Page 66 of Rescuing a Tantalising Heiress
A little later, after they had finished the claret, they left the study, slipping across the dark hallway and letting themselves out of the side door into the garden. It was almost dark now, the moon hanging big and waxy over the moorland and casting its yellow light across the garden.
The sky was filled with a million stars, and the perfumed scent of the flowerbeds hung headily in the air. Edward took hold of Isabella’s hand, leading her across the lawn towards the ha-ha, where they could stand and look out across the vast expanse of moorland to the last vestiges of the setting sun beyond.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” Edward said as he slipped his arms around her, and Isabella rested her head on his chest.
“I think it’s wonderful. I’ve never felt so at peace, and to think…there was a time it was too dangerous for me even to set foot out here in the garden,” Isabella replied.
“But those days are long behind us now. You don’t ever have to be afraid again,” Edward promised her.
“But I don’t think I was afraid—not after I met you. I knew you’d protect me. I fainted in your arms, and that was the beginning of it. I didn’t need to be afraid, not knowing you were there with me,” Isabella replied.
He looked down at her and smiled, kissing her gently on the forehead.
“I’m glad to hear that. I only ever wanted to keep you safe. That was it, at first, and then…I fell in love with you. I can’t say when exactly, but it happened, and I’m so glad it did. Strange circumstances brought us together, but I’m only glad they did,” he replied.
Isabella put her arms around his neck, gazing up at him as their lips met in another kiss. It was the memory of his kiss she had clung to in her moments of fear, knowing she had no need to be afraid, for she had trusted his promises, and knew he would not abandon her. Her heart was filled with love for him, and all that mattered was the moment they now shared. As their lips parted, she whispered those words again.
“I love you,” she said as he rested his forehead against hers.
“And I love you, too. I’ll always love you, you’ve stolen my heart, but I’d give it to you a thousand times over,” he replied.
And as they stood together, looking out across the moorland, embracing one another in the happiness of their union, Isabella knew he had stolen her heart, too.
THE END
