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“You will not lose me, Sampson,” Catherine said, pulling back slightly to stroke his face tenderly, her eyes locked onto his. “You are the love of my life, Sampson. I am deserving of you, just as you are deserving of me.”

He nodded silently, his gaze dropping to her lips, but it was she who rose on her tiptoes and initiated the kiss.

The kiss wasn’t the most passionate they had shared, but it certainly was heartfelt, bearing a promise of healing and a shared future.

Sampson embraced her again, and finally, Catherine’s restless heart found peace, feeling thankful to have been able to work things out with her husband.

Later, Sampson walked them downstairs to where her family awaited the verdict, their expressions a mixture of concern and worry.

“Forgive me for worrying you,” he said, his voice humble and soft. “I promise you, I will never let her go again.”

A soft smile spread across Mary’s face. “We kenned ye cared deeply for our Catherine, Yer Grace. We’re just glad ye both found yer way back to each other.”

Fergus clapped Sampson on the shoulder, beaming at them both. “Welcome back, son. We’re happy to have ye both.”

Margaret, ever the teasing sister, winked at Catherine. “Took ye long enough, wee sis. But I’m glad ye finally knocked some sense into the stubborn Duke.”

Graham grinned, clapping his hands excitedly. “I am glad that ye’re nae leavin’ us, Yer Grace.”

Catherine watched her family and her husband, their faces filled with warmth and acceptance, and a profound sense of peace settled within her. She was utterly blessed.

CHAPTER THIRTY

“Wake up, my love. I have big plans for us today.”

Catherine groaned and rolled onto her side, burying her face in her husband’s chest. It felt good to feel the vibrations of his chuckles, but she decided sleep was also a provider of noteworthy sensations and tried to return to the quiet embrace of rest.

“Catherine,” Sampson whispered in her ear as his fingertip gently caressed the side of her face. “Please wake up.”

Catherine whined and made to move away, only to be pulled back into his arms and kissed deeply. His lips were warm on hers, and soon she was kissing him back, her hand coming up to pull him closer by the back of his neck.

When they pulled apart, her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled up at him. “Good morning, husband.”

Sampson grinned at her, leaning down to press rapid, chaste kisses to her cheeks and lips.

“Good morning, my love. Did you sleep well?”

“I certainly would’ve slept much better if I was allowed to wake up when I wished to,” she complained, burying her face in his chest again.

Sampson laughed and wrapped his arms around her, nuzzling her hair. “My deepest apologies, my dear. But as I said, I have a few things I would like to do with you today, and we won’t be able to get most of them done if we don’t get an early start on our day.”

That got Catherine’s attention. She lifted her head and looked at her husband with thinly veiled suspicion. “What do you mean?”

Sampson exhaled and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “I realized that I haven’t really spent time with you. The longest we’ve been around each other ever since we got married was when your family came over. And I would like to dedicate today to being in your presence and reveling in your beauty.”

Catherine blushed and smiled up at him. “That sounds like a wonderful idea, Sampson. What did you have in mind?”

“First, breakfast,” he said, urging her to sit up.

Catherine felt her heart swell with joy. She had longed to share meals with her husband, to simply engage in simple, gentle conversation. Knowing that he had planned for exactly that to happen made her incredibly happy.

“All right,” she murmured, leaning forward to give him a chaste kiss. “Let me get ready and meet you downstairs for breakfast.”

“Do not be gone for too long. I fear I might miss you too much.” Sampson grinned at her.

She laughed and ran a hand through his hair, pressing a kiss to his forehead before she slipped out of bed.

Quickly, she made her way to her room, calling for Anna.