“Edward, I never imagined feeling this way about anyone. You might be a reformed rogue but you’re an honorable man. I value your friendship and your love and promise to cherish both. I love you more than words can say. I would be honored to be your wife.”
His heart overflowed with emotion as he rose and took her into his arms. “I intend to spend all of my days being a good husband and a better man. This rogue has met his match.” Then he kissed her, the banked passion deep inside him quickly fanning to a roaring blaze. She felt perfect in his arms. The thought of being able to hold her thusly for a lifetime left him in awe.
“What of your finances?” she whispered as he eased back only to kiss her cheek and nuzzle her ear. “I’m no heiress, but I do have a dowry. Perhaps that will help.”
“I have come into more funds, thanks to my mother. Enough to repair the roof and make another investment or two. It will have to be enough for now.” He lifted her hand to kiss her knuckles, already imagining kissing every inch of her. “What of your father? Charlotte mentioned your butler is retiring soon?”
“We have met a potential husband and wife that seem as if they might be a good fit to replace him. Caroline and Annabelle, as well as Mother, insist we will find a way to care for Father together.”
“I will do what I can as well.” He kissed her again then eased back to hold her gaze. “I think he likes me.”
“I think he does as well. But please don’t take offense if that changes in the coming days.”
The sound of her parents’ voices echoed in the corridor, suggesting they had little time left to be alone.
“Margaret?” He pressed his lips to hers once more. “How soon can we marry? I am ready to begin our life together.”
“As am I. Let us make it soon.” Then she rose on her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and showed him just how ready she was to start anew.
Epilogue
Six Months Later
“What a lovely Christmas.” Margaret smiled at Edward and moved close to take his hands in hers.
“Indeed. You must be exhausted. My mother certainly is, as she retired for the evening before the front door shut behind Redmond and Charlotte.”
“I adored visiting with everyone, but I am relieved that we will have some time to ourselves now.”
She and Edward had enjoyed luncheon with her mother and father as well as Thomas and Annabelle. Her father was adjusting well to the Dawsons with only a few minor setbacks thus far. Barclay had sent a letter sharing that he’d settled in his new cottage and was enjoying walks by the sea.
Caroline and Aberland and their children had been scheduled to see her parents that evening, while Redmond and Charlotte had joined Margaret, Edward, and Lady Wynn at Wynn House for dinner. Having two families made celebrating the holidays extra delightful, if complicated.
“I hope you’re not too tired as I have a surprise for you.” Edward tucked her hand under his arm as he guided her to the stairs and up to their bedchambers.
“You do?” Margaret couldn’t imagine what it might be. Christmas had already been so wonderful.
She had yet to truly believe this handsome man was her husband, or that this magical life they shared was real. Edward’s smile as he escorted her into her bedchamber filled her heart with even more love if that were possible.
The fire burned brightly, warming the room, and he paused before it to face her.
“As this is our first Christmas together, I wanted to give you something to remind you of how much I love you.” He retrieved a small white box tied with a red ribbon from a nearby table and handed it to her. “Happy Christmas, my love.”
“Edward.” Margaret untied the ribbon and opened the box to find a beautiful sapphire pendant necklace surrounded by diamonds. “You shouldn’t have. The money—”
“We are going to have more than enough,” he said before she could finish. “My initial trading investment is paying handsomely.”
“That’s wonderful to hear. Are you certain?”
“Absolutely.” He lifted the pendant from the box and leaned close to fasten it around her neck, his appealing scent wrapping her in a warm embrace. Then his gaze lifted to hers. “Beautiful.”
“Thank you. I love it. Like our own Christmas Star.” She looked down and gently touched the deep blue stone, emotion swirling inside her. “I will cherish it always. I love you, my dear husband.”
“Excellent, because I love you as well, my sweet wife.” He drew her into his arms and kissed her.
As always, his kisses ignited a flame within her. She made quick work of unbuttoning his suit coat and waistcoat as he unfastened the buttons that lined the back of her red silk gown. Then their pace slowed as they took great delight in undressing each other the rest of the way between kisses and caresses.
Margaret, wearing only the necklace, led Edward to the bed where the covers were already turned down.
“I can think of no better way to celebrate Christmas than making love with you.” She drew him onto the bed beside her.
“As always, I am in complete agreement. Funny how often our opinions match.” His smile was bright. The kiss he gave her was filled with passion and sent her senses reeling.
It took only moments before desire rose. Soft sighs, quiet whispers, muscled limbs, and clever fingers all combined to send need pulsing through her.
“Do you have any idea what you do to me?” he asked.
“Tell me,” she whispered, delighted as he did just that, his words adding to her desire.
Edward touched and kissed first one breast and then the other. At last, his hand moved along the curve of her hip toward the damp apex of her thighs. His touch threatened to send her over the edge, and she was anxious to return the favor.
His breath quickened as she ran her hands over his broad shoulders then along his chest, over the flat plane of his stomach before reaching his hard staff.
Her entire body yearned for him, and when he moved between her thighs, she couldn’t wait a moment longer. His manhood touched her slick folds again and again before he entered her in one powerful thrust.
She arched at the wonderful sensation and held tight to the feeling of being one with this incredible man. Their bodies moved in a steady rhythm that sent her higher and higher.
“Edward.” She wanted to stay in the moment forever but passion burst inside her, sending her flying with Edward following a moment later.
