Page 60 of A Raven Returns

He looked into her eyes so intently. It was clear he wasn’t sure he could believe what she said, but he was trying to. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around her and pressed a long kiss against her forehead.

“Well, I still think it’s unlikely children will ever happen. But I imagine we will have plenty of non-traditional nieces and nephews to spoil. Would that be enough for you to feel fulfilled?”

“As long as I have you by my side, I will be happy.”

“There’s just one last problem then.”

“What’s that?”

“You said you didn’t want to marry again.”

She shook her head. Sometimes he could be incredibly obtuse. “That didn’t apply to you, Ash.”

“Well then.” He dropped down on one knee and her heart began to hammer inside her chest. Was this really happening? “Gwen, my wonderful, beautiful, amazing angel, I don’t know what the future will hold for us. We may have difficult decisions and problems to solve, we may have a family that doesn’t look like what tradition dictates it should and a life that doesn’t fit societal expectations. I may be dark and broody and grumpy and even oblivious. I may want you in my bed far too much. I may not be any good at facing my fears. But I will love you and I will move heaven and earth to make sure you are happy and safe. Will you marry me and walk by my side through whatever life brings us?”

“Of course I will, my love.”

In one movement, he stood and lifted her into his arms, pressing his lips against hers. He set her back on her feet and looked deep into her eyes. “I love you, my angel.”

“Wait. I have one condition. I want a bathtub like the one at Woodburn.”

Amusement flickered in his eyes and he kissed her again. “Done.” He wrapped his arms around her and breathed in deeply. “You should have asked for more,” he whispered. “I would have given you the stars.”

“It would seem congratulations are in order.” Fogg’s voice startled her as he spoke from the doorway. She’d forgotten he was even there, and an embarrassed giggle bubbled out of her.

“Don’t worry, Fogg. I’m sure you’ll survive having a woman in the house.”

Fogg’s expression said he wasn’t so sure, but then he turned to look at her and there was a kindness in his eyes. “Perhaps this one.”

* * *

Ash stood on his balcony, as always, and waited for the other three to arrive for their meeting. Excitement and trepidation tussled inside his stomach over the prospect of telling his partners of his sudden betrothal. They would be supportive, of course, but shocked, nonetheless.

When they were all settled around their usual table, his tensions eased a bit. He loved these men like brothers. More than he ever had his actual brother, if he was honest. “Before we talk business, I have an announcement to make.” He paused briefly. He hadn’t planned any kind of speech for this, so he just surged ahead. “Gwen and I are engaged to be married.”

Patrick clapped a hand over his mouth to keep from spraying brandy across the table and began to sputter and cough. When he finally got himself under control he turned his gaze on Ash. “Would you stop making these announcements when my mouth is full?”

Michael’s mouth was agape, and even Giles looked utterly stunned. Ash chuckled with amusement. It was exactly the response he’d imagined.

“I know it’s a surprise that any woman would agree to take on everything that comes with me.” He shrugged. “But she has.”

“Congratulations, Ash.” Michael raised his glass of barley water in a toast. The others followed suit and they all took turns clinking their glasses with his.

“So what does that mean for—” Giles gestured around at the club.

“I know you’ll all think it sounds a bit naive, but for now, not much will change. Gwen will move into my private quarters and stop dancing, of course, but otherwise, I expect things will continue relatively normally.”

“And what about when you start a family?” Michael’s wife was expecting even now, so of course he’d be the one to ask about that.

“Well, based on—” Ash hesitated, unsure how to phrase it delicately. “I think a family of our own is unlikely. But if that does happen, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. We’re hopeful that you will allow us our role as aunt and uncle to any children any of you may have.”

“We would be honored for our children to have Uncle Ash and Aunt Gwen.” Patrick gave a salute with his glass.

“And the same goes for us,” Michael promised.

Giles held up his hands. “I’m not having any.” He shook his head resolutely.

“We’ll see, Giles.” Ash raised a brow in his direction. “If I can fall, I’m not sure any man is safe from the clutches of love and marriage.”

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