As he watched his soon-to-be wife leave with her father, Vincent smiled. Finally, good fortune appeared in his future.
Epilogue
Ellie sat onthe end of the bed, staring at the low-burning fire in the hearth as she brushed her wet hair, trying to dry it before retiring for the night. Her thoughts drifted back to the past month, and especially the past few days. Her humdrum life had turned into a whirlwind of excitement, adventure, terror, and surprise—but also, most importantly, love. Everything she’d heard and seen these past few days had left her stunned. She still couldn’t believe what she had heard about Adam’s new life. No wonder he wasn’t in love with her any longer. He was too busy catching traitors for the Crown.
And Augusta—it was a great relief to find out about her past and that the duke could finally obtain a divorce from the evil woman. Ellie knew her father had never truly gotten over his wife’s death, and discovering the news of how she’d died nearly sent him insane. Thankfully, Vincent and Calvin helped her father understand. Soon, he would be back to the loving, supportive parent she’d always had.
As for Vincent…
She peeked over her shoulder as he walked out from the bathing chamber, heading toward her. His hair was damp as he patted a towel to his wavy strands. He wore a velvet black robe, tied around the middle, and his bare, muscular legs were the only visible skin that showed on her husband.
My husband…
Ellie smiled. She had thought that day would never come. Thankfully, before the news broke about Augusta’s arrest and the duke filing for divorce, Ellie and Vincent were married in a small ceremony in front of their closest friends and family. That was exactly twenty-four hours ago, and this day had been spent lying in each other’s arms, making love to their hearts’ content, and planning out their future.
Could it get any better than this?
Dropping his towel over his shoulders, he bent and kissed her neck, nuzzling her skin. Shivers of delight coursed through her.
“Good evening, my lovely wife. Are you ready for supper? I’ll instruct the cook—”
“No, I’m not hungry.” She took his arm and pulled him down beside her. “All I want is you.”
“Hmm…” He arched one eyebrow higher than the other. “That is considered cannibalism, and is frowned upon in most countries.”
She laughed and rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean, you handsome devil.”
Chuckling deeply, he slid his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. “Indeed I do. I just enjoy making you laugh. Am I wrong for wanting to see your eyes light up like stars against a darkened sky?” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I never want to be without seeing your twinkling gaze again.”
She groaned softly and kissed his exposed neck. “You shall never be without it, I assure you.”
He sighed heavily and peered into her eyes. “Are you ready for tomorrow?”
Confused, she shook her head. “What is tomorrow?”
“That is when the news will break about your stepmother being arrested, and all the crimes she has committed.” He stroked her cheek tenderly. “I want to make certain you can handle it.”
She nodded. “As long as you promise that you’ll stay right by my side, I shall be able to conquer the world.”
“Undoubtedly.” He smiled. “You aren’t going to get rid of me that easily now that you hold my heart.”
She sighed and leaned into him. “Do you know how happy you’ve made me already?”
He shrugged. “Are you anywhere near as jovial as me?”
“More so.” She winked and cuddled closer. “And to think, when I first offered you that silly bargain, I was prepared for a loveless marriage.”
“Yes, about that bargain…” He cupped her chin and lifted her face toward his. “I want the truth now.”
“The truth? Have I not been truthful with you?”
He grinned. “You have known me for years, and you knew what kind of scoundrel I’d been lately. Correct?”
“Correct.”
“So tell me, my precious, did you honestly believe that you would have never been happy with me? Did you honestly believe you would never come to love me?”
She lifted her fingers to his throat and trailed them down the opening of his robe. “At the time I was foolish and thought my heart belonged to Adam. I didn’t think I would ever find a man who could replace him.” She smiled wider. “But after our first kiss in the carriage, I honestly wanted you to love me. I wanted to feel the excitement in my body only you could create. Adam never made my body quiver like that. Only you.”