He held her as if he’d never let her go as she slowly drifted back to reality.
“Margaret?” Edward shifted to her side and drew her into his arms.
“Yes.” The warmth of his body enveloped her as he held her close. The cherished feeling swelling inside her brought a well of emotion to her throat. When he took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips to kiss the palm, her heart did a full somersault. “I love you with all that I am. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”
“Nor can I.”
“Forever.”
“And always.” Then she closed her eyes, her heart singing with happiness as they settled into sleep, holding each other tight.
###
Ready for more of The Rogue Chronicles? Watch for A ROGUE’S AUTUMN BRIDE (featuring Sarah Ramsey), coming Autumn 2021 and pre-order A ROGUE’S CHRISTMAS KISS today, releasing October 2021 exclusively in CHRISTMAS KISSES: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology!
Here’s a little more about A ROGUE’S CHRISTMAS KISS:
Mary Adams works as a seamstress, doing her best to forget the terror of her experience upon arriving in London a year and a half ago. A letter from home, advising of her mother’s illness and requesting she return home for Christmas, fills her with angst as she lacks the funds for the trip. But the arrival of an old flame from her village whose suit she rejected years ago upends her world.
Arthur Reeves is stunned to see Mary Alice behind the counter at the dressmaker’s shop--the woman who broke his young heart. Now he’s known as the rogue solicitor with a s
uccessful career specializing in assisting clients with difficult tasks. He thought he put the past behind him--buried it with roguish behavior--and has no desire to rekindle their relationship, risking heartache again.
When Mary finds the courage to ask if Arthur will help her make the long journey home, he reluctantly agrees. They soon realize they’ve both changed but not their feelings for one another. Mary can’t bring herself to tell Arthur what happened to her, certain he’ll turn away. But a snowstorm and some heated kisses might just be what they both need to heal old wounds.
Will a rogue’s Christmas kiss give them a second chance for love or will the past emerge to keep them apart?
Pre-order the entire collection today for a special price!
Other Books By Lana Williams
Regency Romances
The Rogue Chronicles
Romancing the Rogue, Book 1
A Rogue’s Reputation, a Christmas Novella, Book 2
A Rogue No More, Book 3
A Rogue to the Rescue, Book 4
A Rogue and Some Mistletoe, a Christmas Novella, Book 5
To Dare A Rogue, Book 6
A Rogue Meets His Match, Book 7
The Rogue’s Autumn Bride, Book 8, Coming Autumn 2021
A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss, a Christmas Novella, Book 9, available exclusively in Christmas Kisses: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology, Coming October 2021
A Match Made in the Highlands, a Novella
Victorian Romances
The Seven Curses of London Series:
Trusting the Wolfe, a Novella, Book .5
Loving the Hawke, Book I
Charming the Scholar, Book II
Rescuing the Earl, Book III
Dancing Under the Mistletoe, a Christmas Novella, Book IV
Tempting the Scoundrel, a Novella, Book V
Falling For the Viscount, Book VI
Daring the Duke, Book VII
Wishing Upon A Christmas Star, a Novella, Book VIII
Ruby’s Gamble, a Novella
Gambling for the Governess, Book IX
Redeeming the Lady, Book X
Enchanting the Duke, Book XI
The Secret Trilogy:
Unraveling Secrets, Book I
Passionate Secrets, Book II
Shattered Secrets, Book III
Medieval Romances:
Falling for A Knight Series:
A Knight’s Christmas Wish, Novella, Book .5
A Knight’s Quest, Book 1 (Also available in Audio)
A Knight’s Temptation, Book 2 (Also available in Audio)
A Knight’s Captive, Book 3 (Also available in Audio)
The Vengeance Trilogy:
A Vow To Keep, Book I
A Knight’s Kiss, Novella, Book 1.5
Trust In Me, Book II
Believe In Me, Book III
Contemporary Romances:
Yours for the Weekend, a Novella
If you enjoyed this story, I invite you to sign up to my newsletter to find out when the next one is released. I’d be honored if you’d consider writing a review! Join my private VIP Readers Group on Facebook for fun conversations, sneak peeks, giveaways, and more!
About the Author
Lana Williams is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes historical romance filled with mystery, adventure, and sometimes a pinch of paranormal to stir things up. Filled with a love of books from an early age, Lana put pen to paper and decided happy endings were a must in any story she created.
The Rogue Chronicles, where rogues meet their match in the most delightful way, is a Regency era series. The Seven Curses of London series is set in Victorian times and shares stories of men and women who attempt to battle the ills of London, and the love they find along the way that truly gives them something worth fighting for.
Her first medieval trilogy is set in England and follows heroes seeking vengeance only to find love when they least expect it. The second trilogy begins on the Scottish border and follows the second generation of the de Bremont family.
The Secret Trilogy, which shares stories set in Victorian London, follows three lords injured in an electromagnetic experiment that went terribly wrong and the women who help heal them through the power of love.
She writes in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two sons, and a spoiled lab, and loves hearing from readers. Stop by her website and say hello! You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Join her private VIP Readers Group on Facebook for fun conversations, sneak peeks, giveaways, and more!
Copyright © 2021 by Lana Williams
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Cover Art by The Killion Group
A Rogue Meets His Match (The Rogue Chronicles Book 7) Page 23