Page 101 of Duke of Emeralds
“I’m not sure I deserve this,” he whispered.
She held him back, matching the fierceness of his grip. “Neither of us do. That is what makes it so perfect.”
They were still entwined on the carpet when the studio door crashed open, and Arabella barreled through with Noah in closepursuit. Both were breathless, faces red from whatever contest they’d staged in the hallway.
“Mrs. Smith says you are to come at once for tea, or there will be consequences,” Bella announced. “Also, Noah broke your wax seal, and he is very sorry.”
Noah, appearing contrite, stared at his shoes, but it was clear from the glimmer in his eyes that he was not at all sorry.
Thomas stood, hoisted Hester with him, and set her gently upright. “Go on, both of ye. We’ll be right behind.”
As soon as the children were gone, Thomas pressed his forehead to Hester’s, unwilling to let her go. “I love ye, Hester,” he said, the words easy at last.
She smiled, soft and sure. “And I you, Thomas. Now let’s go before Bella eats all the cake.”
The End?
