Ravaging the Duke
Page 21
The crash of a wave in the distance brought him out of his daydream. "I'm sorry, but we can't have a picnic on the beach."
"Why not?"
"The tide is in," he replied.
Not to be one to let anything interfere with her plans once her mind was set, Margaret looked around her. "We'll simply have our picnic out here. I'll have the table moved out on the lawn."
He leaned in to kiss her. "You're so full of ideas. Let's do it."
An hour later they were dining under two old oaks that had somehow survived the wind and harsh weather of the coast. The cook had sent a roasted chicken, along with strawberries, cheese, and bread. He couldn't wait to feed Margaret a strawberry. The color reminded him of her lips after they'd spent time kissing.
He listened to her chatter on about all sorts of things. How she was relieved her cousin, Jacob, had decided to accept his offer and move to their estate in Scotland. She was certain he was well suited for the job. And then there was Norwood. She was ecstatic he'd found a woman he could make a life with. He remembered she had something of her own to share.
"Maggie, you said you had some news."
She blushed. "Oh, my, I'd completely forgotten, I was so happy for Norwood, Thaddeus, and Jacob."
"I understand. What do you want to share, sweet?"
"I believe I'm with child, Alec."
"You're sure?"
"As sure as one can be without having seen a doctor. I haven't had my courses since we became intimate."
"You're certain?"
"Yes! As soon as we return to London, I plan on having it confirmed by a doctor, but by my calculations, we should have a baby early next spring."
"That's wonderful news!" Alec exclaimed. He rose from his chair and came around the table to hug his wife.
"It is, isn't it?"
Alec tried to remain calm. "I haven't hurt you, have I?"
Margaret grinned. "You haven't, and you won't keep yourself from my bed. I'm only with child, not an invalid, Alec."
"I don't wish to hurt you or the babe."
"And you won't. Put the notion out of your head."
"I'm so grateful Norwood introduced us. You've turned my life around, Margaret. You took a shell of a man and made him whole again. Now? Now you bless me, us, with a child. I am forever grateful to him."
"As am I. I will confess I was quite nervous when I first arrived. I wasn't sure what to expect. Then I met you, and you showed me I could be myself. It was as though we were meant to be."
"We were. We are. I love you with all my heart, Margaret. You changed me from a man who didn't believe love existed to a man madly in love with his wife. Now you've given me even more reason to love you," he replied as he kissed her cheek.
"I love you so much, Alec. We're moving to yet another phase of our lives. I can't wait to see what life throws at us."
"A half dozen children," he murmured. "Or one child. I'll love them all."
"Come, let us walk. It is one of the things I love to do with you."
Helping her from her chair, he took her hand and the pair began to walk along the path leading to the rose garden Margaret loved. A sense of peace surrounded him. No longer was he his father's son. He was becoming his own man, making his own mark on the world.
THE END
About The Author
J. R. Salisbury is the historical romance alter-ego of contemporary romance author Jamie Salisbury.
Writing romance stories with passion and sass, Jamie Salisbury has seen several of her books soar to #1 on Amazon. Her novella, Tudor Rubato was a finalist in the 2012 RONE awards. The cover won for Best Contemporary Cover. In 2014, her novel, Life and Lies was nominated for a RONE in the Erotica category. Her books are self published.
Music, traveling and history are among her passions when not writing. Her previous career in public relations in and around the entertainment field has afforded her with a treasure trove of endless story ideas.
Historical - writing as J R Salisbury
The Mayfair Series
Dealing with the Duchess
Ravaging the Duke
MacLeods of Skye
Donnan’s Rose
Contemporary Romances writing as Jamie Salisbury
Brighton Cove Series
Everything About You
P.S.: I Love You
Tudor Dynasty Series
Tudor Rose
Tudor Rubato
Tudor Reunion Tour
Tudor Redemption
Tudor Dynasty Box Set
Tudor Saga Series
Encore!
Archangel
The Southern Heat Series
Choice Matters
Choice Affairs
Choice Desires
Choice Christmas
Southern Heat Box Set
The MacLeod Sisters Series
Tartan Deadlines
Kilted Cowboys
Albert and Anne Series
Perpetual Love
Stand Alone: Timeless Sojourn, Maxed Out
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