by Dawn Brower
His lips twitched. William wouldn’t have pegged her for the type to enjoy a surprise. He moved his hand so it skimmed over her waist and reached into the inside pocket of the jacket draped over her. He pulled out a thin black box and presented it to her. She stared at it and then back at him. Victoria licked her lips, and he nearly groaned. He wanted to kiss her badly. She tentatively took the box. “What is it?”
He chuckled. “Open it and find out.”
She lifted the lid and peered inside. There was enough light from inside the house to emit a soft glow. Inside, on black velvet, was a gold chain. A tiny train charm decorated in pavé rubies sat in the center. It might be a little silly, but he thought of her whenever he traveled by train.
“The first time I met you was at a train station,” he told her. “It’s simple and elegant like you. When I saw it, I bought it for you.” William let out a deep breath. “I have had it for years. I was going to give it to you the last time we were together, but you pushed me away. I thought I’d never be able to give it to you. Still, I kept it hoping one day we would find each other again.” A tear slipped from her eye and down her cheek. William reached over and wiped it away. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“What did you mean to do?” The words came out a little shaky. “Tell me, what is it you want?”
“You,” he answered simply. “It’s always been you.”
She slid the pendant out of the box and handed it to him. “Will you help me put it on?”
He nodded and took it from her. Hope bloomed inside of him at the question. William prayed it meant she was willing to give them a chance. She turned so her back was to him. William undid the clasp and reached around so the tiny train nestled at the edge of her bosom and then secured the chain in place. She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Thank you.”
“There is no need for thanks.”
Victoria turned slowly and then closed the distance between them. “No,” she said. “There’s no need for humility. Not between us.” She placed her hand on his chest. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes. You said yours was walking away from me. Mine was pushing you there. I let my fears dictate my actions.” She took a deep fortifying breath. “I’d like to say I’ve let all of them go, but that would be a lie. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to shake free of them.”
He lifted his hand and caressed her cheek, then slid it over her hair, reveling in the silky softness of her golden locks. William wasn’t certain what words would ease her and open her up to the possibility of a future together, but he’d try to find them. “No one ever promised life would be sunshine and happiness. We, perhaps more than others, know that. After the horrors of war, we’ve had to find some sort of normalcy in our lives, but those scars…” William closed his eyes briefly as the revulsions of his past deeds washed over him. Most of the time he could forget. Every now and then they slipped past his defenses, and he had to relive it all again. “We can’t erase our pasts. All we can do is move forward. I’d like to do that with you if you’ll agree.”
“I don’t know…” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “You understand why.”
He did. “While it would be nice to have children, I don’t want them more than I do you.” William slid his hand into the pocket of his trousers and pulled out a ring. It was a simple gold band with a princess cut diamond in the center. “This was my grandmother’s ring. She gave it to me not too long ago.” It had been the day she’d arrived at Lilimar for the Christmas celebration. “She told me to give it to the woman I loved.” William had wondered at the time if she knew something he hadn’t. He met Victoria’s gaze. “It was never a question who I wanted to have it. Will you wear it and agree to be my wife? I believe we can have everything our hearts’ desire. Whatever that is, we will figure it out together.”
His heart beat heavily in his chest. This was it. He had wagered every single one of his hopes and dreams on this one moment. It was up to her now. If she said yes, they would have everything. He would ensure she had every happiness he could provide. For him, she was essential to any pleasure he could imagine. If she said no, she’d crush his soul. His heart wouldn’t be able to repair itself. The damage would be too intense.
The seconds slid by slowly as if suspended in a bubble of time. Sweat started to form at his brow as he waited for her to answer, something he thought impossible in the chill of the night sky. This was the most terrifying moment of his life. He reminded himself to breathe.
Victoria lifted her left hand and stared at it, then glanced at him. “I never thought I’d wear a ring on this hand.”
William closed his eyes and let out a long breath, then let his eyelids flutter open and met her gaze. He could handle this. “If you don’t like the ring, we can get a different one. My grandmother won’t be offended.”
“That’s not it,” she said. “It’s letting go of years of anxiety and allowing myself to envision a different future for myself.” Victoria smiled at him. “Put it on my finger. I want to see and feel it. Maybe then I’ll accept my reality isn’t what I thought it would be.”
He did as she asked and put the ring on her finger. She stared at it a moment longer then looked up at him. “I love you,” she said. Her voice was filled with so much emotion, it shook as she spoke. “I should have said that sooner. I don’t know why I held back.” Victoria lifted her hand to his face. “If you can be patient with me, then I’d like to try to have a future with you.”
For a moment, he thought he hadn’t heard her correctly. That perhaps it had been wishful thinking on his part, but then he realized she’d actually spoken aloud. Excitement danced across his skin in waves and he had to hold it back for fear he’d scare her away. William had to make sure he did everything right. She was worth being exceedingly patient for.
