Chuckling, Andrew smoothed a hand down Rebecca’s shoulder, drawing her against his side. He nodded at the bundled-up people on the lawn. “They may have rightful complaints against me, but for now, they are happy.”
“Yes, they are.” She snuggled deeper into his embrace. A soft sound of pleasure escaped. “And so am I.”
Andrew pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You have no more complaints then?”
Her eyes flashed with impish light. “Just one.”
He arched an eyebrow. “One?”
With a beguiling smile, she dipped her fingertips inside his waistcoat and smoothed her hand across his chest. “That I am not yet your wife.”
Resisting the pleasurable heat that spread across his skin, he bent his head and nuzzled the side of her neck. “Three weeks, my dear.”
“Three long weeks,” she protested with a false groan. After withdrawing her hand, she ran her fingers down the length of his chest.
“Well, you will keep busy converting your house into your new office.” He captured her wandering palm a hairsbreadth away from the waist of his trousers.
“The nights will be insufferable alone.”
“Oh, but I intend to keep you occupied, my dear.” As occupied as the children would allow. Speaking of the children…
He dipped his head to graze his teeth across Rebecca’s earlobe. “What do you say to putting the children to bed so I can show you what I have in mind?”
“Mm.” She leaned back, giving him greater access to her throat. “That sounds delightful.”
Andrew took a moment to capture her in a slow, indulgent kiss, before forcing himself to step back. “Thomas! Alice! It’s that time now. To your rooms!”
Amid a series of protests, both children shuffled down the hall and up the stairs to the rooms they had established with Fortescue earlier in the day. Though the arrangements were only that of temporary houseguests and appropriately arranged as thus, Rebecca and Thomas would soon be permanent enough. Tomorrow evening would see them back in their household until they were married. For the moment though, the scene afforded him a glimpse of the years to come. Happiness warmed his heart.
Andrew quirked an eyebrow at Rebecca.
She took him by the hand, and in that moment, he knew he had been given the greatest gift of all. For not even gold could ever shine the way love glittered in her eyes. Love he had finally earned the right to claim for an eternity.
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About the Author
Sophia Garrett always knew she wanted to be a writer, and more specifically, a historical romance writer. Her teenage years were spent rabidly gobbling up the newest books from romance icons such as Johanna Lindsey, Sabrina Jefferies, Julie Garwood, and Kathleen E. Woodiweiss. She composed her first romance novel about the American Revolution in high school.
When Sophia is not researching…well, she’s always researching! But in her non-working hours she enjoys studying historical events (yes, she’s one of those girls), watching documentaries, taking in action-packed dramas at the theatre, and spending as much time as possible with her two young sons collecting bugs, racing Hot Wheels, and smashing things in video games.
Her second passion is animals, so much so that at one time she considered a career in veterinary medicine. Chemistry, however, waged war on her sanity, and she decided training horses was far less harmful than trying to manipulate miniscule objects that can’t be seen. Setting her sweatshirt on fire in lab might have had something to do with that. She still has her horses but has added a chicken…or two. And a duck. And a (house) pig. And several dogs. And cats. And… who knows what might turn up next!
To learn more about Sophia, visit her website at www.authorsophiagarrett.com or check out her alter-egos: the Award Winning Author Claire Ashgrove and National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire.
Get Scandalous with these historical reads…
Wagering for Miss Blake
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Mr. Giles Templeton is handsome, wealthy, and charming. For Miss Suzanna Blake, though, her parents require she marry a titled man. Suzanna turns Giles away, despite the passion sparking between them. At wit’s end, Giles wagers her that not only will she marry him but she’ll fall in love with him. Though her heart yearns for a true love-match, she has never gone against her parent’s wishes. All bets are off when happiness lies in losing a wager.
How to Tempt an Earl
a Raven Club novel by Tina Gabrielle
Miss Grace Ashton is not one to stand idly by while her family becomes destitute. Instead, she slips into the night to confront the proprietor of the infamous Raven Club, where her father is an avid gambler. But nothing prepares her for the sinfully attractive and wealthy Ian Swift. Unbeknownst to anyone, Ian has inherited an Earldom, and he must reluctantly take his place in Society. He needs a tutor, and Grace is the answer.
Lady Gone Wicked
a Wicked Secrets novel by Elizabeth Bright
Nicholas Eastwood is finally about to get everything he ever wanted. As a reward for his service to the Crown, he has been offered the title of marquess. All he has to do is stay scandal-free until the papers are signed. There’s just one problem: His ex-lover, presumed dead, is remarkably alive. Now he must find her a husband, so their shared past can stay buried. But scandals never stay secret for long…
The Mistake
a Sisters of Scandal novel by Lily Maxton
Julia Forsythe is the former mistress of a ruthless marquess and she is expecting his child. Concerned for the welfare of her unborn babe, she seeks a way to remain a “mistress” in name, if not in deed. Even as Julia slips out of the marquess’s lascivious clutches, she finds herself seeking the pleasure of the head gardener, Adam Radcliff. But Adam knows that wanting another man’s mistress will only bring ruin upon them both…
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