Page 11 of Duke of Emeralds
Hester clung to him, her tears soaking into his coat as she let her emotions out. He cooed and reassured her, his hand gentlypatting her back. After a moment, he pulled back slightly, his hands on her shoulders as he looked into her eyes.
“And are you sure this is what you truly want?” he asked, his gaze searching hers.
Hester met her brother’s concerned gaze with renewed determination in her own. “My mind is made up, Leo,” she said.
She took a deep breath, her shoulders squaring as she wiped away the last of her tears. It was time to face her future with courage and conviction.
CHAPTER 7
Thomas moved with a dancer’s grace, his muscles taut and ready as he delivered a swift punch to the practice dummy. The impact reverberated up his arm, a satisfying jolt that did little to distract him from the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind. Marriage, a duel of sorts, loomed on the horizon, and he couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
The door opened, and Isaac sauntered in, a smirk playing on his lips. “You look less like a soon-to-be groom and more like a man training for battle.”
Thomas chuckled, landing one final punch before turning to face his friend. “Well, marriage is a type of battle, they say,” he replied, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.
“A battle we men could never win,” Isaac laughed, shaking his head.
“Speak for yerself, man. I’m yet to try for me own victory,” Thomas countered.
Isaac raised an eyebrow. “Oh, believe me, once you’re on the front lines and she gets a hold of you, you lose the desire to fight.”
Thomas grinned. “Is that so? And here I thought you were a man who never backed down from a challenge.”
Isaac chuckled. “Oh, I don’t back down. But there’s a difference between a challenge and a losing battle. Marriage, my friend, is the latter.”
Thomas shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “You’re just trying to scare me off. It won’t work.”
Isaac held up his hands in mock surrender. “I wouldn’t dream of it. But mark my words, Thomas, you’ll see. One day, you’ll be as besotted as the rest of us.”
Thomas laughed, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his friend. “We’ll see about that. Now, are you going to stand there all day, or are you going to put up a fight?”
Isaac grinned, discarding his jacket and rolling up his sleeves. “Oh, I’ll put up a fight, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Thomas moved to the center of the room, his stance ready. “I’ve faced worse odds and come out victorious. You should know that by now.”
Isaac circled him, his eyes never leaving Thomas’. “This isn’t about odds, Thomas. It’s about experience. And I’ve got plenty of that.”
Thomas feinted left then landed a solid punch on Isaac’s shoulder. “Experience doesn’t always win the day. Sometimes it’s about instinct.”
Isaac rubbed his shoulder, a smirk on his face. “Instinct, huh? Well, my instinct tells me you’re in for a rude awakening.”
Thomas ducked under Isaac’s swing. “Distracted today, Craton?” he observed, landing a light tap on Isaac’s ribs. “What has stolen yer focus?”
Isaac danced back, raising his guard, a grin spreading across his face. “The finest sort,” he confessed, pride warming his voice. “My Duchess is with child. Come winter, I’ll be a father.”
Thomas lowered his fists. “Isaac! That’s braw news!” He clasped his friend’s shoulder firmly, the sparring momentarily forgotten. “A wee bairn to inherit the Craton spirit. My felicitations, man.”
“Thank you,” Isaac said, his chest swelling. “Though I suspect this one will inherit their mother’s formidable spirit.” He raisedhis gloves again, his eyes igniting. “Now, shall we see if impending fatherhood has slowed me down?”
Thomas chuckled, falling back into his stance. “Slowed? Yer footwork’s lighter than a grouse.” He feinted left then right. “Though I’d wager your Duchess would boxmyears if I marked her husband before the babe arrives.”
Isaac laughed, easily blocking Thomas’ playful jab. “You’re not wrong. She’s already forbidden the new stallion until after the birth.” He shook his head in mock dismay. “Wrapped in cotton wool, I am.”
“Wise woman,” Thomas countered. “Though I cannae picture ye enjoyin’ the coddlin’.” He landed another tap on Isaac’s shoulder. “Small price, aye? For such joy.”
“Indeed,” Isaac agreed, his expression softening. He returned the punch to Thomas’ arm. “Your turn next, Lushton. When do we celebrateyourhappy news?”
Thomas’s smile held, but he quickly grew uneasy. “One bout at a time, Isaac.”
