James chuckled. “Some things are worth waiting for.” He kissed her. “You are worth waiting for.”
“As are you. Though now that I know what will happen on our wedding night, I fear the time will pass even slower.”
“Does it make you feel any better to know I feel the same?”
She considered his question. “A little. It’s just that I want to be with you every moment of every day.”
“Soon, my love. Very soon.” Then he kissed her once more, realizing May sounded as if it would indeed take an eternity but would truly be worth the wait.
Epilogue
Four Years Later
“Darling, have you seen my blue waistcoat?” James searched through his packed trunk one more time. He would’ve thought after all the trips they’d made, he would’ve become more organized when travelling.
“I believe it’s near the top,” Charlotte called from the adjoining room.
“I found it.” He put it on and fastened the buttons. “Are you almost ready?”
His breath caught as she glided into the room wearing a periwinkle blue gown that accented her curves and highlighted her beauty. Her honey-colored tresses were rolled into a loose chignon with several curls left loose to frame her face.
“I’m ready,” she declared as she finished fastening an earring. “Will I do?”
“Charlotte.” He was nearly at a loss for words. “You are so beautiful.”
She smiled and drew close to pat his cheek. “Spoken like a good husband.”
He took her bare hand and turned it to kiss the palm. “Nothing of the sort. Spoken like a besotted one who loves his wife.”
She laughed and kissed him before drawing back. “I’m so pleased you feel that way.”
“Always and forever.” He settled his hands on her waist. “Are you certain you wish to go to the ball? We could stay here instead.”
Their latest adventure had taken them to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, a beautiful place rich with history and stunning views, including the one from the villa where they were staying. Sheer cliffs, rugged shorelines, and abundant lemon groves combined with the area’s Roman history and terraced vineyards made it a destination they’d both enjoyed exploring.
“The Countess of Pemberford would never forgive us,” Charlotte said as she looped her arms around his shoulders. “But I promise we won’t stay overlong.”
“Does that mean you don’t intend to dance away the night with me?”
“I intend to dance with you, but not for long. I am rather tired this evening.” Something flashed in the depth of her eyes, giving him pause.
“Why is that?” he asked, tensing as he searched her expression. “Is something wrong?”
“I would say something is very right.”
He waited, not understanding what would make her tired but be right. “Charlotte?”
“Philip is going to be an excellent brother, don’t you think?” Her beautiful eyes held on his and glittered with emotion. “Much like Edward is to me.”
“We’re going to have another baby?” he asked, joy catching his breath.
“Yes, we are. Just when I was beginning to give up hope of a second child. Two years is a long time to wait.”
James chuckled, tightening his embrace. “You say that now, but wait until we have two little ones running about in the nursery.”
“I cannot wait as I believe we are more than ready for the challenge.” She kissed him long and deep. “I love you, James. More than words can possibly express.”
“And I love you twice as much.” He drew a deep breath at the idea of becoming a father for the second time. “You are a gift beyond measure as are our children.” He lowered his hand to cradle her still flat stomach. “I cannot wait to meet the next addition to the family. When shall we tell Philip?”
“We’ll wait until the morning, else he’ll never sleep for the nanny.”
“What a clever mother you are, always knowing what’s best.” He kissed her again, his tongue dancing with hers. Would he ever become accustomed to the passion he felt for her?
“I cannot wait for our next adventure,” Charlotte whispered when she eased back from the kiss.
“Only you would consider motherhood an adventure,” he teased.
“Life with you is an adventure, my handsome rogue. To think it all started with a dare.”
“As all good adventures do,” he murmured and kissed her again.
###
Watch for A ROGUE MEETS HIS MATCH, coming this summer, which shares Margaret Gold’s story!
Other Books By Lana Williams
Regency Romances
The Rogue Chronicles
Romancing the Rogue, Book 1
A Rogue’s Reputation, a Christmas Novella, Book 2
A Rogue No More, Book 3
A Rogue to the Rescue, Book 4
A Rogue and Some Mistletoe, a Christmas Novella, Book 5
To Dare A Rogue, Book 6
A Rogue Meets His Match, Book 7, Coming Summer 2021
A Rogue’s Autumn Bride, Book 8, Coming Autumn 2021
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss, Book 9, Coming October 2021 exclusively in CHRISTMAS KISSES: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology
A Match Made in the Highlands, a Novella
Victorian Romances
The Seven Curses of London Series:
Trusting the Wolfe, a Novella, Book .5
Loving the Hawke, Book I
Charming the Scholar, Book II
Rescuing the Earl, Book III
Dancing Under the Mistletoe, a Christmas Novella, Book IV
Tempting the Scoundrel, a Novella, Book V
Falling For the Viscount, Book VI
Daring the Duke, Book VII
Wishing Upon A Christmas Star, a Novella, Book VIII
Ruby’s Gamble, a Novella
Gambling for the Governess, Book IX
Redeeming the Lady, Book X
Enchanting the Duke, Book XI
The Secret Trilogy:
Unraveling Secrets, Book I - Kobo
Passionate Secrets, Book II - Kobo
Shattered Secrets, Book III - Kobo
Medieval Romances:
Falling for A Knight Series:
A Knight’s Christmas Wish, Novella, Book .5 - Kobo
A Knight’s Quest, Book 1 - Kobo (Also available in Audio)
A Knight’s Temptation, Book 2 - Kobo (Also available in Audio)
A Knight’s Captive, Book 3 - Kobo (Also available in Audio)
The Vengeance Trilogy:
A Vow To Keep, Book I - Kobo
A Knight’s Kiss, Novella, Book 1.5 - Kobo
Trust In Me, Book II - Kobo
Believe In Me, Book III - Kobo
Contemporary Romances:
Yours for the Weekend, a Novella
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About the Author
Lana Williams is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes historical romance filled with mystery, adventure, and sometimes a pinch of paranormal to stir things up. Filled with a love of books from an early age, Lana put pen to paper and decided happy endings were a must in any story she created.
The Rogue Chronicles, where rogues meet their match in the most delightful way, is a Regency era series. The Seven Curses of London series is set in Victorian times and shares stories of men and women who attempt to battle the ills of London, and the love they find along the way that truly gives them something worth fighting for.
Her first medieval trilogy is set in England and follows heroes seeking vengeance only to find love when they least expect it. The second trilogy begins on the Scottish border and follows the second generation of the de Bremont
family.
The Secret Trilogy, which shares stories set in Victorian London, follows three lords injured in an electromagnetic experiment that went terribly wrong and the women who help heal them through the power of love.
She writes in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two sons, and a spoiled lab, and loves hearing from readers. Stop by her website and say hello! You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Join her private VIP Readers Group on Facebook for fun conversations, sneak peeks, giveaways, and more!
Copyright © 2021 by Lana Williams
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Cover Art by The Killion Group
To Dare a Rogue Page 25