by Connie Lane
They were on even footing again and looking relieved, Ravensfield lifted his eyebrows, waiting for more.
Though Willie suspected he was tempted, Nick did not make him wait long. “You remember,” he told the duke. “Back when you said there were things I took too seriously, but love wasn’t one of them. This is very serious.” The look and smile Nick cast on her warmed Willie through to her bones. Her fingers still twined in his, Nick raised her hand and kissed it. “You may have won your wager, Your Grace, but I have won the love of my life. Something tells me I have gotten much the best part of the bargain. Perhaps someday I may be in a position to return the favor.”
Ravensfield’s glance slid to where Nick and Willie’s hands were entwined and for the first time in as long as Willie had known him, the arrogant expression he wore like a second skin faded from his face. The smile that touched his lips and his eyes was genuine enough. As was the chuckle that rumbled from deep in his throat.
“I wish you a lifetime of happiness,” Ravensfield said. “Both of you. But I sincerely hope you will do nothing to speed me to the place you find yourself. Life as a married man?” A shiver snaked over the duke’s shoulders. “It’s unthinkable!” He tipped his hat and drove on.
“Who would have thought!” A smile on her face, Willie watched him leave. “Between the generosity of His Grace and my biscuits—”
She had not meant to mention it so early in her marriage when her new husband might not be so keen to think of his wife in trade. Now that the cat was out of the bag, so to speak, there was no use trying to shove it back inside.
“I’m selling them,” Willie said, laughing at the expression of sheer wonderment on Nick’s face. “We’re making them by the dozens and we have more and more orders every day. A good many of them from your friend Mr. Hexam!”
“Willie, you’re a genius.”
“Yes, I am.” She laughed and stood on tiptoe to kiss Nick. “And a lucky woman, as well.”
“No luckier than I am, my love.” Nick kissed her most thoroughly and might have gone right on kissing her had they not been interrupted by Bob who, unbeknownst to them, had been a guest at the back of the church. Sensing the merriment of the crowd that gathered around Nick and Willie, the dog barked its approval and laughing, Nick put an arm around Willie’s shoulder.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“Do you mean for a lifetime of moments such as this?” She beamed up at her husband and didn’t need to say another word, for he knew the truth as surely as she did. She had never been more sure of anything in her life.