“For you, I can do anything,” he said hoarsely. William leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Finally, he could kiss her the way he’d been imagining all night. She’d agreed to marry him. Miracles could happen…
Epilogue
Five years later…
Victoria walked down the hallway of Lilimar, heading toward the back of the house. It had been four years since she’d married William. He had wanted a short engagement, but she’d insisted on a long one. She wanted to give him plenty of time to change his mind. Marriage was forever, after all. She wanted to ensure he had no regrets. They’d scheduled their wedding for when the family would all be able to attend, and that meant a traditional English wedding. It was held at the country estate of Viscount Torrington. William’s uncle had opened his house willingly for the ceremony. Most of the day was a blur, but at the end she was married to the man she loved beyond all reason. That was all that mattered to her.
Now they were as happy as ever. Nothing had changed. At least, nothing notable... They still loved each other, and each day seemed more enjoyable than the last. Loving him should never have been so difficult. She’d made things harder than they had to be. So, for him, she made concessions and tried to get over her fears.
She pushed the doorway to the nursery open. William sat by the bed, telling their daughter a story. They had adopted Penelope when she was a year old. Her parents had died tragically, and she had no one to take her in. She had been a part of their family for the past two years. She didn’t have to carry a child to give William the family he’d wanted. The answer had been there all along, but she’d been to blind to see it. Her fears were valid, but sometimes the risks were worth it. That was why she sought him out now.
Her heart softened as she listened to him speak in light conspiratorial tones. “Once upon a time, a spy fell in love with a princess. She had golden hair that shimmered in the sunlight…”
Her lips twitched as she listened to the rest of the story. She’d heard about the Marsden tradition of telling tales to their children about how they fell in love. It amused her every time she heard William create an adventure more dazzling than the reality of their past. She leaned against the doorframe
and waited for him to finish. Victoria was as enraptured as Penelope as William spoke. She adored him and her heart nearly burst with happiness. To think she had almost walked away from him a second time. Thank heaven she hadn’t been so foolish again.
Penelope yawned. “Daddy,” she said softly. “Do you think I’ll find someone to love one day?” The innocence of youth…
Victoria would never discourage her daughter from finding love. She wanted Penelope to find happiness. She hoped that Penelope didn’t make the same mistakes she had, but everyone had to decide their own paths. Victoria wouldn’t control her or be distant with her as her own father had been. She still held the scars from the vicar’s inattentiveness. Sometimes she even felt as if she were unworthy. On those days, William was there to remind her that he loved her, and he’d always be there for her. She hated how needy she could be at times. William’s love didn’t make her dependent on him though. It only made her stronger…
“Who wouldn’t love you?” he asked. “You’re a princess. All princesses find their prince one day.” William kissed her forehead. “Sleep now. We’ll talk more tomorrow.” Penelope dutifully closed her eyes, and William tucked the blankets securely around her. Then he stood and walked to the door and turned off the lights to the bedroom, engulfing their daughter in darkness.
“Did you enjoy the story too?” he asked. His voice was a mixture of amusement and sin.
Victoria shivered a little in anticipation, then stood on her tiptoes to kiss him quickly. She slipped her arms around him and smiled. “How could I not?”
He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers in a light, tender kiss. “I think its time for us to go to bed too.” Victoria adored kissing him. She would never get enough of his affection.
She lifted a brow. “Tired already? I thought we might enjoy some time alone.”
“Then we are of like minds.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “Do you wish to spend it where a servant, or God forbid, one of my parents might interrupt us.” He trailed kisses over her cheek until he reached her ear. “Or would you prefer we do it in the privacy of our bedchamber so I can ravish you properly.”
“Well, when you put it that way…” she said breathlessly. “Please take me there.” She wanted to tell him he could take her any way he wanted. Victoria would never get enough of this man. He was her everything. She’d been a fool to put walls between them. She’d found comfort in them for years. It had taken William to help her bring them down. Only then did she see that she’d built a prison around her. Now she could be happy and love freely. She finally found where she truly belonged…
About The Author
USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.
Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She raised two boys into productive young men. There is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.
