He turned, pressing a reverent kiss to her soft palm. “On the contrary. I’m in the best way. Because I have you and our babe.”
Rhiannon sniffed, looking misty-eyed again. “I want to kiss you, but I’m afraid I’ll hurt your lip.”
“Kiss me anyway, my love,” he said, framing her beautiful, beloved face in his hands.
She rose on her toes and settled her mouth softly against his.
He kissed her back with all the love that was burning for her deep within his shadowed heart.
EPILOGUE
ONE MONTH LATER
Rhiannon awaited her husband in her new bedroom at Richford House, wearing nothing more than a sinfully revealing night rail she had chosen with Aubrey in mind, her hair unbound and flowing freely down her back. It was the night she had been awaiting for the last arduous month whilst Mater had plotted and planned her wedding with the same devoted joy she showed her ferns, shells, and taxidermy.
The latter had proven rather disconcerting. Rhiannon was still bemused by her mother’s attempts to show both herself and her brother at least as much attention as Mater paid her collections. It was heartening, however, as was Mater’s effort to get to know Aubrey despite her initial concern over the unusual circumstances that had brought Rhiannon and Aubrey together.
Smiling to herself, Rhiannon cradled the slight swell of her belly. She and Aubrey planned to retire to Villiers House well before her lying-in so that they wouldn’t cause any undue gossip when the babe arrived. Mater had offered to accompany them, wishing to dote over her grandbaby. Just as long as she could bring her fern collection with her.
A light tap at the door adjoining her chamber to Aubrey’s interrupted Rhiannon’s musings then.
“Come,” she called, eager to have him all to herself after the bustle of the day. First, there had been the wedding, followed by a wedding breakfast that had gone on for hours until she and Aubrey had finally escaped.
Now, their obligations were at last at an end. There was no one but the two of them.
The door opened, and Aubrey came to her, wearing a dark silk banyan and looking so handsome it was all she could do not to throw herself directly into his arms. His emerald stare traveled over her hungrily, and her nipples went instantly stiff beneath the cool silk of her gown.
“My God, minx,” he murmured, his voice awed. “The goddess of dawn cannot hold a candle to you. You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you.” She smiled at him, love for him bursting in her heart. “You are the most handsome groom as well, to be certain.”
He stopped before her, taking her hands in his and bringing them to his lips to press reverent kisses on her knuckles. “If I’m dreaming, please don’t wake me.”
“It feels a bit like a dream, doesn’t it? The last month has been an eternity.”
“Three lifetimes,” he said easily. “I couldn’t wait to have you here with me, where you belong.” He released her hands and gently caressed her stomach. “Where you both belong.”
Warmth spread through her at his touch.
“I felt the same.”
“How is our little bean?” he asked.
“Quite well, I’m sure.” It was yet too soon for her to detect any movement of the babe.
“And how are you, my love? You’re not feeling ill, are you? If you would prefer it, I can leave you to rest.”
She grasped his lapel, holding him to her. “You are not going anywhere, husband.”
“As my duchess wishes.” He grinned down at her. “Besides, I’ve seen the damage she can do with a fire poker. I have no wish to be bludgeoned on my wedding night.”
His beautiful face had thankfully healed from the day Rhys had pummeled him for ruining her, and in time for their nuptials. She didn’t regret hitting her brother with the fire poker either. She would do it again in a moment.
“I’m not nearly as bloodthirsty as my brother,” she teased.
“No more talk of Whit just now, if you please,” Aubrey returned lightly. “I’d hate to have my cock wilt before I can even make use of it.”
Rhiannon laughed. “Fair enough. I have rather a lot of plans for your cock this evening.”
