And so blazing hot.
His mouth moved over hers with confidence, never a doubt he was going to win her heart. And yet he offered up his own heart in surrender as well.
His splendid lips continued to press firmly but gently over hers. She had spent pages in her diary describing their fullnessand perfect shape. When he smiled, his lips were as beautiful as sunshine and capable of melting a frozen wasteland.
His tongue dipped into her mouth, gently invading when she opened for him. Until this very moment, she had not realized there was more to a kiss than the mere press of one’s mouth to another. In truth, they were a splendid assault on one’s being, a magnificent invasion of the soul.
It was also the introduction to the intimacy of their bodies joining physically. She looked forward to it, for he made her feel desired and safe within the circle of his muscled arms.
She moaned as she breathed in his divine musk scent.
“Eden, dear heaven.” He laughed softly afterward, smiling at her as they eased apart. “I knew it would be good with you.”
“Just good?” She leaned her head against his chest when he drew her closer again. She felt his strong and steady heartbeat, while hers was wildly racing.
Had she made a cake of herself? Shown herself to be inept?
“It was spectacular, love,” he whispered against her ear.
“Yes. I thought so too.” She gazed up at him, melting again when he smiled at her. “I saw moonlight and starlight. It was even more incredible than I ever imagined a Silver Duke’s kiss could be. But I learned something important, something that you probably knew all along.”
“What is that?”
“Your kisses will always be moonlight kisses, the best sort of kisses because they are given in love.”
He gave her an exquisitely tender kiss on the cheek. “There are plenty more in store for you, if you wish it.”
She nodded. “I do wish it.”
“Good,” he said, releasing a light breath as he studied her intently. “Do you need more convincing? Or have I removed all doubt? Eden, love. Will you marry me?”
She had never felt so much joy in her life as she responded, “Yes.”
Chapter Fourteen
Connor had allowedhis children to stay up late so they might join him and Eden in celebrating their betrothal. It was hours beyond their usual bedtime, but they were too excited to care. He even allowed the boys a glass of champagne each. Priscilla took a sip of Eden’s, but she did not like it when the bubbles ran up her nose.
“Yick,” she muttered, unimpressed by perhaps the finest selection from one of the most revered chateau vineyards in the Champagne region of France.
But he’d never seen happier children, and knew their lives would forever change for the better now that Eden was to become a part of their family. In truth, they had accepted her years ago.
His namesake, young Connor, hugged him fiercely. “Thank you, Papa. You made the best choice.”
Alex was next to hug him. “Took you long enough,” he grumbled, and then hugged him again.
Priscilla tore at his heart and also managed to insult him. “I wished so hard upon every star at night, hoping you would make Eden our mama. We all loved her so much, and she loved us. Why did you wait so long, Papa? You made Eden so sad. But it’s all better now.”
Yes, it was better.
And he was never going to be so foolish as to hide loving Eden ever again. She would get his affection by the bucketful.
After the betrothal announcement, and once the children scampered back upstairs to their bedchambers, he and Eden took his mother and her parents into the study for a moment of privacy. The food and champagne flowed freely and would keep their guests happily occupied. If that wasn’t enough, the orchestra hired throughout the week was playing a lively reel, and the card room was open for those who wished to play instead of dancing.
Connor closed the door to the study to allow the five of them privacy. He hoped against hope that Eden’s parents could behave like adults for the next ten minutes while details of their betrothal and wedding were discussed. As for his mother, she had quite the smug expression on her face.
“What is that look about?” Connor said, arching an eyebrow as he settled in a chair beside Eden, facing the three parents, who sat in a row on the sofa. His mother sat between Eden’s parents, of course. It was never safe to have that battling duo within arm’s reach of each other.
“I was beginning to despair you would ever come around,” his mother said. “So I had to prepare a battle plan.”
