“My husband has made so many mistakes, one after the other, that he had to make amends with a grand romantic gesture.”
“And is it working?”
“Splendidly,” she said with a smile.
“Everything,” Gerald said and took her hands in his, “everything was worth it just to see that smile.”
“Then all you have to do is keep grand romantic gestures coming, and you shall see more of this smile.”
“Sounds like a challenging endeavor.”
“I am quite sure you will rise to the occasion victorious.”
They finally reached the manor that he had bought. It was right at the sea, with a beautiful white stucco front and wide sash windows stretched from floor to near the ceiling. A sweeping balcony ran along the upper level, its ironwork intricate yet restrained, overlooking the restless waters below.
“Is this the house?” Arabella asked in pure wonder.
“Do you like it?” Gerald asked, agitated, as if everything was hanging in the balance of her answer.
Arabella managed to detach her eyes from the sea to look upon the house once more, and she fell in love with it instantly. She didn’t have to say anything, Gerald was good at reading her face and body, and she was thankful for it.
“Come on, let’s see the inside,” Gerald said and helped her out of the carriage.
They walked inside, and Arabella couldn’t hide her enthusiasm as she squealed. The open spaces, the large windows, the sheer curtains, and the sound of the waves made the house a safe cocoon of cozy happiness.
“You know how much I love the Albury estate,” Arabella started.
“But you love this manor more,” Gerald finished her sentence.
“What can I say? It was love at first sight.”
“Like us?” Gerald teased.
“I can safely say that maybe you didn’t even notice me the first time you saw me, and I can assure you that I hated you back then.”
“And I am in a very good position to tell you that I did notice you that first time I saw you, and I know for a fact that you did too.”
Arabella laughed, and her gurgling laughter mixed with the sound of the sea made the most beautiful of melodies. She was still looking outside at the view when Gerald came behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. His chin rested on her shoulder before he turned and left a sweet kiss on her neck.
“You can change anything you want,” Gerald whispered in her ear. “This house is ours alone, and we begin our legacy here together.”
Arabella placed her hand over his as he was still holding her tight.
“I would follow you everywhere, even if you didn’t have the silk carpets or the ebony tables. I hope you know that,” Arabella replied.
“I am very sure that you didn’t marry me for my money, because you were aware of my financial situation when you were trying so hard to avoid marrying me.”
“And look how splendidly that plan worked out,” Arabella scoffed.
“And I have never been happier to see a plan fail.” Gerald smiled against her skin.
He placed one kiss on her neck and then another. Then he licked the skin behind her ear, taking her earlobe between his lips.
“Perhaps I should show you the bedroom,” Gerald growled in her ear. “You must be exhausted from the trip.”
Arabella leaned into his touch, gasping for air. His hold around her waist became insistent, pulling her back to his front, flush against him. She could feel that Gerald hadn’t been affected by their trip, not in the slightest.
“And it seems, your grace,” she replied, panting, “that you wish to exhaust me even more.”
