Page 32 of Mine This Winter
“I shall purchase something more suitable once we return to town,” he whispered.
Gwen glanced at the ring he had bought from the innkeeper, tears gathering behind her eyes. “There’s never been anything complicated about our love. It’s pure and precious. I’ll always wear the ring you gave me on our wedding day.”
They kissed the moment they were declared husband and wife.
Lord Bancroft suggested they dine together.
Gwen smiled. She wasn’t hungry for food. “Perhaps tomorrow. I’ve barely slept and would prefer to take a tray in my room.”
Simon’s warm hand settled on the small of her back. “We’re all in need of a good night’s rest.” He made polite conversation before bidding the Bancrofts good night. “Come, Mrs Garrick,” he said when they reached their bedchamber, “let me carry you over the threshold.”
“On the subject of thresholds, we’re yet to decide where we shall live.” While he was her home, a piece of her heart lived at Whitney Grange.
He scooped her into his arms and entered the room, kicking the door shut behind them. “We can go anywhere in the world. Paris. Boston. I don’t care where as long as I’m with you.”
Gwen pursed her lips, unsure how he would react upon hearing her suggestion. “I want to make a home with you, raise a family. It will take hard work, and I’m a capable gardener.”
Simon smiled. “What are you saying, love?”
“That I’d like to make Whitney Grange our home.” She touched his chest. “We can make one room habitable at a time. If we need a bed, we can always sleep in the cave.”
“I imagine we’ll visit the cave even when the Grange is habitable,” he said, his voice warm and husky.
“Yes, but tonight we get to make love in bed.”
His gaze burned hot with desire. “In bed. On the floor. Against the wall. You straddling me in the chair. All the ways I’ve dreamed about for so damn long.”
He claimed her mouth in a searing kiss. A kiss that chased away all the painful memories. They stripped each other naked, caressed each other, declared undying love.
“Your body is so hard and hot,” she breathed as he entered her, filling her in one long stroke. “I’ve been so cold without you. I’ve spent so many winters feeling empty, believing you didn’t want me.”
“I’ve always wanted you.” Simon withdrew, and they both moaned when he pushed inside her again and slid slowly to the hilt. “You’re mine this winter and every winter to come.”
