Page 52 of His Darling Duchess

Rhys’s eyes shone. He set the cup and plate on a table and knelt before her chair, covering her hand with his own. “You’ve made me the happiest of men, Aurelia. You and this child are the greatest gifts I could ever receive.”

“As you are to me,” she whispered.

He kissed her palm, then her wrist, sending a delicious shiver through her. “Must you undo me so?” His voice had dropped to a husky murmur that resonated deep within her.

“Rhys.” His name escaped her on a sigh.

A knowing smile curved his lips. “My love, I shall never tire of hearing you say my name in that manner.” He rose and lifted her into his arms. “Let us retire upstairs.”

She twined her arms around his neck, beyond content. “Yes, let us.”

Together, as always, they would face whatever joys or trials the future held. But for now, they had only each other, and their coming child to welcome into the world, and that was enough.