July Fourth

THE SKY OVERHEAD WAS ALIVE WITH SHOWERS OF DANCING light and whirling shapes that chased each other heavenward and tumbled back down in a shimmering waterfall.

Lying on a blanket with her head resting on her husband's shoulder, Diana watched the breathtaking display from beside the lake on the lawns at Unified's beautiful landscaped grounds. They had a ringside seat and the entire place to themselves.

"Do you think Cal can see this?"

"Yes."

"Do you think he's enjoying it?"

He chuckled. "I don't see how he could. He wanted to come along with us."

"We should have brought him."

"No," he said, kissing her temple, "we should not have brought him. Remember when he wanted heirs at any cost?"

"I remember."

"Now he has a brand-new one. He can watch the fireworks from the house with Conner's nanny and help her keep an eye on his nephew."

"But—"

Cole muffled her protest with a kiss and rolled her onto her back on the blanket, pinning her beneath him. "Remember when you said I missed out on my youth?"

Diana lifted her hand, slowly brushing her fingertips across his hard jaw in a soft caress. "I remember," she whispered while fireworks exploded overhead in a crescendo of sound and light.

"Do you know the main thing I missed out on?"

"No, what?"

"I always wanted to make love to a woman who was watching fireworks over my shoulder."

She smiled at that, but she was remembering other things. She remembered when he held his son for the first time three months ago. He had carried him over to the windows of her hospital room, his expression filled with wonder, then turned him to the windows. "Conner," he said to the infant in his arms, "this is the city of Dallas. Daddy is going to give it to you."

Cole studied her smile. "What are you thinking about?"

"I'm remembering," she whispered.

"Would you like something else to remember?" he volunteered with a muffled laugh.

Diana withdrew her gaze from the fireworks. "Very much."