“Easy,” I murmur, brushing my thumb over her temple. “Take your time, Luv.”
She blinks slowly, trying to stitch the world back together. The silk of her favorite pink dress rustles as she moves. She frowns faintly.
“Am I in…a limousine?” she rasps, still sleepy.
I nod, offering her my hand as she starts to rise, shaking off the heavy fog. “Aye. Much better than a radiator, if I do say so.”
I catch my own reflection in the tinted glass. Nothing but sheer, unbridled adoration on my face.
“How are ye feeling, Luv?”
She touches her throat, swallowing hard. “A little dry mouth.”
I immediately fetch her a bottle of chilled water. She drinks slowly, the color returning to her cheeks. “You know, some kidnappers just use head bags or blindfolds,” she teases.
I twist my grin to the side, my eyes gleaming with dark mischief. “There’ll be time for that later, Darlin’. Are ye all right, Lexie?”
“Mmm.” She sets her head on my shoulder. “A little heavy, but no nausea. That’s good.”
The limousine slows as we turn onto the final stretch of the drive. My pulse kicks up a frantic rhythm.
The car stops.
I don’t give her a chance to open the door. I’m out and around in a heartbeat, opening it and sweeping her into my arms in a honeymoon hold. I move slowly, tenderly, wanting to draw this out.
“Liam?” Her fingers clutch my suit jacket.
I don’t speak. I just turn her around.
Her expression is better than anything I could have imagined. The sweet, teasing smile falters, then vanishes, replaced by pure, unadulterated awe. Those wide eyes catch the morning light, the tears starting to well.
Before us sits Highclere Castle. The towers of Downton Abbey rise into the mist, ancient and grand, exactly how she’s described them in a thousand conversations.
“Oh…” she let out a broken, shallow sound, her hands flying to her mouth.
I lower her to the ground, but keep my arm firmly around her waist as she breaks down, her smile so bright, it could shame the stars.
“We’re staying at Grotto Lodge.” I hold her stronger. “The cap is normally four days, but I’ve secured it for seven.”
She spins in my arms. “Seven whole days?! Liam, how did you—this is impossible.”
I give her a half-smirk, trailing my fingers along her jawline. “I may have a cousin, twice removed, with connections to the Earl. And despite the tumultuous histories of our heritages, the Carnarvons and I share an interest in legacy. Legacies which include generous donations to their heritage preservation, so they do. We may return at Christmastime if you would like.”
“IfI would like!” she exclaims, turning to fawn over the architecture, her joy a living, breathing thing.
Keeping vigil on her state, I pull her back against my chest as we appreciate the sight together. “Happy Mother’s Day, Lexie.”
She turns slightly, lifting a brow. “Mother’s Day?”
Lowering my voice, I say what’s been burning in my throat. “I’m making ye a mum, too, my sweet savior.”
She rolls her eyes, though her cheeks are a magnificent shade of pink. “Liam, we literally just made love for the first time the other day. It’s going to take more than one night for that to happen.”
I chuckle, low and possessive. “Of course, if you desire those children, Mrs. Donovan. But there be other ways to make you a mother.”
I reach down and tap a code into my watch. Behind us, the door of the secondary staff car clicks open. And…the kennel manager steps out, holding a wriggling, gray pit bull puppy with ears too big for its head and a tail that’s a blur of motion.
Lexie freezes. Then shrieks.
