Page 29 of The Miracle of Love
“Yes, and this is precisely why I will not tell them. I dare not risk having them censured for failing to report the information to Wooton. Shayne and Caleb will know when the time is right to tell them where we have gone.”
“So, we are agreed? You and I alone to Bexhill? With luck, we can make it there, retrieve the crown, and be back in London in time for Christmas dinner with your family. There is not a blessed thing wrong with this plan. Are you not the one who loves plans? You even think marriage can be planned.”
“Ah, but it can be. One might also argue that a marriage based on mutually agreed terms is more reliable than one based on love. You are frowning at me. So be it. Just keep in mind that a solid arrangement is quite the sensible thing, unlike falling in love, which turns your guts inside out and your brain soft as pudding.”
“Duly noted, but I am still going to marry for love.”
“Why, Grace? It can only cause you unbearable pain.”
She stared at him in surprise. “Why would you say such a thing? Have you been in love before, and did she break your heart? Oh, Deklan, I am so sorry. What happened? Could she not bear your long absences? Is this what destroyed all hope of love for the two of you?”
“Gad, how did we get on this subject?”
“You brought it up, and I’m glad you did.The Book of Lovehas an entire chapter on this very thing, expectations that cannot be met and will only lead to unhappiness in a marriage unless the couple can accept to compromise. But I think you were determined to give your all to protecting the royal family and were not about to sacrifice any of those responsibilities to be a dutiful husband. Do not be angry or resentful toward her for wanting more of you than you were willing to give. It–”
“Grace, how did we get on the topic of me? And who are you to give me advice on love when you are a complete and utter novice? You had never even been kissed before I kissed you last night.”
“How is this my fault?”
“I am not saying it is your fault. Nor was I speaking of myself when I spoke of love’s betrayal.”
“Betrayal?”
“Loss, pain, betrayal…whatever. I was only thinking of you. I am not the only one who will not compromise.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your lot and that of your siblings would be made much easier if you were willing to marry someone of solid circumstances. But you will only settle for love and nothing less. I am not condemning you for it, merely pointing out the difficulties you face in achieving it. Life would be much simpler for you if not for the requirements of your soft, trusting heart. Mine is not soft, and I do not trust anyone. Just don’t be…” He ran a hand through his hair in apparent consternation. “Hell, just don’t be…”
“What? Should I not be myself?”
He cast her a look hot enough to melt her bones. “Be yourself, just…hold back your heart a little, will you? I don’t want to see you hurt.”
She emitted a mirthless laugh. “I have already been hurt beyond repair. But I cannot lose hope, or I shall spend the rest of my days alone and crying. I have to believe in love. It is out there for me.Heis out there for me. My dream man. My perfect hero. He has to be.”
“You’ve done it again, turned me inside out,” he muttered. “As for Bexhill, I–”
“Do you have a better idea?” She stuck out her hand. “What’s it to be? You and I together? Are we in agreement on this? I am going there with or without you.”
He glanced at her hand.
Ignored it.
Drew her into his arms instead. “All right. Agreed. Bexhill it is. But a handshake is no way to seal a bargain.”
“It isn’t? Then what is?”
“This,” he said and kissed her breathless.
Chapter Five
“You are acomplete and utter hound,” Grace muttered as Deklan led her down the servants’ stairs after the scorching kiss he should never have given her. Of course, he had not regretted a moment of this kiss even though it should never have happened.
He loved the way her lips softly sank against his.
They were made to fit perfectly to his mouth.
Like a lid to a jar.