She is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To follow her click below or check out her website for the pertinent information:
www.authordawnbrower.com
Also by Dawn Brower
Standalone
Broken Pearl
Deadly Benevolence
A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss
A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss
Snowflake Kisses
Kindred Lies
Diamonds Don’t Cry
* * *
Begin Again
There You’ll Be
Better as a Memory
Won’t Let Go
* * *
Enduring Legacy
The Legacy’s Origin
Charming Her Rogue (Linked Across Time 11)
* * *
Scandal Meets Love
Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)
Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)
If It’s Love (Amanda Mariel)
Odds of Love (Dawn Brower)
Christmas at Fortuna’s Parlor (Dawn and Amanda)
Believe in Love (Amanda Mariel)
Chance of Love (Dawn Brower)
* * *
Bluestockings Defying Rogues
When An Earl Turns Wicked
A Lady Hoyden’s Secret
One Wicked Kiss
Earl In Trouble
All the Ladies Love Coventry
One Less Scandalous Earl
Coming Soon
Confessions of a Hellion
The Vixen in Red
* * *
Marsden Descendants
Rebellious Angel
Tempting An American Princess
Loving an American Spy
How to Kiss a Debutante
* * *
Marsden Romances
A Flawed Jewel
A Crystal Angel
A Treasured Lily
A Sanguine Gem
A Hidden Ruby
A Discarded Pearl
* * *
Novak Springs
Cowgirl Fever
Dirty Proof
Unbridled Pursuit
Sensual Games
Christmas Tempatation
* * *
Linked Across Time
Saved by My Blackguard
Searching for My Rogue
Seduction of My Rake
Surrendering to My Spy
Spellbound by My Charmer
Stolen by My Knave
Separated from My Love
Scheming with My Duke
Secluded with My Hellion
Coming Soon
Secrets of My Beloved
Spying on My Scoundrel
Shocked by My Vixen
* * *
Heart’s Intent
One Heart to Give
Unveiled Hearts
Heart of the Moment
Kiss My Heart Goodbye
Heart in Waiting
* * *
Broken Curses
The Enchanted Princess
The Bespelled Knight
The Magical Hunt
* * *
Ever Beloved
Forever My Earl
Always My Viscount
Infinitely My Marquess
Eternally My Duke
* * *
Kismet Bay
Once Upon a Christmas
New Year Revelation
All Things Valentine
Luck At First Sight
Endless Summer Days
A Witch’s Charm
All Out of Gratitude
Christmas Ever After
Afterword
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www.authordawnbrower.com
Excerpt: How to Kiss a Debutante
Marsden Descendants
Dawn Brower
Chapter 1
November 1922
Aletha Dewitt pulled her coat tighter around her as she walked into the Carter Candy headquarters. Her maternal grandfather was the owner and CEO of the multimillion-dollar company. Her mother, Esther Carter Dewitt, was his sole heir. Her grandfather, Phillip Carter, came from a long line of male chauvinists that believed a woman’s place was at her husband’s side or at home taking care of the children. So on while her mother was Aletha’s grandfather’s only child, Esther would never have control over the company. It would either go to Aletha’s father or her brother, Christian Dewitt. Not that her mother showed any interest in the company… Aletha didn’t understand her mother at all.
Aletha’s father, Thomas Dewitt, had his hands full with his own family’s company. So he’d probably pass the Carter Candy Company to Christian. It didn’t matter that her father was grooming Christian to take over Dewitt Enterprises. Her f
ather was very much like her grandfather. He’d never consider her for a role in business. Which was why Aletha hoped to change her grandfather’s mind about a woman becoming involved in business.
She headed to the stairs. An elevator had been installed in the building, but Aletha found the small closed in space…uncomfortable. There was something that seemed a little unsafe about the contraptions. It would take a lot for her to trust them. Besides her grandfather’s building was only three stories. It wouldn’t take long to go up all three flights to the top floor where his office was located.
Aletha was a little out of breath by the time she reached the top floor. She usually didn’t exert herself quite so much. She took a minute to catch her breath then ran her hands over her skirt. It wouldn’t do to approach her grandfather looking out of sorts. His strong opinions also included one’s appearance. She could almost hear him in her head. “Young ladies do not go out in public with worn or wrinkled clothing. It shows lack of breeding to be seen in an unkempt manner.”
She mentally rolled her eyes. Her grandfather’s old-fashioned outlook on everything was the first problem. Convincing him of taking a chance on her, a lowly ignorant female, would be difficult at best. Perhaps she was pinning her hopes and dreams on something that would be impossible to make happen. Aletha had to at least try.
“I’m ready,” she said to herself. If she kept saying that to herself maybe she would be too. She went to her grandfather’s office. The door was open. That would make this a little easier. Aletha raised her hand and rapped it against the doorframe. Her grandfather glanced up and met her gaze. He had silver hair mixed with sprinkles of white. The appearance was like silver silk dusted with snow. His eyes were an ice blue to match his frosty locks. Phillip Carter could freeze out anyone with just one glance. His gaze didn’t warm any when he noticed her in the doorway. No one was safe from his frigid attitude, especially his family. He refused to be soft for any reason. In some ways Aletha respected him for that, but mostly she wished she had a caring grandparent. “Hello grandfather,” she said and walked into the office.