Burk chuckled, “This is our life Brooks. Bruises are part of our occupation.”
Brooks smiled, “I guess you are right. Sleep well brother.”
Burk smiled and watched Brooks walk away. He felt raw, and his face hurt.
His brother wasn’t a light weight, and he didn’t throw his punches.
He truly hoped Lily wouldn’t mind seeing his face bruised. There was no hope for it, it was what it was.
Burk grinned, and climbed the stairs. He was going to win his woman over, if it was the last thing he did.
The End
Epilogue
Cole
Cole went to bed that night with Eden in his arms. They had been through a lot, and their love had survived it all.
Had grown stronger. Now, it needed to go through another test. One that would help them in the coming months.
He hoped against hope that they could get his father out of prison, but he was worried it wouldn’t work the way they wanted it to.
Nothing they did ever came easily, and he was worried it would break something in his mother.
She wasn’t fragile, but after these revelations, Lydia was quiet and reserved. She also had a haunted look in her eyes he had never seen before.
One he hoped would never come again. But he knew it would stay until they found Jacob.
He blew out a sigh, his body exhausted, and wrapped around the love of his life, but he couldn’t sleep. He shook his head, holding in his chuckle.
As weeks ago, he also had this problem, but he didn’t have a succulent woman in his bed. He was happy that place was and had only been reserved for Eden.
He pulled her in tighter and she made an adorable sigh in her sleep. He loved knowing that she was carrying his child. Was his wife and no one could question it, nor could they take her from him.
He still wanted a ceremony where his mother could see it, but he had a feeling he needed to wait until they found Jacob first. That was fine with him, because Eden was his wife already, the ceremony was merely a formality.
She stirred in his arms and he looked down at her as she slowly blinked her eyes open.
Looking up at him, she gave him a soft smile, “Why are you awake my love? It’s still so early.”
Cole chuckled softly, “I know it is. Go back to sleep.”
She must have seen his forehead creased in his concern, and she reached up, using her thumb to smooth it out. “What is wrong?”
Cole sighed and kissed her. “I am worried.”
Eden’s eyebrows drew down, “About everything we discussed tonight?”
Cole nodded, “Yes, I am worried for my mother. She has had two major revelations about her life in the same night. Ones that affected her life.”
Eden sighed, “I know. I hate that she has suffered so.”
Cole kissed her forehead, resting his head on hers. “I know you do. I feel the same. I just don’t know what to do to help her. We have been through so much already, and yet she is still the best woman I know. I just hurt for her.”
Eden kissed his chest. “That’s why I love you. Because you are so wonderful. I haven’t known Lydia long, but what I do know about her makes me wish I had her strength. She can handle this Cole. And she will do it with the grace she has done everything else with. Don’t lose faith in her. She needs us all to be strong.”
Cole looked down at her, “I love you Eden. You are right. Of course. Thank you.”
Eden smiled, “You are welcome. Now can you sleep? I was having a great dream and someone next to me was thinking way too hard and woke me.”
Cole laughed, “Yes, I will. Go to sleep love. I will be waking you soon enough.”
Eden’s eyes went sultry. “I cannot wait.”
The End
Acknowledgments
Once again, I must thank my hubby. He is my rock and the love of my life. Without him I would not be who I am today. He has been nothing but supportive through this entire thing and I love him.
My kids, my crazy amazing kids. I love you all so much. You all give me a run for my money, but I would have it no other way.
My best friends and sisters, Cassie, Lindsay, Natalia, Jen, Nikki, Amy, Lizzie, and so many others I cannot even name them. Thank you for being you. For being my tribe, my friends, my sisters. I love you all.
My family. You guys rock so hard. You let me be the crazy I am and still love me.
My girls at work, I freaking love you guys. My job is the best and I love it. Every single day I love it.
Elisa. Thank you!!! She is my book designer who makes things turn from words on a page to real life with the clicks of her mouse. She is amazing and I love it! Thank you for working so hard on my covers. For turning them into something real.
My awesome reader friends, you guys are amazing. You helped me get to where I am today and I freaking love you for it.
For the authors who gave me hope. You are amazing. I love your words, your stories that are more than just that. They are worlds that are their own. They are creative and blow me away. Thank you.
About the Author
Rachelle Stevensen is a stay at home mom and part time author. She also works at a spa and loves her job. All of them. She has been married for 15 years to a wonderful man and they have four beautiful kids. Twin boys, and two girls. Rachelle enjoys writing and has dabbled in it for years, before finally deciding to write out her first novel. That quickly became two, then three and hasn’t stopped since. Writing is her happy place, and she will never stop.
Also by Rachelle Stevensen
Click on the book cover above to read book one in The Men Who Revered Us series.
Aidan St. Andrew, the Duke of Ablewood has lived a sheltered and lonely life since the death of his brutally evil father that scarred and almost killed him. He lives and works at his country estate with his family in a solitary existence, away from society and the dictates of the ton. Afraid of hearing the gossip people say about his scarred face, Aidan stays on his estate, working and staying as far from people as necessary. They say he is cursed and Aidan is starting to believe it. Until one stormy day, he stumbles upon a woman in the woods. She is wet, cold and muddy, yet she is the most beautiful woman Aidan has ever seen. Will Aidan care about the dictates of society because of her status as a commoner? Or will he claim her for his own?
Rhiannon Forester has lived a quiet life in London with her parents. Until the fateful accident that took her mother, and crippled Rhia for life. She has fought hard to live a normal life, to walk again, albeit with a severe limp, and after the death of her father, has decided to live a solitary life in Scotland. Away from the loss and sad memories of her only family. On the road, Rhiannon has troubles and is found trapped in a storm by the most handsome man she has ever encountered. Will she follow her heart when she finds out who Aidan really is? Or will she run when hard times come for them?
The Marquess Who Adored Me Page 31