Page 105 of The Duke's Scottish Bride
Afterward, as they lay tangled in the silken sheets, the city lights still twinkling outside at a distance, Marion stirred. She traced the hard line of Anselm’s bearded jaw, and a soft smile graced her lips.
“Anselm?” she whispered, her voice a little shaky.
“Hmm?” he murmured, already half-asleep, his arm a heavy, comforting weight across her.
“I have somethin’ I need to tell ye,” she started.
“Can it wait until morning? I am so tired from?—”
“I am with child.”
His eyes snapped open like a shot in the dark as he propped himself up on an elbow. He fetched a candle from the bedside table. His gaze searched hers in the dim light.
“Truly? Are you sure?”
She nodded As tears of joy welled in her eyes.
“Truly.”
A slow smile spread across his face, then a booming laugh filled the room as he set down the candle. He pulled her into a fierce embrace before burying his face in her hair.
“A baby,” he whispered. “Our baby. You are so remarkable. I will forever be in awe of you, my love.”
“I think ye had somethin’ to do with it too,” Marion said with a soft giggle.
“Well, I hope I see him in my dreams tonight,” Anselm said as he closed his eyes once more.
“How are ye so sure it will be a lad? It could very well be a lass ye ken.”
“I would be just as happy with a girl,” he said as he planted a kiss on her cheek. “But something tells me this is a boy. I can feel it.”
They held each other close. The promise of a future filled with laughter, love, and the pitter-patter of tiny feet, unfolded before them.
The End?
