“And now?”
He slowly smiled. “Now I accept that whatever sacrifice I may make to restore my estate, none could be greater than marrying some maiden who is not you. No one could ever replace you in my heart.” He gazed deep into her wide eyes. “I love you, Miss Kate Frazer. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Without warning, she threw her arms about his neck and pressed herself even closer to his hard form. Luce clutched her tiny body, his senses filled with her warm sweetness.
“I love you,” she said simply.
Luce briefly wondered if his heart might actually burst from sheer happiness.
“But what of your desire for daring adventures and independence?” he forced himself to ask the question that still haunted him.
She offered him a brilliant smile. “I have discovered that a life of endless adventures can be as dull as one of endless duty.”
“No more adventures?”
“Oh, I did not say that,” she corrected, with a glint in her eyes. “I still want to experience new delights. Perhaps as a roguish pirate, you might have a few suggestions?”
Luce gave a low growl as he pressed her against his trembling form. The delights he conjured were enough to make his knees weak and his head spin.
“You are sure? I have nothing to offer but my name and a decidedly uncertain future.”
“Oh, yes.”
With a slow tenderness, he explored her lips, barely able to believe this extraordinary woman. He had sought a fortune, and he had found it in her love.
“You came home,” he whispered against her mouth.
“No, I came to you,” she retorted.
“We will rebuild Calfield Park together,” he promised as he gently nuzzled her cheek. “For us. For our family.”
She reached up to cup his face in gentle hands. “It sounds like a wonderful adventure.”
He smiled deep into her eyes as he pressed her slight frame even closer.
“An adventure that will last the rest of our lives.”
EPILOGUE
As far as weddings went, this one would be considered an extravagant, spectacular success.
Oh, the entire success could not be attributed to the small church, which was beautifully festooned with flowers, candles, and the few fortunate guests who had been allowed a much sought-after invitation. Nor solely upon the bride, who stood at the altar in a shocking crimson gown, her countenance flushed with happiness. And certainly not upon the vicar, who had once again liberally quenched his thirst from the silver flask he kept concealed beneath his robes.
Weddings by tradition included beautiful churches, glowing brides, and vicars who felt the need to succor their nerves with a swig of brandy.
No. The success could be attributed to the groom.
A groom who arrived near three hours early and who swore before God and man to love, honor, and endow his bride with everlasting adventures through all eternity ...
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ALEXANDRA IVY graduated from Truman University with a degree in theatre before deciding she preferred to bring her characters to life on paper rather than the stage. She currently lives in Missouri with her extraordinarily patient husband and teenage son. To stay updated on Alexandra’s Guardian series or to chat with other readers, please visit her website at www.alexandraivy.com.
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