Page 45 of A Duke Reformed (Icy Dukes #3)

Emma felt dizzy all of a sudden, as though his words had slipped into her bloodstream and made her drunk with emotion.

There was something in the way he looked at her, so fierce, so certain.

..unflinching that struck a chord deep within her and made her unbearably mellow.

It made her swoon. It made her want to believe in every beautiful, impossible thing.

"You told me to think of my own happiness," he continued.

"Not my revenge, or...my quest to make sure that I punish a man that is already dead.

I don't want to live a lonely life, Emma.

I don't want to hold on to bitterness and anger and call it purpose.

I want peace. I want joy. I want mornings with you.

I want the sound of your laughter filling my home.

I want arguments and forgiveness, and the chance to build something real. With you. Only you."

He took a step closer.

"I used to think I didn't want children because I would just be fulfilling my father's wishes.

I would be giving him what he wants. But I've had time to reflect.

I do want children, Emma. Children I will raise differently.

Children who will hold their heads up high and say they have me as a father, and I will be proud to be theirs.

I want to be present, I want to be better.

If I have any brilliance at all, I want someone to pass it down to.

Someone I can teach all the tricks in business.

I want a legacy I can be proud of. Our legacy. No one's achievement. Just us."

Emma giggled, fighting to keep her emotions in check. She felt too overwhelmed by everything, it felt surreal. "I really want that too. But will that make you happy, Solomon? Are you certain this is what you want and you're not just... taking a chance?"

Solomon finally reached her and he took her hand in his. "I am a bit terrified," he admitted and smiled. "But I'm excited too."

Emma giggled. "Me too."

"I think I knew it that day we met," he said softly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.

"When you stood in front of me and cautioned me without blinking.

.. I'd never seen anyone so small and so bold.

You fascinated me. Ever since then, you've undone me in ways I didn't think possible.

You make me want to be better. For you. For us. "

Solomon lifted his head and peered into her eyes. "Emma Lockhart, will you marry me? Will you give us a chance to build the life we're both secretly terrified of?"

Emma's eyes brimmed with emotion, her lips parting in a shaky breath. "Yes," she whispered, nodding with a smile that trembled. "Yes, I'll marry you, Ducky."

Solomon threw his head back laughing. "Thank you, Ducky. I will do my best to make you the happiest duchess in all of London."

Emma giggled, cheeks flushed, her heart so full she thought it might burst. "I have no doubt."

He didn't let go of her hand. Instead, he tightened his grip on it.

His eyes searched her face, lingering on her lips, her cheeks.

.. then her lips again as his smile waned.

The moment stretched between them. It was as if the world had tilted on its axis just to let them stand there, suspended in something so precious.

"I'm going to kiss you," Solomon said softly. "Would that be okay?"

"Yes," she whispered without hesitation. "I would like that ve–"

He silenced her with his mouth, his kiss stealing the rest of her words and setting fire to the air between them.

It wasn't rushed... it was slow, reverent, like he was memorizing the shape of her lips, the softness of her skin against him.

His hand cupped her cheek, anchoring her, while his other arm slid around her waist and drew her closer, as though he needed her nearer still, until no space remained between them.

Emma melted into him, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt, clutching at him like he might disappear if she let go.

The kiss deepened. Tender but urgent, tasting of everything they had just confessed.

..of every longing held at bay for too long.

Her knees weakened beneath her, and only his hold kept her steady.

It felt like falling into something she had always known was hers.

It felt like home.

For the first time in what felt like forever, everything inside her went silent. No doubts. No fears. Just him . Just them .

They finally pulled away, both breathing heavily.

Their foreheads resting together as they shared the moment to catch their breaths.

Emma's heart raced. Her chest rose and fell as she tried to recover from the intensity of the kiss.

She couldn't help but smile as she shut her eyes, feeling the happiest she had ever been.

"We should probably get back to the party," she said softly, her voice a little shaky.

Solomon chuckled. "How do I explain where I came from?" he whispered. "I practically snuck in here, Ducky."

Emma giggled. "You're right. We should probably just stay here."

Solomon pulled her into a warm hug, his arms wrapping around her tightly. He held her close, his chin resting gently on the top of her head, as their bodies pressed together. Neither of them spoke. They simply stood there, lost in the feeling of being in each other's arms.

For once, the world outside didn't matter. Emma didn't even care if anyone saw. It was just them... in that moment... basking in the warmth of their love.