Page 48

As his mouth moved seductively with hers, she couldn’t stop the heavy sigh from escaping her throat.

Clinging to his broad shoulders, she pressed herself against him closer—scandalously close.

His hands moving over her back only served to keep her in place.

But then why would she want to leave? Kissing Nic was the most perfect thing she’d ever done.

He groaned and turned his head, breaking the kiss, but keeping her in his arms. “As much as I don’t want to stop, I fear that if I continue kissing you, your aunt might walk in on us wrapped up in a very intimate situation.”

Tabitha chuckled and stroked her fingers down the side of his face, loving the feel of his soft cheek—free of whiskers. “There’s nothing more I want to do but kiss you endlessly, but we do need to talk.”

Nodding, he grasped her hand and walked with her to the couch where they sat by each other. Her hand was still cradled in his large fingers, and she loved the protection she felt whenever she was by his side.

“Nic, there’s something I’ve needed to tell you for a while now, but it might come as a shock.” She took a deep breath.

“Actually, my lovely, I think I know—”

She put her fingers to his lips. “Shh… Don’t stop me. Let me say this.”

He nodded, but kept quiet.

“Since the first time we met, you have told me how I look familiar, and you always wondered why. Well…” she licked her suddenly dry lips, “there’s a reason I look familiar.”

His smile broadened. “Go on.”

“You see, I’ve known for several years that I’m the illegitimate child of the Duke of Kenbridge—the father of your friends.

” She held her breath, waiting for him to say something.

But he didn’t. He continued staring at her with his beautiful, enchanting eyes.

Perhaps he didn’t hear her correctly. “Nic, do you know what this means? I’m Trevor, Tristan, and Trey’s sister. We share the same father.”

“Yes, I see the connection.” He shrugged. “Do you think it matters to me who your parents were?”

Happy tears spiked her eyes and her heart jumped to her throat. “It doesn’t matter that I’m a bastard child?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s all part of life. Good heavens, have you not heard the rumors about the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire?

He sired children that were not from his wife, and she bore a child that was not his, as well.

King Henry VIII had a bastard child—probably more than one, in fact.

Then there was the Duke of Monmouth who was the bastard son of Charles II…

just to name a few off the top of my head. ”

Relief swept over her, making more tears spill down her cheeks. “You don’t think I’ll be an embarrassment to you? After all, you are a marquess.”

“I shall be proud to introduce you as the Marchioness of Hawthorne.”

Her heart skipped a beat as excitement filled her soul. She tilted her head, narrowing her gaze on him. “How very bold of you to presume such a thing, my lord. You haven’t even proposed.”

He laughed and took her back in his arms, kissing her forehead.

“Forgive me, my lovely. What could I have possibly been thinking?” He shifted off the couch and sank to the floor on one knee.

He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a ring.

The diamonds and rubies sparkled from the sun’s rays streaming through the open window.

“My dearest Tabitha, love of my life, and keeper of my heart, I wish for you to share your world with me by my side until we are old and gray, from now until forever.”

The tears kept coming and her voice refused to speak. He took her hand and kissed her fingers before slipping on the ring. “Will you marry me and make me exceedingly happy?”

A bubble of laughter sprang forth as she nodded. She cleared her throat, hoping her emotional state would allow her to talk now. “I will marry you, my beautiful Marquess of Hawthorne. But make no mistake; I’ll be the one exceedingly happy.”

He cupped her face and leaned forward. Eagerly, she met him halfway and pressed her mouth against his, sealing the proposal. Her heart sang as she held him tight. Against all odds, she knew their lives would be happy because it was something they were both willing to work at.

She broke the kiss this time, because she had to wipe the moisture out of her eyes.

He sat back on the couch and took her in his arms once more.

Resting her head against his shoulder, she snuggled against him.

Although everything seemed blissfully happy, there was still one last question that plagued her.

“Nic?”

“Yes, my lovely?”

“What are my brothers doing here?”

His chest shook with silent laughter. “Right after I had seen you at your aunt’s birthday party, I sent off a letter to Trey, asking him questions about you.

I knew something in your life had changed because you weren’t a maid any longer.

Apparently, whatever I said in my letter bothered your brothers. ”

She rolled her head to look up at him. “Why were they bothered?”

“Trey knows me well, and could read from my words that I was infatuated with his sister.” He kissed her forehead. “None of your brothers liked that.”

“And why not?”

“They didn’t want me to break your heart.”

She relaxed as she gazed into his eyes. “But it was I who broke your heart, if you remember correctly.”

“Indeed, you did.”

“So what do you think they will say now that we are engaged?”

“I believe they have already accepted my feelings for you. You were not awake when Trevor made a comment yesterday.”

“What had he said?”

He stroked her cheek softly. “He wasn’t certain he’d enjoy having me for a brother-in-law.”

She laughed.

He touched his finger to the tip of her nose. “But I think it is I who will not enjoy having them for my in-laws.”

“And why not? They are good, kind and loving men.”

“Yes, they are, but from what I’ve seen so far, they’ll do anything to protect their sister, which means they’ll be sticking their noses into our lives all the time.”

“Not if we live here,” she said softly.

His eyes widened. “Live here? In North Devon?”

“Yes, for most of the time, anyway. I’m sure you have duties as the marquess, but can we not live here as well?”

His expression relaxed and he nodded. “That’s an excellent idea. That way we can live our lives the way we want, and the terrible T’s —your brothers—will not be interfering.”

A loud laugh escaped her. “Oh, Nic. Don’t ever tell them you think of them as the terrible T’s. ”

“Believe me, I won’t.”

“Nic, you are so very humorous. I love how you can make me laugh. Promise me one thing.”

“Anything, my lovely. What is it you wish?”

“I want you to make me laugh all the time, starting today and lasting until we are old and gray.”

He kissed her briefly on the lips, and then smiled. “From now until forever.”

The End