“Why did you do it?” he asked. “Why did you risk yourself? Leonard could have tracked you; he could have found you?—”
“But he did not.” She cut him off.
“Yes, but why, Dee?”
“Because, Austin,” her soft smile mesmerized him, “when you love someone, you find your happiness in helping them.”
Austin realized the words she spoke. He closed the gap between them and reached for her. Deena’s skin felt alive against his touch. He held her hand and grazed her shoulder until she shivered and blushed.
Austin cupped her face and smiled down at her as he wiped her tears away. “You saved me, Dee. No one has ever done that before.”
“You can thank me later,” she said, attempting to flirt, but she choked on her emotions.
Austin laughed lightly. “I will, my duchess. But first, promise one thing?”
“What will that be?” She tilted her head in that familiar way he loved.
“No more sneaking around and no more secrets.”
Deena was quiet for a minute, pretending she was deep in thought. Austin shook his head and chuckled.
She beamed up at him. “I promise.”
He pinned one of her loose curls behind her ear and gazed at her.
“I love you, Deena.” The words tore free at last, and he felt liberated.
Deena’s smile faded into something sweeter, and her eyes teared up again.
“I love you too, Austin.”
Austin could not wait any longer. He pulled her towards him, and Deena gasped. Austin swallowed the sound easily with a deep kiss. He poured every fear, every hope, and every promise into that single moment, and Deena reciprocated. The world, the scandals, and even Leonard began to crumble away as he held his wife in his arms and allowed her sweetness to take over him.
Epilogue
“Welcome home, Your Grace.” Mrs. Mildred was the first to greet them. She curtsied deeply. “We have prayed for your safe return.”
Deena smiled warmly. “Thank you, Mrs. Mildred. It is good to be back after a week of exile.”
“Mrs. Mildred, we have missed you and thank you for taking care of Windemere House in our absence.” Austin smiled at the elderly woman, causing her to blush profusely.
“It is only an honor, Your Grace.” She bowed low before him.
The servants gathered behind her, their expressions a mixture of relief and loyalty. Deena looked around until her eyes fell upon Austin. She felt at home.
“Shall I prepare some tea, Your Grace?” Mrs. Mildred asked them.
“No, that is not necessary. Her Grace and I shall retire to our chambers,” Austin replied rather quickly.
When the servants dispersed, Austin approached Deena and squeezed her hand once before guiding her to their chamber. The moment they reached the upper floor, Austin swung open the door, picked Deena up in his arms, and entered. She squealed in delight as Austin left soft kisses on her cheek, her forehead, and her lips before he placed her gently on her feet.
“I believe you were meant to do that on the wedding night,” Deena teased him softly.
Austin let out a low laugh that made her quiver with want.
“I am simply making up for lost time, Dee.” He winked at her and sauntered to the door, closing and locking it with a flick of his wrist.
Deena laughed and looked at the bed shyly as silence stretched between them. They were alone for the first time in a while, and she felt both nervous and excited.
