “Put your hand here.”
    She