Page 43 of The Rake I Wished For
Liam wrapped his arms around his wife as Jocelyn and Harlow shared a warm look. Liam was rather insistent on gifting them far more than her dowry, and becoming an investor in Harlow’s new ventures to boot.
But for Jocelyn, the challenge and adventure to come was all part of her eager anticipation for the future. She’d never dreamed that she could not only marry a man who loved her so unconditionally and made her so happy, but also be a partner to him as well.
And that was how Harlow treated her. He’d filled her in on all aspects of his enterprise, and welcomed her thoughts and suggestions.
She could hardly wait to put her ideas into action. Which was all the more reason she was eager to marry. But on this point, at least, Harlow seemed to be even more stubborn than she.
“You know you don’t have to hover in the doorway,” Harlow called to Liam and Rose. “We’re perfectly capable of sparring in company.”
“Oh yes, we know,” Rose teased as she and Liam crossed the room to join them.
Harlow rose and extended a hand to Jocelyn to help her up, and she was sure everyone noted how slow he was to let go.
He was forever stealing touches and kisses these past few days, and Jocelyn decided that perhaps there could be some benefits to being courted. Watching Harlow find ways to keep her reputation intact while still getting his fill of her would be entertaining indeed.
Jane would no doubt find it amusing, and would definitely be their ally this Season. Assuming she was still in town. Isabelle and Delilah too if they weren’t already married off by then.
“Oh!” Rose tucked a hand into the pocket of her gown and drew out a letter. “I was so diverted listening to the two of you squabble, I nearly forgot why I came in here.” She handed it over to Jocelyn. “One of your friends has written.”
“Wonderful!” She’d sent letters to her friends the first day she’d arrived at the manor, though so much had changed since then, she’d already begun drafting new letters to fill them in on her maypole wish come true.
After all—shehadgotten the kiss she’d asked for. As she opened the letter, she stole a sidelong glimpse of Harlow, who was watching her with a doting smile. She got her kiss…and so much more.
“It’s from Daffodil,” she said with a grin. Though her smile faded to a frown as she read. “Oh dear.”
Harlow’s arm came around her waist, and Rose and Liam hurried to her other side.
“Is everything all right?” Rose asked.
“I hope so. It seems Delilah was in a carriage accident.”
“Was she hurt?” Liam asked.
“Daff’s not certain how badly she was injured. She’s on her way to her sister now and promises to tell me more as soon as she’s seen her.”
Jocelyn folded the letter, saying a prayer that Delilah was indeed healthy and well after such an event.
Talk turned to her school friends, as Rose and Liam promised to do all they could to find out what had happened, and Rose said she’d reach out to Aubrey, Daffodil and Delilah’s cousin, to see if she knew any more.
“I do miss them,” Jocelyn sighed as Harlow tugged her onto the settee close beside him.
“I know, my love,” Harlow said as Liam and Rose talked amongst themselves. “And when we marry, we will be sure to invite them over often.”
“But when?” Jocelyn said, giving in to the urge to pout. “I don’t want to wait.”
“I don’t either,” Harlow admitted with a rueful laugh that had her leaning into his warmth. “But we have our whole lives ahead of us, and I think…” He studied her as he chose his words. “I don’t want you to have any fears, or any regrets, or—”
“I won’t!”
He smiled. “You’ve spent your whole life believing that love is frightening and…I want you to have the time you need to adjust to this new way of seeing the world.”
She melted against him, resting her head on his shoulder, loving the feel of his lips on her temple as he gave her a kiss. “Perhaps you’re right…”
He gasped in feigned shock. “Did you just admit I’m right about something?”
She laughed and playfully swatted his arm as she straightened. “Don’t make me regret it.”
“Never.” He grinned and stole a kiss while Liam and Rose weren’t looking their way. “If I have my way, you’ll never have regrets. Not about me, not about us…” He lifted her hand to his lips. “Not about this.”
