Page 26 of Married Off by the Duke
His chest moved in what had to be a chuckle.
“Don’t laugh at me.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.” But then again, so was she. Emma locked her arms around his waist and buried her face in his jacket to hide it. With a rueful sniffle, she said, “I’m ridiculous, Max. I’ve been so afraid that you would send me away that I chose to remove myself before you could reject me.”
“Why would you think I’d send you anywhere, Em? Isn’t marriage a rather permanent condition?”
“So was motherhood, in theory, yet my mum left me with my grandmother as soon as I was weaned. She needed the work, but she also didn’t want a baby.” She shrugged. “My father only took responsibility for me after I was orphaned and there was no one else to care for me. His pride wouldn’t let him be the kind of man who let his by-blow go to the workhouse, but he didn’t exactly want me. Nor did your father want me for his ward, and definitely not you.”
His arms tightened around her.
“Not as a ward, darling.” Max lowered his lips to hers in a gentle, reassuring kiss so soft and sweet that Emma melted. “As a woman, yes. From the very beginning, though you were too young when we initially met, and I was too stupid to understand what I felt for you then.” Another kiss, this one sensual enough to curl her toes. “I didn’t mean to chase you away, then or now. I love you. I came looking for you to tell you that, in hopes it might change your mind. I respect your decision, but I wasn’t ready to give up and let you walk away that easily.”
Emma sniffed. The world blurred. “Oh, Max. I was locking up the shop with every intention of coming home. Well, I admit I was going to get lunch first. I’m starving. I’ve missed you. I want to wake up in your arms every morning for the rest of my life?—”
He cut her off with another kiss.
“Miss Willis! What the devil are you doing?”
She and Max turned to find Mr. Gill hastening up the street, his coattails flapping at his knees and an angry red tinge on his scowling face.
“This is why women make terrible employees! Such wanton behavior reflects poorly on the shop. What will people think?”
“Perhaps had you returned before my shift ended, as promised, I might not have felt compelled to close the shop and seek my long-overdue lunch!” Emma declared.
“Since when does kissing a strange man in broad daylight qualify as sustenance?”
“You misunderstand the situation, Mr…”
“Gill. I manage the store.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Gill. You may address me as Lord Tremaine, Duke of Ardennes and you will address my future wife with the utmost respect.”
“Duke?” He glanced nervously at Emma and gulped. “Wife?”
“I wish to receive the money I’ve earned and exit your employment immediately, Mr. Gill. While I have enjoyed working in a bookshop, I find a different future beckons. His Grace will be occupying all of my time for the foreseeable future.”
She looped her arm through Max’s elbow and smiled up at him. Max patted her arm.
“Perhaps you should start your own bookshop, my sweet.” A shaft of sunlight cut across his face, highlighting his handsome features. The clouds overhead cleared, and a rainbow suddenly brightened the entire street. “Since we’re already here, I propose we visit the modiste and have you fitted for a wedding gown. If you’ll do me the honor of marrying me as soon as the banns can be posted.”
“Yes, Max. But first, food!” Emma exclaimed, pressing her free hand over her stomach.
Max laughed.
“I know just the place.”
They sauntered away, arm-in-arm, leaving Mr. Gill sputtering in outraged astonishment.
EPILOGUE
EMMA, THREE YEARS LATER
“Do you have a copy of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland?”
“Indeed, we do, Lady Pindell.” Emma crooked her finger. “Emma’s Literary Emporium carries all the classics, both educational and entertaining. That particular book sells quickly, which is probably why you didn’t see it on the shelf. Let me check the stock room.”
