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He scooped her up in his arms. “I have a hunger for my wife that cannot wait.”

They barely stepped inside their bedchamber and closed the door when they shed their garments.

“I cannot wait,” Quint said.

Shade agreed. “Either can I.”

Their joining was quick but more than satisfying and Shade lay in his arms afterward, pleased beyond measure, not only from their lovemaking but relieved her husband had returned home safely.

“All is done? Your revenge complete.” Shade asked.

“It is finished.”

Shade snuggled closer against her husband. “Even with Asher still alive?”

“He will eventually get what he deserves, but I care not. It ended with Brother Peter’s death. I want no more of it.”

“You are free,” she said, pleased for him that it was finally ended.”

“Aye. I am free to love you and share a happy life with you. You are all I need, Shade, all I want.” Quint kissed her brow, then yawned, tired from his long ride home.

He soon fell asleep, though not before shifting Shade on her side to rest up against her, his arms wrapped around her, keeping her snug against him.

Sleep would not avoid Shade tonight, she felt it creep over her and her hand drifted down off her husband’s hand to rest on her stomach. Her eyes popped wide with what she saw… the wee beginnings of a bairn about to start growing within her.

She smiled softly with thoughts of Brother Emmett and Amara, and whispered, “Thank you for the miracle.”

THE END