Hiseyes moistened, and he pulled her closer. “Lucy,Ilove you.Pleasepromise me that you’ll marry me and make me the happiest of men.Neverleave me again…not whenI’vefinally found the woman with whomIwant to spend my life.”
Shebreathed out a deep sigh. “Ilove you, too,Rowan.AndI’llmarry you.Thistime,Ipromise,” she said, beaming up at him.Itwas the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen.
EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER ~ SCARBOROUGH MANOR
Rowanfinished reviewing the ledgersMr.Jenson, his man of business, had sent him and settled back in the chair, surveying the room.ChristmasDaywas almost here and would mark one year since he andLucyhad married.Married!Hisentire life, the only thing he had ever thought about marriage was how to avoid it.Yet, the day he’d caughtLucystealing a little fox from the groundskeeper’s shed onLatham’sestate, his days as a bachelor had seen their end.Notonly had the guileless woman stolenLatham’sfox, but she stoleRowan’sheart.Now, fully leg-shackled in wedlock, he had a hard time figuring out why he had avoided the matrimonial state.Hismother said it was because he hadn’t metLucy.Hecouldn’t argue with that.
“Darling,”Lucysaid, sweeping into the room, upending his thoughts. “Iwanted to tell you about a few changesI’veauthorized at the sanctuary.”
“Whatis that in your arms?” he asked, arching a brow.
“This?It’sa fox, of course.Silly.”
Herolled his eyes. “Lucy,Iknow it’s a fox.Myimpliedquestion is, why?Howmany does this make?”Asheand his mate had a special corner of the new animal sanctuary, and she had just delivered her first litter of pups.Rowanwas sure he’d be fighting off the hunters soon.
“Tsk!Youknow implied questions aren’t always addressed—especially by me if it meansImight be in for a scolding…”
“Idon’t scold.”Hewaggled his eyebrows and grinned. “Unlesswe’re in bed.”
“OhLord,” she breathed. “Don’tyou dare give me that smile whenIhave a long list of things still to do today.”
“Whatsmile is that?” he said, smiling.
“Thatsmile!”Shepointed. “Thatdelicious scoundrel smile.”
Hereyes were glorious when they fought.LikerichFrenchbrandy.Although, they weren’t really fighting.Nomatter how madLucygot, it only lasted as long as it took before he kissed her.Andthen she always forgot what they were fighting about after they made up.Inbed.Allnight long.Rowanconsidered himself a lucky man to have a woman likeLucy, and he counted his blessings every day. “I’mwaiting,” he said, a teasing quirk at the corner of his mouth.
“Pish!Iknow how much you loveAshe—maybe as much asIdo.”
Hedid have affection for the fox.Afterall,Ashewas responsible for him andLucymeeting and falling in love.However, he wasn’t ready to declare his love for the wily fox just yet. “What’sthe story on the cute little one in your arms?”
“Ashefound this little fellow.Ithink its mama is gone.So, he brought him to me.Ashley—Mrs.Ashe.Inamed herAshley—she has already taken to this little one.I’mcertain she’ll nurture him along with her other pups.
“YounamedMrs.Ashe—Ashley?”Hebit back the laughter that threatened. “Ofcourse you did.”
“Andbefore you say something silly like foxes are bounders and don’t mate for life, don’t.Asheis different.Itwas love at first sight forAsheandAshley.”
“Justlike us, hmm?”Hisvoice softened, and he stood and walked from behind his desk.
“Yes, just like us.Sometimes, those deep emotions are beyond your control.”Shebeamed up at him.
Hesighed as he gazed at that beautiful smile.Themost beautiful smile he’d ever seen.
“We’lljust have to make your animal sanctuary larger.I’lllook into it later today.”Pushingback papers and ledgers on his desk,Rowancleared a spot and sat down, tugging her between his legs.Hiseyes focused on her lips. “It’shard to kiss you with that critter in your arms.”
“ButIcan’t put him down…”
“AndIcan’t let a small fox keep me from kissing my beautiful wife.Hepulled her close and kissed her deeply, drinking in the taste of her and the feel of her nearness.Blasther for having a fox pup, he thought.Thesmall animal seemed to relish the warmth of their bodies because when he drew back, he noted it was fast asleep.
“Igot a letter fromMothertoday,” he said. “Sheand my sisters have finished theKentHouseand are coming here forChristmas.I’vealready askedMrs.Dunnto have the rooms prepared.They’llbe very excited to see all the progress you’ve made here,”Rowansaid, still holding her. “Ican’t believe how much you accomplished in such a short time.Andthe gardens are lovely.YouandMr.Danielshave done a wonderful job.”
“Wemerely followed the layouts that were already in place.Justrefreshed them.”Lucysnuggled against his chest for another kiss. “Ihave a surprise for you,” she murmured. “ShallItell you now or wait until our anniversary onChristmasDay?”
“Well, now that you’ve dangled it out there, tell me now,” he said, nuzzling her neck.
Lucysighed, and a little moan escaped her as she wiggled on his lap.
