Diamond in the rough, p.36
Diamond in the Rough, page 36
“Can’t argue with that,” Murray said. “I’m sure Reverend Lewis is delighted that members of the New York Four Hundred are beginning to do more than simply send charities a few dollars every now and again. He has you to thank for that, Poppy, what with how you’ve turned so determined to get all of society involved in philanthropic endeavors.”
“She can be determined when she sets her mind to it,” Reginald said, smiling as he caught Poppy’s eye, the smile leaving her distinctly weak at the knees again.
Murray released a snort. “Honestly, there the two of you go again. I think this is where I take my leave before you embarrass me.” Giving Poppy’s cheek a kiss, then shaking Reginald’s hand, he swung himself up into the saddle, clicked his tongue, then sent them a cheery wave as Wilbur ambled away.
“Do you think we’re really alone at last?” Reginald asked, taking hold of Poppy’s hand and pulling her back into the house through the kitchen.
“Until someone else arrives at the door.”
Reginald looked to Mr. Parsons, who was stirring something in a bowl as Mrs. Hardie poured more flour into it. “Would you tell anyone else who might come to call that Poppy and I aren’t receiving visitors this afternoon?”
Mr. Parsons smiled. “Of course. I’m sure it must get a bit tiring being the most sought-after couple in the city.”
“You have no idea,” Reginald said with a grin, pulling Poppy through the kitchen and then up to the suite of rooms they were using until their house was finished.
“I was thinking we might go to Delmonico’s for dinner later,” Reginald said, kicking off his shoes before he dropped into a cushy chair in the sitting room attached to their bedchamber.
“That might be nice, although I’ve been somewhat queasy today, so we’ll need to wait and see if my stomach settles down.”
Concern immediately flashed through his eyes as he took her hand and pulled her down directly on his lap. “Do you think you’re coming down with a cold?”
Poppy considered that for all of a second before she blew out a breath. “I wasn’t intending on merely blurting this out, but I’m not coming down with a cold. I’m coming down with something remarkable.”
Reginald grew completely still. “What?”
“Remarkable. I’m coming down with—or rather, carrying might be a better way to phrase it—something remarkable.”
Reginald shifted her on his lap. “Am I to understand you’re expecting?”
Poppy’s vision turned a touch blurry. “I am. We’ll be increasing our family before the year is out, and if you ask me, life can’t get any more remarkable than that.”
“I won’t argue with you there.” With that, Reginald brushed a tear from her face. “Have I told you today how much I love you?”
“At least twenty times.”
“I’ve been a bit negligent then.” With that, he told her he loved her again, drew her head toward his, and then . . . he kissed her.
Acknowledgments
The longer I’m in this unusual world of publishing, the more I understand how much effort in takes on the part of a great many people to get my stories out into the hands of readers. I’d like to take a moment to thank some of those people.
To Raela Schoenherr, my editor who has been with me from my very first book. Your proficiency with story always amazes me, and your suggestions have improved my writing with every book.
To Jennifer Veilleux, a recent, and I must add, wonderful addition to my editing team. Your willingness to chat through plot points is so appreciated, especially when I write myself into corners and have no idea how to get out of those disasters.
To Noelle Chew, my marketing director and friend. Even though you did make me hike to dinner in really hot weather, up an incredibly steep hill, while wearing heels, I always enjoy your company, as well as your expertise in everything publishing related.
To Amy Green, my publicist. You rock. There’s really nothing else to add there.
To Rachael Wing, my adoptive daughter. Thanks for taking it upon yourself to decide I needed an assistant. You’re a bit bossy, but you were right—I desperately needed your help. So delighted you’ve found your perfect job at Bethany House. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you.
To everyone else at Bethany House. You’ve been amazing to work with all these years. I couldn’t do this without you.
To Natasha Kern, my incredible agent. Thanks for all the support and advice. I appreciate you always looking out for me.
To Al and Dom, my guys. I’ll just leave it at that because I know it embarrasses both of you when I get mushy.
To The Gilded Gals of Turano Street, my fabulous street team. Thank you for the amazing support you give me, as well as all the ways you go about promoting my work. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know all of you.
To all my readers. You’re the best part of my job! Thanks for reading my stories.
And to God, who gives me all of my stories and gives me so much more every day of my life.
Jen Turano, a USA Today bestselling author, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and RWA. She lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.
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Table of Contents
Cover
Half Title Page
Books by Jen Turano
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Contents
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2
3
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Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Back Ads
Back Cover
List of Pages
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Jen Turano, Diamond in the Rough
