“So,” James said. “Ask me then.”
“Pardon?” Warwick sat in the last chair that was pulled up to the desk.
“Warwick, you are my brother in every way but blood. I have watched you grow, and you, like your siblings, have taught me the meaning of life and love. I am as proud of the man who stands before me as Dev and Cam are. You have become everything I knew you would be. Strong, proud, and stubborn, just like your big brother.”
“I protest,” Dev drawled.
“We”—James pointed to Dev, and then to himself—“have waited for this day since we became aware of what lay between us. In fact, we and most of the family have discussed this matter often over the last few years.”
“What matter?” Warwick was not going to make it easy on them.
“We have seen you with her. You love my little sister, Warwick. It is as plain for us to see as the nose on your face.”
“I do love her.”
The three men smiled.
“Our plan worked, it seems,” Cam added.
“Cam, be quiet,” Dev snapped.
“What plan?” Warwick demanded.
James and Dev sighed. Cam smiled. “He will find out anyway, there is not much we can keep from him.”
“What plan?” he said again.
“The family were not sick when you went to Wales,” Dev said.
He was literally speechless. Warwick had not known, and in fact had no inkling that his family had sent him to get Samantha because they wanted to throw them together. He’d believed their stories of illness and other appointments and heard nothing to change that.
“I’m a fool,” he muttered.
“That was never in doubt,” Cam said. “But we were sick of watching and waiting while you and Samantha snapped and snarled at each other like two wary dogs. It was past time you realized what lay between you.”
“I should be furious with you all.”
“And yet, you are not,” James said. “I meant every word of what I said, brother. I have never wanted another man for my sister. It has always been you. You, like these two idiots, are the best of men.”
Warwick rose as the duke did and hugged him hard. His brothers were next. The door opened and Dorrie, Somer, and Eden walked in.
“Samantha is asleep in my old bed, James,” Somer said. “Exhausted but warm. We made her eat something too.”
“Excellent.”
“And you and she have finally decided you are in love, I believe?” Somer said around a yawn.
“We have.” He didn’t deny it. They all knew, it seemed, anyway.
His sisters hugged him hard and kissed his cheeks. Eden dug her finger into his side, telling him it was about time.
“I will come and get Samantha in the morning,” James said when they were done. “I will now walk three of the most beautiful women in London home. Your men should be back soon.”
“I’ll accompany you,” Cam said. “Congratulations, little brother.” He hugged Warwick.
“I’m proud of you,” Dev said after they’d gone. “James is right, you are the very best of men. I could not be happier for you and Samantha.”
“I need to ask her first,” Warwick said.
