The Sweetest Touch

by Marie Higgins

  Soon the Danvers’ carriage arrived—Miss Watson still sobbing and mumbling her innocence—and not long after that, Magistrate Templeton arrived, appearing irate. Between Trevor, his brothers, and Lord Danvers, they explained the story to the magistrate before allowing David to tell his story.

  When the magistrate gave orders to release Louisa and lock up Miss Watson, Trevor’s heart sang with happiness. His brothers and Dominic clapped Trevor on his shoulders. Lady Danvers kept wiping her wet eyes. The earl’s stern expression wavered while he comforted his wife.

  During the wait, Trevor paced the hallway in the front part of the building, anxious about seeing Louisa again. He wouldn’t hold back his feelings for her—even in front of her parents. Lord Wellesley stepped away from the Danvers and cautiously walked to Trevor. He stopped and waited to see what Wellesley wanted.

  The man sighed heavily and ran his fingers through his blond hair. “Is she really the Danvers’ daughter?” he asked in a low tone.

  “Yes.”

  “Are you aware…” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “That we are betrothed?”

  Trevor’s heartbeat stalled for a split-second. He had heard this, but forgotten. It didn’t matter. Contracts could be broken, and Trevor would see that this one was dissolved immediately. “Are you aware I’m in love with her?”

  Frank nodded. “That is why I decided to speak with you.”

  “Then I must tell you she is in love with me, as well.”

  Frank grinned. “Splendid.”

  Shocked, Trevor shook his head slowly. “Why are you excited about this news?”

  “Because I’m in love with another woman. I didn’t want to marry Elizabeth, but the contract was signed before I could stop it. When we thought Elizabeth had drowned, my aunt and uncle wanted me to marry Eliza. I couldn’t disappoint them, so I agreed—grudgingly.”

  Trevor touched Frank’s arm. “Then you need to tell Lord and Lady Danvers about your young woman and how much you love her. They will understand, I assure you.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace. Our talk has relieved me greatly.”

  “As it has me.” Trevor nodded.

  From down the corridor, the footsteps echoed. The hall was dark, only the lamp held by the jailer could be seen. The group clustered together; watched and waited…

  * * * *

  Louisa didn’t know how Trevor did it, but she’d spend the rest of her life thanking him. When the jailer had told her she was free, she didn’t quite believe him—until he threw Eliza in the room and locked the door. Eliza’s eyes shot fiery daggers toward Louisa as her childhood friend shouted curses toward the jailer and even a few threats directed Louisa’s way.

  The jailer couldn’t walk fast enough, and although Louisa’s body was weary with fatigue and loss of nourishment, she still kept up beside him. Yet as they neared the entryway and she recognized the people standing by Trevor, her heart sank. At first anger shot through her, knowing he was the one who had brought her parents. But the longer she studied their expressions, the more she could see they had not blamed her as she’d feared.

  Her mother stood beside her father, trembling as tears poured from her eyes. When Louisa was within speaking distance, she broke into a run and right into the open arms of her parents. She cried against her mother as her father’s strong arms wrapped around both of them.

  “I’m so sorry,” she uttered in between sobs.

  “There, there,” her father comforted with a hoarse voice.

  “I didn’t know. I promise I didn’t.” Louisa shook her head.

  Mother stroked Louisa’s ratted hair as if it were more precious than silk. “How could you, my dear?”

  Louisa lifted her head and stared into her mother’s watery eyes. “Can you ever forgive me?” She looked at her father. “Can you forget that I stayed alive by picking pockets and stealing?”

  “We have already forgotten,” her father assured.

  Magistrate Templeton placed his hand on the earl’s shoulder. “You should return home and rest now.”

  “Thank you for your help,” her father told his cousin.

  “I’m happy that I was able to assist in the matter.” The magistrate nodded.

  Louisa turned with her parents to leave, when she noticed Trevor. Kind and patient Trevor, who stood against the wall waiting for her. His handsome face smiled at her so lovingly she wanted to cry all over again.

  Pulling away from her parents, she stepped toward him. He met her halfway and took her in his arms. She buried her face in his chest and breathed in his masculine scent…the woodsy smell she’d always loved.

  “Thank you,” she mumbled against his clothes.

  His large palms drew circles on her back. “No, I thank you for forgiving me,” he whispered.

  She raised her head and looked at him. “For what?”

  “For not trusting you in the first place.”

  “I don’t blame you.” She smiled.

  He motioned his head toward her family. “I will let you return home with them, but only if you promise I can come visit you tomorrow.”

  “Absolutely.”

  He placed a small kiss on her forehead then pushed her toward her parents. Before she reached them, she gave a hug to Trey, Tristan, and Dominic, thanking them for their help.

  As she walked out of the building, she glanced once more at Trevor. He mouthed the words, I love you. Her heart burst as tears clouded her eyes. Finally, she could dream of having a fairytale life with him.

