Gone

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Adam held tightly to Amy, his heart pounding joyously as he kissed her hair, the nape of her graceful neck. They'd just made love and were laying in the hotel bed, basking in the afterglow, her back pressed against his front.

He loved her so much. He couldn't imagine being any happier than he was at that very moment. He praised whatever gods or force had brought him back together with the beautiful redhead - with her *and* little Mandy.

He encircled both arms around Amy's waist, silent and thoughtful as he listened to her breathing. Thoughts of their daughter brought something else to mind. He wasn't so sure how *she* would react to it, though.

"Ames?" He kept his voice soft, and he nuzzled her shoulder affectionately as he tightened his hold on her.

"Hmm?" She stirred to glance over her shoulder at him, then started to move even more. The blond man loosened his grip, and the diva turned fully around, a soft smile on her countenance as she met his emerald eyes. There was a moment of silence between them as she raised a hand, cupping her palm against his stubble-covered cheek. She marveled at the sheer masculine beauty of him, wondering not for the first time how she'd ever gotten through these last several years without him.

Adam turned his head toward her hand, just enough so he could press a soft kiss to her palm. God, he loved her. And, when he really thought about it, these last few years, he'd basically been like a shell of himself. He hadn't felt quite so whole until she'd been brought back into his life a few months ago - and until they'd really gotten together, as they were meant to be, he'd pretty much felt like half a man.

But that was all behind him now. He had Amy back in his life. He had Amanda, the daughter he'd never known he had. And, not that it had really mattered because they'd both known the truth, but he had the DNA test papers as well. Life couldn't be any more perfect. Well, it *could* - but he would take care of that in due time.

"I was just thinking," he said softly, his gaze locked on her hazel eyes. He reached down and grasped her hand, gently interlacing his long fingers with her smaller, delicate ones. He smiled as he felt her squeeze his hand tenderly.

Amy felt a tiny smile tugging at her lips as she gazed deeply into his eyes. His breath was so warm and sweet against her face. She felt as though she could just about lose herself... Those twin pools of forest green just about left her feeling intoxicated.

"Anyway," the tall blond man continued, a strange, irrational fear running through him. Would she react favorably to what he was about to say? "I'd like Mandy to have my last name." He held his breath for a beat as he watched her beautiful face for any sign of a reaction.

The redhead's face blossomed as she smiled brightly. Again, she reached a hand to his cheek, her fingers dancing softly on his skin.

"Amanda Joanna Copeland... I love it," she breathed.

He arched a brow.

"'Joanna?'" It was the first time he'd ever heard of his daughter's middle name.

Amy blushed.

"Truthfully, I chose that as her middle name because... because..." She looked down, bashful. Her heart was thudding like mad now.

Adam ducked his head to keep his gaze on her face. He placed his hand under her chin, gently tipping her head up so that their eyes met, gazes locked.

"Because...?"

The redhead licked her lips, then finished her thought.

"Well, because it was so close to *your* middle name," she admitted.

A grin spread across the blond man's handsome face. God, this woman was adorable, and so very precious. She actually felt shy about telling him she'd given their daughter a middle name that was basically named after *his* middle name. It was just so cute. He chuckled softly.

Amy eyed him questioningly.

"You're absolutely adorable," he whispered. He drew her nearer to him, kissing her passionately.

Amy melted and kissed him back with equal fervor. She never wanted to let him go.  
 
 

Part 39

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