“But that’s just it, isn’t it? Loveisincredible. And it’s strong. And it’s quiet. And it’s loud. And it’s brave. And I love you, too.” Walking through the doorway, she leapt off the cast stone and into his arms.
Catching her easily, he plucked her off her feet and held her as if she belonged nestled against his chest. As if somehow, someway, they were always meant to end up here. Together. Forever.
Honk. Honk. Hoooonk.
Surrounded by geese.
“When we marry,” he began, striving for a casual tone, “and travel to my country estate for the summer-”
“Good idea,” she said seriously. “We should plan to bring Constantine, Augustus, and Marcus with us. You do have a pond, don’t you?”
“Several. But-”
“I’ll have suitable traveling cages made. They’ll have to be in our carriage, of course.”
Derrick tipped his forehead down to hers. “Of course.”
Annalise raised her eyes to his. “Did you say marry?”
“I did.”
“Then this is a confession of loveanda marriage proposal?”
“I…” It hadn’t been his plan. But whatwasa plan, when love at first sight was involved? “I suppose it is. I’ll have to speak with your father.”
“And my lady’s maid.”
“Your lady’s maid? I don’t-”
“Here she is,” Annalise said cheerfully, moving to the side to reveal a slightly shorter, older, and more robust woman with a stern look to her gaze and shoulders set in iron. “Becca, might I present the Duke of Tennyson.”
“Your Grace.” The lady’s maid lowered herself in a curtsy. “A pleasure to formally make your acquaintance. It is my understanding that you took it upon yourself to kiss my young charge this morning not once, but twice. Is this accurate?”
Derrick had faced down some of the best gamblers that London had to offer. He’d stared certain financial ruin in the eye if the cards didn’t turn his way and sneered. But now, faced with the judgmental gaze of a dragon disguised as a lady’s maid, he felt a terror in his gut the likes of which he’d never experienced before.
“Ah… y-yes.” When his admission came out on a hacking cough, he cleared his throat and tried again. “Yes, I did. I did do that. Yes.”
Gray eyebrows as sharp as scalpels arched toward her white mob cap. “Were your intentions impure?”
Bloody hell.
When were his intentionsnotimpure?
“Er…”
“Becca, please don’t frighten him,” Annalise implored as she laid a comforting hand on Derrick’s forearm. “He came here to tell me something very important.”
“Which is?” Becca said sharply.
He had to say itagain?
But maybe the best things were meant to be repeated.
Over and over, until the words were imprinted on the wind.
“I love Annalise.” He put his hand on top of hers and squeezed. “From first sight, as it so happens, even though I assured myself that such a thing did not exist.”
“Hmmm.” Becca pursed her lips. “You’ve known her for less than a day.”
