James tilted his head. “For what?”
“For assisting me in winning a wager with my wife,” he said. “She didn’t believe I could save one of my best agents from dismissal and play matchmaker at the same time.” He winked, leaving James in stunned silence. Of all the—
“James,” Hugh said as he clapped a firm grip on his shoulder. “I have a wedding gift for you.”
James lifted an eyebrow. “Oh?”
Hugh grinned. “It is actually from Kate, but since I am playing accomplice, I will take some of the credit. The others helped too.”
William, Alex, and Nicholas were all watching them. Nicholas raised a glass in his direction.
“And what exactly is this gift?” He braced himself. Knowing his friends, it could be anything.
Hugh lowered his voice. “The carriage is loaded, and the driver is waiting at the front entrance to take you on your wedding trip.”
“Truly?” He stole a glance at Kate, who was watching him with a shy smile. “And you are telling me that Kate had a hand in this?”
“It was her idea.”
James had not thought it possible to love his wife more than he did at that moment.
A slow grin spread across his face. “Hugh, please do not misunderstand me, but I am leaving. Would you please tell Kate to make whatever excuse is necessary and meet me in the corridor?”
Hugh laughed. “I will.”
If James went to get her himself, they would never make it away from the crowd of well-wishers. He made directly for theopen door, his eyes fixed ahead so he would not be forced to stop and greet anyone.
Two minutes felt like hours, but the light click of slippers finally sounded on the polished floor. “I don’t think you could have given me a better wedding gift,” he said, placing a quick kiss on Kate’s lips.
She laughed softly. “Let’s hurry. Aunt Edith was not far behind me.”
“Come, then!” He captured her hand, and they fled out the door toward the carriage, laughing as they climbed inside. The carriage lurched forward, rumbling down the drive toward the lane, where the open windows caught the fragrance of chestnut blossoms drifting on the early spring breeze.
James drew his arm across Kate’s shoulders, sliding her as close as the carriage bench would allow. “Finally,” he said, before lowering his head, giving his wife the long, languid kiss that he had been dreaming of all morning. He pulled back, resting his forehead against hers, relishing having her close.
“Remind me to thank Hugh when we see him next,” he said. “His assistance today almost makes me willing to forgive him for past pranks.”
She leaned back far enough that he could see her smile. “Like your nickname? What was it again?” She tapped her fingertip on her lips, which did nothing to help his concentration.
James groaned. “Please, Kate, I—”
She grinned. “I don’t believe Scattershot is as horrible a name as you think it is.”
“It is not the worst thing I have been called,” he mused. “Nor is it the best.” His tone turned serious, and he reached for her face, framing it in his hands.
“Nothing can compare to hearing you call me James.” He stroked his thumbs over her cheeks. “Kate, I intend to earn theright to hear you call me by my name for the rest of my life,” he said.
She lifted her hand to cradle his cheek, brushing her fingers over his jaw. “James, there is nothing you need to do to earn it. I love you. Without reserve.” She rested her other palm over his heart. “Entirely and forever.”
Her words sank deep, healing something that had long been fractured inside him.
He leaned down to show her exactly how he felt about her declaration when the carriage came to a sudden halt. He caught Kate before she could topple off the bench.
“Why do you suppose we have stopped?” Kate asked. He prayed there was nothing wrong with the carriage. Returning to the estate was the last thing he wanted right now.
A man on horseback appeared at the window, holding out a folded letter. “Forgive me, my lord. An urgent message for you.” James expressed his thanks and the messenger rode off, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake.
He broke the seal and scanned the lines once, then again more slowly.
