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“You are the most remarkable person I have ever met, Charlotte. I adore you with every fiber of my being. You have shown me what true courage means, what it means to be there for your family regardless of circumstance, and how to lead by example.”

He cupped her cheek, a tear sliding down it to hit his skin. Frederick chuckled low, his chest feeling so full he might burst.

“There is nothing in this world I want more than to spend another night with you. And another and another and another. I love you, Charlotte. And I was so terrified of what that might mean, but you have given me the strength to be brave. I will not let you down. I will follow your lead and embrace the life I want instead of running from it.”

A burst of laughter escaped her, the glimmer in her eyes nearly blinding, and Charlotte smiled from ear to ear.

“You love me?”

Frederick grinned back, nodding as he pulled her close, resting his forehead against her.

“I love you, Charlotte. I love you more than I can put into words.”

Her hand came to his face, the other held between them at their chest.

“I love you, Frederick. And so help me, if you ever run off like that again, I’ll hit you over the head myself.”

They laughed and laughed and laughed, and then they were kissing.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

“Darling, I can get myself into the bed. I assure you that?—”

“Absolutely not.” Charlotte glared, that serious face of hers making Frederick fight back a grin. “You will allow me to help you just as the physician ordered.”

He couldn’t contain the chuckle at that, remembering how kind Dr. Brown had been when he had dismissed Frederick back to his estate after waiting the entire day to be approved for travel. Frederick knew that it was better safe than to injure himself or prolong the healing, but he had been so very ready to get home. And now, he wasso veryready to get into his bed.

“Alright, dear.” Frederick gave up his bid for independence and allowed Charlotte to pull back the covers and help him into the bed. “Thank you.”

Resting against the soft pillows, Frederick let out a heavy sigh. His side still throbbed, along with his skull, but it wasmanageable, particularly when he was at home in his bed with his dear Charlotte. He reached for her hand when she began to walk away, keeping her right there.

“Stay with me.” He looked up into Charlotte’s eyes, a teasing plea in his tone. “I need you.”

She scoffed, rolling her eyes at him. “Frederick, you are the worst. Now you want my help?”

He grinned back at her, pulling her closer. “Who said anything about help. I simply want you, Charlotte.”

Kissing her, Frederick felt Charlotte’s resistance melt away as their lips danced together. She gave into the embrace, leaning against the bed as she stood over him. It was several moments before he let her go, allowing Charlotte to straighten while his head spun slightly.

“Frederick, you need your rest. As much as you may wish for certain…things right now. You are in no condition.”

He had half a mind to convince his wife otherwise, but considering how his vision wavered, it was probably wise to listen to her.

“Very well.” He nodded gently. “I shall behave…for now.”

Winking at her, Frederick relished the way Charlotte rolled her eyes, grinning, nonetheless. She patted his cheek and then started toward the door.

“I shall have a bit of food prepared for. You haven’t eaten in several hours. I’m sure you’re famished.”

He wasn’t really, but Frederick only nodded at Charlotte, letting her lead. In truth, he was mostly exhausted. Even though he’d been unconscious for so much of the past handful of hours, sleep was still the thing his body demanded the most. Aside from Charlotte, of course.

With her hand on the knob, a knock came, and Charlotte jumped back slightly. When she pulled it open, Diedre stood in the hall with a gentle smile. The maid curtsied quickly before straightening and staring back at his wife expectantly.

“Your Grace.”

“Diedre,” Charlotte nodded, “what is it?”

“There are some guests who have come to see the Duke. I understand that he is to recover, so I wished to check with you first before allowing them up to see him.”