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“I love you, Ava, and I want the same thing you do. I want you to be my wife, truly and wholly. I want you to be my wife not out of duty, but because you love me.”

Her lips curled into a radiant smile, and tears of joy welled up in her eyes. Edwin’s heart swelled at the sight. He wanted to show her with his words just how much she meant to him.

“I always thought that love was a farce. But then I met you, and now I know that it is quite real. I want to spend my every waking moment with you. I want to protect you and make sure no harm ever comes to you. And you must know, I got the man who sent those thugs after us arrested.”

Ava let out a laugh as her tears spilled over and streamed down her face.

Edwin reached over and wiped her cheek with his fingers. Then, he cupped her face in his hands. “Ava, I am flawed, and I have never trusted anyone. However, I want to trust you.”

“Oh, Edwin,” Ava gasped, before leaning in and kissing him.

Edwin captured her lips with his, and that warm, fuzzy feeling enveloped her. She was safe in his arms.

His arms wrapped around her shoulders, and he pulled her in as though desperate for more.

For the first time in her life, Ava was certain about something: she loved Edwin. Hearing him say that he felt the same way about her was simply magical.

“Come,” he murmured, pulling her up.

Ava climbed onto his lap and cradled his face, her thumbs brushing over the contours she knew so well. His piercing green eyes locked onto hers, and the familiar cut of his strong jawline made her breath hitch.

“I must say, you are rather handsome, Edwin,” she breathed, smiling.

It was Edwin’s turn to smile.

“Why, thank you, Ava,” he replied.

Ava lowered her face and once again captured his lips with hers. Even though this was not their first kiss, it still felt like it.

She explored his mouth like she never had before. Edwin’s hands roamed over her body as they continued to kiss.

His hands slid down her back to her hips and then to her buttocks. Ava’s body was inflamed as his hands traveled all over her. She could not keep still.

She finally broke the kiss, breathless. She gazed into her husband’s eyes, dark and hungry with need. Nothing was stopping them now, except for that nagging feeling deep within her.

“Edwin, you must know,” she started. “I have not changed my mind about having a child.”

Edwin nodded his head. “I know. You have nothing to worry about.”

Ava still could not help but be worried. “But if we make love now, I can become pregn?—”

“Shhh!” Edwin whispered, pressing a finger against her lips. “Trust me, Ava. There are ways to make love without you becoming pregnant.”

Ava sighed with relief. “If that is the case, then I suppose there is nothing stopping us.”

“Well, there is also the matter of”—Edwin touched her dress—“this.”

Ava laughed. “I suppose it must come off then,” she said as she rose from his lap.

She took several steps away from him, still holding his gaze.

She reached behind her and pulled at the laces that held her bodice together. Thankfully, it came off easily. Then, she slipped her arms out of the sleeves and let the dress pool around her feet, before stepping out of it.

Her husband followed her every movement, looking utterly captivated, as though she was the only thing that mattered in the entire world.

Ava blushed as she stood naked before him, save for her undergarments.

“Do you perhaps need my help with your undergarments?” he asked, his eyes twinkling.