  Epilogue

  Louisa strolled along her mother’s flower garden and brushed her finger tips across the rose pedals. Everything was just as she’d remembered it—but better.

  Across the lawn the laughter of the twins floated through the afternoon air. She looked toward Adam and Amanda…now her children, and smiled. Two months ago when she’d married Trevor, her new life had begun. Never had she thought she’d be so happy, but being called Mother by the twins, and sharing her love with a wonderful, handsome husband every day and night gave new meaning to her life.

  It did her heart glad to see her parents playing with the twins—acting like grandparents. Coming back into their life brought Louisa great joy, more than she’d ever expected, especially after living the past six years as a thief and beggar. Little by little the nightmares of Macgregor’s torture slowly faded as Trevor and the twins filled her dreams with pleasantries.

  They married almost two weeks after she was released from the gaol and had the most beautiful wedding she could ever imagine. Sighing, she glanced up at the clear, blue sky. Thank you, Lord, for bringing me Trevor.

  She continued through the flower garden in peaceful solitude, thanking the Lord for what He’d given her. She had her family back. The woman who had made her life hell was now in purgatory since Louisa had heard last week Eliza was hanged for her crimes. Louisa had helped the children that used to work for Macgregor find their homes. Only a few of them were truly orphans. Still, she wanted all the children to be as happy as she was now and to find the peace in their lives they’d been missing.

  The pounding of horse’s hooves startled her and she swung toward the sound. Trevor rode up, stopped, then quickly dismounted. She stayed where she stood and waited for him to reach her. The closer he came, the wider his smile grew. When he finally reached her side, he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up.

  Laughing, she linked her arms around his neck as she gazed into his dreamy blue eyes. “What is this all about?”

  “I missed you.”

  “Trevor, I fear you are teasing me. Your brothers and Lord Hawthorne were supposed to keep you busy at Whites since you hardly get out anymore.”

  He shook his head. “I was completely bored, my dear, and could not wait to return to the arms of my beautiful wife.”

  “Your brothers are going to think you are neglecting them.”

  “No they will not think that way. In fact, Trey cannot stay away from Judith for very long, either. I think Tris
tan and Dominic are contemplating finding themselves wives as well.”

  She ran her fingers through her husband’s glorious thick black hair. “I do love you and I’m happy you are here.”

  “Are you ready to go home?” He wagged his eyebrows suggestively.

  “Heavens no. We would have to leave the twins with my parents and they would for certain know what we were up to.”

  Tilting back his head, he laughed heartily. “Oh, my dear wife. Your parents will not fault us at all for wanting to be alone any chance we can get.” He set her down until her feet touched the ground before kissing her.

  After the kiss ended, she sighed and leaned her head on his chest. “Indeed, my wonderful husband, you are correct. We will certainly need to find more time to be together, especially now.”

  He withdrew only enough for her to look at him again. “And why is that?”

  “Because in seven or so months, we will be adding an addition to the family.”

  “We will? I thought you had found homes for all of Macgregor’s children.”

  “Oh, I have. Although…I am seriously thinking about starting a home for orphaned children. A good place that will teach the children what they need to learn…what they will miss from not having parents.”

  He nodded. “That is an excellent idea, my love. I will support you, as long as you don’t plan on being there every day and all day. The twins and I still need you desperately.”

  “Oh, I will not spend my time there. I only want to get a center started. Besides, I have other plans for my family now.”

  A grin stretched his mouth. “What kind of plans?”

  “I told you. I am going to add to our household size.”

  Trevor’s breath hitched as his eyes widened. “A…baby? We are going to have a baby?”

  “Of course, my dear husband. What did you think I was talking about?”

  He whooped a cheer and lifted her again, swinging them around a few times. When he set her down, his lips captured hers. She met his passionate kiss, expressing all the love she felt for him through the one little gesture. He’d always made her heart pound with excitement, and had always made her feel like a woman.

  Trevor broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. “Oh, Louisa. I never thought I could be this happy. When I married Gwen and there was no love between us, I thought I was destined for a loveless life. But you entered and brought laughter into my world. You showed me what it’s like to be loved. Indeed, you have made my life complete, and I thank you.”

  She snuggled her cheek against his. “I assure you, I will try to make you happy every moment of our lives.”

  “You already do.” He winked.

  THE END

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  About the Author

  Marie Higgins is a best-selling, multi-published author of Christian and sweet romance novels; from refined bad-boy heroes who make your heart melt to the feisty heroines who somehow manage to love them regardless of their faults. She’s been with a Christian publisher since 2010. Between those and her others, she’s published 30 heartwarming, on-the-edge-of-your-seat stories and broadened her readership by writing mystery/suspense, humor, time-travel, paranormal, along with her love for historical romances. Her readers have dubbed her "Queen of Tease", because of all her twists and turns and unexpected endings.

  Visit her website / blog to discover more about her – http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com

  Find her on Facebook – facebook.com/marie.higgins.7543

  And Twitter - @MarieHigginsXOX