That wasn’t the secret. He doubted he could have kept his bliss hidden from anyone for long. He was all too aware that he wore his heart on his sleeve when it came to Philippa and his new family. Valerian’s eyes flicked to the front row where Lilya and Constantine sat. In the span of a year, he’d become a husband and a father to two boys and one beautiful young woman preparing to take on London in the spring.
His life was full. But that wasn’t the secret either.
A year ago on New Year’s Eve, he’d silently vowed to court Philippa and win back her trust in him so that his life could be complete. That was his secret.
His resolution had been fulfilled, although not with ease. He and Philippa had done battle with the past and the present for the sake of their love. Now, there were no more secrets between them.
Philippa passed the baby to him, all blankets and dark hair in his arms. He passed the baby to Beldon, who stood as godfather to little Aidan Alexei. Beldon said the words easily and the ceremony was over.
There was mingling afterwards, everyone crowding the altar to get a good look at Roseland’s new heir. Valerian watched Lilya and Beldon exchange a quiet look apart from the crowd, a knowing smile spreading across his face.
Philippa elbowed him gently. ‘What are you thinking with that wicked grin on your face?’
‘I am thinking that everyone deserves to be as happy we are.’
ISBN: 978-1-4268-2721-1
Copyright © 2008 Harlequin Books S.A.
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Pickpocket Countess
Copyright © 2008 by Nikki Poppen
Grayson Prentiss’s Seduction
Copyright © 2008 Harlequin Books S.A.
Notorious Rake, Innocent Lady
Copyright © 2000 by Nikki Poppen
Libertine Lord, Pickpocket Miss
Copyright © 2008 by Nikki Poppen
The Viscount Claims His Bride
Copyright © 2009 by Nikki Poppen
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