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“I love you too, Evan. I do. It scares me how much because I don’t think I can be the type of wife you need. The sort of wife the duchy deserves.”
With an elated whoop, Evan wrapped her in his embrace.
“Yer love is enough, darlin’. It has always been and will always be sufficient.”
His mouth claimed hers in a demanding, heated kiss, and Sophronie responded with the love she’d finally allowed herself to acknowledge. It was heady and intoxicating and made her giddy.
His breathing ragged, Evan raised his head. “I have somethin’ for yer birthday.” He fished inside his coat pocket for a few seconds then withdrew a ring. He held it up between his thumb and forefinger.
A half hoop scrolled and carved gold band interlaid with three sapphires and two diamonds sparkled up at her.
“I never asked ye to be my wife, Sophronie, but I am askin’ ye now. Can ye put our past behind us and forge a future with me? I want ye to be the first thing I see when I wake each morn and the last when I close my eyes at night.”
“Yes, Evan. That is what I want too.” She truly did with all of her heart. Tears blurred her eyes, but Sophronie blinked them away. “I want to bear your children and share every aspect of my life with you. “
She held her hand out, and giving her a wicked grin, he slid the ring on. He nuzzled her neck, and she giggled.
“I say, lady duchess, what if we take a different sort of ride this mornin’?”
He gave her a rakish wink, and heat skated up Sophronie’s cheeks.
“What did you have in mind?” she teased, knowing full well what he meant.
“Come with me, and I’ll show ye.” Evan waggled his eyebrows. “Ye willna need a ridin’ habit either.”
Sophronie laughed, the pure unadulterated laugh of one who has found their soul mate. Who had given their trust and future to another without a qualm. “How can I resist so romantic an invitation?”
“Ye canna, because I am as temptin’ to ye as ye are to me.” He led Cinnamon into a stall and secured the door. Masculine confidence in every step, he strode back to Sophronie and extended his hand.
How could a person’s heart be this overflowing and not burst?
She slipped her hand in his, and it was as if she’d finally come home after a long, lonely absence. “It is true. I would be your wife in every way, Evan.”
Laughing, they turned and ran to face their future. Together.
