Free Betrayal by Fern Michaels Page A

She thought of her parents. She only wished they were here with her. She wished she could tell them she had married Alex. They would’ve approved.
    â€œI suppose you’re right about that, too, Mrs. Rocket. Now, get that butt of yours over here so I can give you a kiss.” Alex smoothed the rumpled sheets, then motioned for Kate to lie down beside him.
    After a passionate, fun-filled tumble, Kate fell asleep with absolutely nothing on her mind.
    And tomorrow was a brand-new day.

Chapter 7
    A lex and Kate hadn’t heard a word from the Winter family since they’d gone home two weeks ago. Don had called Alex telling him they’d arrived safely, and that was it. Not another word. Kate thought this odd, but didn’t mention it to Alex. He’d had enough on his mind the past few days. Bella was delivering early, just as she’d anticipated. Alex spent most days and nights at the kennel with Gertie. Jay, their vet, had spent the last twelve hours with Bella. She was having a rough delivery. Kate prayed she and her pups survived. Alex was worried, and it showed. He’d barely slept the past week. Kate had supplied hot coffee and plenty of sandwiches for him and Gertie while they remained at Bella’s side. Dinnertime rolled around. Kate still hadn’t heard a word on Bella’s condition from Alex or Gertie. She decided to visit the kennel to see for herself. She grabbed a sweater from the hall closet, slipped on her sneakers, and stepped outside.
    Kate shivered at the shock of cool air that greeted her when she opened the back door. A cold front had moved in from the north. She hoped it wasn’t a sign of a bitter winter ahead. While she loved fall-like weather, cold weather sometimes depressed her. Both her parents had died in a terrible car crash on a bleak winter day in January. Even after all these years, driving in snow and ice still made her nervous. Though it was chilly, winter was still months away. She was glad.
    She entered the kennel. Voices raised in excitement greeted her.
    â€œThat a girl! I knew you could do it.”
    â€œWould you look at . . . him! He’s one big boy!”
    â€œWait . . . wait, I’ll be damned! Here comes another!” Jay shouted.
    Kate stood in silence as Alex, Gertie, and Jay surrounded the laboring Bella. Alex held one puppy; it looked as though Gertie had two. Jay was about to deliver another.
    â€œAnd would you look at this! I think she’s the runt of the litter.” Jay held the pup up for inspection.
    Whimpering puppies and a happy Bella. Tears moistened her eyes. A beautiful sight for sure.
    â€œI see I arrived just in time,” Kate announced.
    â€œLooks like a happy crew to me.”
    â€œBella had four pups! I can’t believe it. She’s such a good girl, aren’t you?” Alex rubbed between Bella’s ears. She growled. “I know, I know. It’s hands off for now.”
    Jay checked to make sure all of the puppies were healthy. Bella was worn-out from labor and delivery; but other than that, she appeared to be in good health. Kate saw the happiness in Alex’s eyes as he stared at the puppies. She could only imagine how happy he would’ve been to be a father.
    â€œI think this calls for a toast,” Kate said. “I’ve got a bottle of champagne I’ve been saving just for such an occasion. I’ll run up to the house. Be right back.”
    She returned within a matter of minutes and poured champagne into red plastic cups. “I’d like to propose a toast.” Kate viewed the smiling faces surrounding her. “Here’s to Bella and her crew for making it the perfect day. And to Alex. For making all my days perfect.”
    Cheers were given by all. After they finished the rest of the champagne, Kate and Alex left the puppies with Gertie and Jay. Both were tipsy. Their mood exuberant.
    Kate was reminded once again how good her life with Alex really was. It