Page 23 of Beauty and the Rake (Endless Love #1)

He reached across the small table and took her hand and squeezed. “We’ll have some beautiful babies. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought of it because I certainly have.”

“Of course I have.”

“You sound hesitant,” he said.

“Only because of the problems my son was born with.”

“That doesn’t mean it will happen again.”

She nodded. “I know and I’m sure I’m being overly dramatic, but having experienced it once, I can’t help my feelings.”

“It’s all right. We’ll deal with it one day at a time.”

“Thank you.”

He took a piece of cheese and bit into it. “Let’s finish up so we can go to the nursery.”

“I’ll need to get back home afterwards.”

“What could possibly be so important? Do you dislike my company that much?”

“You know I love spending time with you, but I’m sure you have things to do other than entertain me.”

A wicked grin crossed his face, and he waggled his eyebrows. “You know I like more than anything being able to be with you.”

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Graham.”

“Who, me?”

“Yes, you. Now why don’t we go upstairs to the nursery?”

“Very well. Perhaps we can find an unused room in the attic afterwards. Hmmm?”

“We’ll see.” She removed her hand from his and finished the apple and cheese.

Her mind was running a mile a minute and no matter what she tried, she hadn’t been able to make her thoughts slow down.

It irritated her because she knew where Graham was concerned, she needed to be focused.

He’d have them married tomorrow if he could get everything in place.

There was a lot more for them to discuss before they married, and she wanted that taken care of by summer’s end.

They walked into the house and Graham led the way to the third-floor nursery.

He opened the door and let her pass before joining her.

The rooms were quiet, and Roxanne immediately knew the child was asleep.

The nanny Graham hired led them to a corner of the large room where the babe lay asleep.

Roxanne studied her as she slept. She still thought there was no denying whose child she was. She even had Graham’s long dark lashes.

“Would you like to hold her?” he asked lowly.

Roxanne shook her head and backed away from the child. “No, not today. I don’t wish to disturb her, and I’m sure Mrs. McPhee would be most appreciative if I didn’t wake her before she’s ready.”

He nodded with a scowl on his face that could only be likened to that of a new father who had no clue on what it really meant to raise a child. Especially one so young.

She thanked the nanny before walking out of the nursery. Graham followed. Neither said a word until they descended the staircase. Roxanne smoothed the moss-green dress and pulled her shawl tight around her shoulders.

“What do you think?” he asked.

“You got quite lucky finding your nanny.”

“Yes, I suppose I did. I would still like you to spend some time together. With both the babe and Mrs. McPhee.”

“And I will, but for now, I need to head back.”

“So soon?” he asked with a slight pout to him.

“Yes. I have several things that need my attention. If you’d like to come to dinner, I’m sure we can use the time to not only tell Arthur, but for us to talk about the changes this is going to bring.”

“Yes, I’d like to get a special license so we can marry sooner than later. But I’m afraid I have a prior commitment for this evening.”

“No problem. Why don’t we each make a list of anything important we want to bring to this marriage?”

“Such as?” he asked.

“Beginning with some much-needed renovations to the house. It looks like nothing has been done since probably your grandfather’s time. Something like that.”

“But let’s not get carried away,” Graham said.

“Exactly.”

“We can hire someone who is more knowledgeable about these things. Someone who’s familiar with it all and someone who’ll take the extra incentive to assure this will happen.”

They were nearing the front door. Her gig had been brought around from the stables and the gray mare stood there waiting on her.

She settled and picked up the reins. Rather than cluck to the horse, she leaned down and looked at this man she’d agree to marry and kissed him on the cheek before righting herself and urging the horse along.

*

Graham stood and watched as Roxanne’s gig disappeared from sight.

Both expected and unexpected pieces had come to light today.

Her agreeing to marry had been the greatest compliment he could receive.

She had a strong personality, and few things scared her—not even his peers or business associates.

The ladies of the ton would also be curious, and envious that he’d found a bride.

Though he was sure there would be some snipes, which were to be expected, Roxanne would be able to hold her own without so much as having to bring out her metaphorical claws.

