Page 71 of A Raven Revived

She laughed softly and nodded. Anyone else would be condescending and dismissive. But not Fitz. He understood how hard this was for her. The truth was, she was terrified, but knowing she had him and his support, gave her the strength she needed to try. “How could I possibly resist?” Happy tears pricked the corners of her eyes.

Slowly, she made her way to stand beside him and placed the daisies on the floor next to the tub.

He held a hand out for her. “When you’re ready, step over the side and settle onto my lap.”

After closing her eyes for a moment to center herself, she took the hand he offered and did as he said, slowly lowering herself onto his lap. He wrapped an arm around her and kissed her shoulder.

“My brave girl.” He held a scone in front of her mouth. “Here’s your reward.”

She giggled and took a bite. “Mmm. It’s delicious, but I think you are the better reward.”

He pressed kisses against her neck, sending chills down her arms. “You can always have me.”

He continued holding her, pressing kisses against her neck and shoulders while she nibbled away on the delicious scone. It was nothing short of heaven.

When she finished with the scone, he pulled her back to rest her head on his shoulder. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Your tone doesn’t sound like it’s good news.”

“Well, I don’t know how you’ll feel about it, honestly.” He let out a sigh. “Your father died.”

She turned so she could look into his eyes. “Did Ash kill him?”

He chuckled and shook his head.

“You think I’m joking, but that’s something he would do.”

“I don’t think you’re joking. I laughed because we all thought the same thing. He didn’t have anything to do with it, though.”

That was hard to believe. “How did he die?”

“Apparently, he fell down some stairs.”

She wasn’t sure how to feel about the news. “The timing seems awfully suspicious. I want to talk to Ash myself.”

He nodded. “Of course. We can go over there again today. I’m sure the floors will need sweeping again anyway.”

He winked, and she swatted his shoulder.

“No kissing while we’re there, though. I got told off for it yesterday.”

She laughed. “Of course you did. Ash and his rules.”

He pressed his lips softly against hers. “You can kiss me as much as you want here, though.”

She kissed him briefly. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of kissing you, but if I get started, who knows how long it will be before we eventually get out of here today.”

He pressed a kiss to her temple and hugged her tight. “How are you feeling about your father's death? Are you alright?”

She wasn’t really sure. After everything, it was hard not to be glad. “What about my mother?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know anything else, but we can certainly pay her a visit. I need to call on the new Lord Litchfield anyway, so I can obtain his permission to marry you. What do you think about becoming Mrs. Fitzwilliam instead of Lady Jane Kemp?”

“Mrs. Fitz?”

“Mrs. Fitz,” he said with a chuckle.

“I love it.”

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