They eased through the crowd, walking slowly toward the entrance so as not to draw attention. Frances had her parents’ approval and didn’t want to do anything to change that.
They stepped outside, and she welcomed a breath of the cold air after the heat of the ballroom.
Thomas glanced about at the empty entrance and led her to a dark corner. “Frances, you have made me the happiest person in all of London.”
“That’s not possible,” she countered as he gathered her into the warm circle of his arms. “Because I am the happiest.”
“Is that right?” He held her tightly, his warm regard heating her from the inside out.
“Indeed. But there is one thing that would make me even happier.”
“What might that be?”
“A Christmastide kiss with the man I love.”
“You read my mind.” He kissed her, long and deep, his tongue swirling against hers.
Heat pooled low within her, and she reveled in the feelings flowing through her.
“I love you, Frances Melbourne,” he whispered when he drew back.
“And I love you, Thomas Sinclair. With all that I am and all that we are together.”
Epilogue
5 Years Later
“Happy Christmas, my love,” Thomas whispered early on Christmas morning as they snuggled together in bed.
Dawn was just touching the horizon, the frost on the edge of the windows proof of the cold that had descended on London. But he’d risen early to place more coal on the fire before settling back in bed with his wife, and the room was warming nicely.
Frances shifted in his arms, a smile on her face as her eyes fluttered open to look at him. “Happy Christmas, darling.”
“Have I ever told you that Christmas is my favorite time of the year?”
“Hmm.” She pretended to ponder the question. “Every year for the last five I do believe.”
He grinned as he lifted onto his elbow to watch her, loving the glow of happiness in her face despite the early hour. “And do you remember why?”
“I believe it has something to do with us, does it not?” The love shining in her eyes stirred him to his very soul, and he couldn’t resist trailing a finger along her cheek.
“Yes. You told me you loved me just before Christmas,” he said. “And you agreed to marry me soon afterward. Also before Christmas.” He was grateful that he’d only had to remain in New York another six months before returning to London to work.
It turned out that both Uncle Arthur and Mr. Melbourne knew several of the same people in the banking business who’d been pleased to offer Thomas a position.
He thoroughly enjoyed his job and did his best to not only help those with money to invest, but the less wealthy who needed more guidance to make the most of their limited funds.
He’d become adept at supporting business ideas that proved worthy and had changed more than his fair share of lives with his skills. He intended to continue doing so, all because his beautiful wife believed in him.
She held his gaze. “One of the best days of my life. Second only to the day we married, and the days Jonathan and Elizabeth were born.”
“We are blessed.” The mention of their two amazing children, ages three and one, only made him happier. He leaned down to kiss Frances, loving the sigh that escaped her. “I am blessed to have found the love of my life.”
“Thomas.” She cupped a warm hand on his cheek. “You are everything to me. My whole world. I love you more than words can say.”
“Perfect, because I feel the same.” He kissed her again, his hands roaming along her soft curves and stirring them both. “I can think of no better way to start our celebration of Christmas than making love to you.”
“Yes, please.” She wrapped her arms around him, squeezing him tight, and making him feel so very loved. Then she released him to run her hands along his shoulders and down his chest to linger along the planes of his abdomen.