She would be the perfect countess. Not only that, she would be the perfect mother.

Not only for future babes, but for Mary as well.

He turned around with the intention of going to his study.

He needed to make a list of what needed to be done by the time Roxanne moved in as his wife.

Running a list through his mind, the one thing besides a special license was a ring.

Not only a wedding ring, but another to celebrate their union.

He would first go through his mother’s and grandmother’s jewelry to see if there wasn’t something Roxanne might like.

If not, he’d go visit the jeweler in London and if need be, take some stones for use.

In all honesty, he was surprised she had accepted. She was finally free of the atrocities Casper put upon her, but she’d had three years in the south of France to mourn or not mourn. She was ready to move on, and he was grateful it was he she chose.

Entering his study, Graham walked over to a sideboard and picked up a bottle of whiskey and a crystal glass.

Placing the items on the corner of his desk, he sat down and lazily propped his feet up on the desk.

Closing his eyes momentarily, he tried to recall Roxanne’s face as she was bent over whispering to Mary.

He never had any doubt that she would be a devoted mother.

As a wife he saw them as a team. They now got along well, working together to achieve the same results.

Not a lot of couples could say that. In most marriages, the wife was subservient to her spouse and agreed with whatever her husband wanted.

After all, he knew best. A woman’s place was to see to the house and children.

Nothing more, nothing less. Thank God he was nothing like that.

Deciding he’d had enough time woolgathering, Graham righted himself and leaned over and poured himself a splash of whiskey.

He took a healthy taste of the amber liquid before placing the glass at his right.

He then pulled out a piece of paper from the top drawer and picked up his pen.

Before he knew it, his short list had filled a page.

He was trying to anticipate for any and all scenarios, and it appeared a trip to London was looming.

He would see if Roxanne had reason to go, and if so, they could travel together and stay at his residence.

He would bring the photographic equipment he’d bought for Roxanne back with him.

She certainly couldn’t learn to use it if it sat somewhere else.

She had a keen eye for detail, and he was certain her images would show such.

Flowers were also a passion of hers. He would speak with the head gardener to see if he would mind Roxanne tending to some of the many flowers.

Gardeners were a lot of time quite possessive of the gardens and didn’t care for an interloper making havoc with something that they’d nurtured for years.

He had to find a delicate way to introduce the idea to the man.

Making Roxanne feel at home was especially important to him. He didn’t want her feeling like a guest in what would be her new home. He needed to make some exceptions at first. He imagined her wanting to re-do some of the rooms. Heaven knew this was sorely needed.

The sound of the door to his study opening caused him to look up where he found Arthur standing. His friend had a solemn look masking his face. Then a broad grin replaced it. He wondered if he’d talked with Roxanne. If he were a betting man, he’d say the man had spoken with her.

“You could have warned me,” he said, picking up a glass and pouring a whiskey from the decanter on Graham’s desk. He sat down, saying nothing further.

“About what?” he teased.

“Don’t play ignorant with me. You know I’m talking about my sister.”

“What about her?”

Arthur paused. “Ah yes, I spoke with her as she returned home, and she mentioned something about the pair of you getting married? I thought you needed my blessings.”

“Actually, I was going to come speak to you, but I was unaware I needed to ask your permission. She is a widow, and the usual rules don’t apply. Looks like she beat me to it.”

“I’m joking, Graham. I’ve been expecting this, though I will admit it happened quicker than I thought it would. Have you made plans?”

“That’s what I’m working on. I need to make a journey to London. We’ll need a special license rather than have the banns read.”

“How big of an affair is this going to be?” Arthur asked.

“Very small. That and when are two things up in the air. I wanted to make sure I had the license first.”

“As long as she’s happy. That’s all that matters to me, and I know she’s made the right decision,” Arthur said as he brought the glass to his lips and finished off the whiskey. He placed the glass on the desk in front of him.

“Thank you.”

Arthur accepted another glass of whiskey from his friend. He swirled the contents thoughtfully. “Are you going to do a wedding trip? Or are you going to wait?”

“We’ll probably do it next year, perhaps in the spring.”

“That’ll give you ample time to plan one out.”