Page 189 of Dukes Are Forever

Adele's luscious rosebud mouth dropped open, and for once, it seemed he'd rendered her speechless.

"Is that a yes?" he teased, as a single tear slid down her cheek.

"Oh, my goodness. Yes!"

He eased the new ring onto her finger, and she splayed her fingers wide to examine it.

"Emeralds," he said, with a wicked smile. "To match your eyes. And a pair of pearls I kept from your necklace. You keep prattling on about diamonds, but I think, in a secret little part of you, there's a sentimental woman."

Adele burst into laughter.

And then a tear slid down her cheek, and she flung her arms around him as he pushed to his feet. The sweet crush of her body against his eased some small tension he'd been carrying. He'd known she'd say yes, but there was something nerve-wracking to be said for doing this when it actually mattered.

"That was almost romantic" came a very small whisper.

"Believe it or not," he whispered back, burying his face against her throat, "I planned it all myself. I win our war, Adele. I have you right where I want you."

Her laughter lifted his heart as she drew back with twinkling eyes. "I would call it a draw, Your Grace. Considering I finally brought the arrogant Duke of Malloryn to hisactualknees."

"Let's start a new game," he said, sliding a hand up to cup her nape as he lowered his head. "This one lasts forever. And we both win."

And then he kissed his wife as a new dawn broke over London, promising a brighter future.

For all of them.

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