Page 19 of His Regency Goddess (Curves & Cravats)
Chapter Nineteen
Sophie was working so very hard to compose herself. A smile threatened to break free as she watched this dashing supposed rake squirm in his chair after she overheard him declare his love. She had decided she wanted to speak with him as well. There was something special between them and she was not ready to cry quits over what she hoped was only a poor choice of words. If it wasn't, she intended to make it clear that it would be the first and last time he challenged her independence—especially if she was to consider marriage. After her inner heroine and inner critic battled all night, she decided she wanted it all and she would have it all. A life where she made her own decisions alongside a husband who made her toes curl. A life where she was an equal partner with whom to talk of any topic and tackle any issue. She would not settle for less. Sitting up straight and plastering a serious expression on her face, she gave him a nod.
"I am listening, Sin."
"After that first night we met, I asked Mr Welles to source the Ming bowl. I wanted to gift you a precious piece of art that reminded me of you. When I was last there, he gave me the good news that he had found it but advised me there was another person interested. He would not tell me who it was. When he stepped out of his office, I unscrupulously spied a note with your name on his desk and realised you were that other person. It was never my intention to suggest I purchase it because you could not afford it, I just wanted to gift it to you. I sent him a note this morning withdrawing from the silent auction. You must know I find your independence attractive. I adore all the things that make you so uniquely you. I had no plans for marriage until I set my eyes upon you, and if you give me a chance I will worship you like the Goddess you are."
The earnestness in his voice rang true, as did the genuine warmth shining in his dark eyes. Sophie felt her own eyes moisten at his heartfelt speech. Sin knelt down in front of where she sat and grabbed her hands, encapsulating them in his much larger ones.
"I hope those tears welling are those of happiness?" he murmured as he searched her face.
"They are indeed. I suspected there was more to the Ming bowl when you acted oddly as soon it was mentioned yesterday. I very much appreciate your intentions and now know you meant no insult. What I need you to understand is what the bowl represents—it is the first thing of value and personal sentiment I am buying for myself. I have come to value who I am. I now know who I am. Not someone's daughter or someone's wife. If I marry again, I want a partner, a friend, a lover. I want it all." Her voice was husky, full of emotion, but she made sure she had gotten the most important words out.
Now, she carefully searched his eyes for any sign of discontent at what she told him, but thankfully all she saw was admiration.
"Sophie, I have no desire for a loveless marriage or for a tyrannical rule over our lives. That is for weak, small-minded men. I want what you want, and I never knew I wanted it till I met you. I do have one request though."
"Yes?"
"Well, a request and a question. I request that you allow me to spoil you now and then with surprises and gifts. And my question is—will you marry me?"
"I agree to be spoiled unless I have already voiced my own intentions, but I won't deny the thrill it gives me to be so cherished by you." She pulled her hands out of his grip to cup his face and leaned close so their noses touched. "And I will be honoured to be your wife, Sinclair Montgomery." She kissed his full lips softly to seal her answer.
Sin pulled them both to their feet, placing one arm around her waist and the other at her nape and dipped her slightly with his lips still pressed to hers. He coaxed open her lips with a sweep of his tongue and kissed her slowly but fiercely, setting her aflame right to the core with the erotic promise of their future. Sophie splayed her hands across his broad chest, clutching at his shirt as her legs started to turn to mush.
"Sophie, I am tempted to take you right here and now," he panted against her mouth as he pulled them both upright. Their chests were still pressed against each other, both their hearts pounding wildly.
"Ahem. Let us make haste to Gretna Green to get you lovebirds wedded and bedded?" Daniel said in an amused tone.
Sophie jumped at the intrusion and turned to find a smiling Daniel and Margot watching them.
"That sounds like a fantastic idea, Daniel. Ready yourselves and meet me down the road at mine. I will invite my father and get ready." Sin halted and turned to Sophie. "If that is fine with you, Sophie?" He looked stricken that he had not asked her already.
"Of course. This is what I want, to be wedded so we can start our lives together. In this, you and I are on the same page, my darling," she said as she kissed him. "Before we go, I will write to Mr Welles and make an offer on the Ming bowl."
Their little group scattered and Sophie took a moment of silence back in her room to reflect on all that had just taken place. Looking at herself in the mirror, she ran her hands over her body. She started at her breasts, swept to the dips at her waist and across her derrière. She felt each bump, angle, and lump and sighed happily. In a short few weeks, she had embraced her true self, her wants and needs, and her curves. She had shaken herself free of the status quo, dressing for flattering suitability and not ill-fitting trends. She knew the sensual touch of a man and the climactic heights her body could soar to. She moved to find her stationery, taking her first step towards the successful purchase of a piece of history. From here on out, she would live life unapologetically, boldly, and curvaceously with a surname she chose—she was Sophie Montgomery. And she chose Sin.
They travelled for hours with minimal stops; she and Sin were so eager to reach that blacksmith’s anvil. They had taken two carriages, swapping company at each stop. When Sophie found herself with Sin’s father she was a little nervous, but then he smiled that charming Montgomery smile and she instantly felt at ease.
“I am so delighted to meet you, Sophie. The first time Sinclair spoke of you, I had a feeling you would become my daughter-in-law.”
“I was unsure how much you knew of me before this. I am pleased to know that not only was I not a surprise, but that he talked of me.” She blushed and felt silly.
“Do not feel embarrassed. Love is grand and it is a joy to be around. My son tells me you are also a lover of the arts. My boys grew up with Montgomery artefacts that date back to William the Conqueror and they were never impressed by them, so I am excited to share them with you.”
Sophie tensed at the word ‘love.’ She knew that that was what she was feeling but could not bring herself to yet say it. In her experience, marriage and love did not go hand in hand. But she refused to allow the past to ruin her present.
“I would be delighted! It thrills me to know I will be in a family with such rich history.”
“And better yet, if it interests you, many pieces need to be catalogued as they have not been tended to for an age.”
Now this truly excited Sophie.
“That is the most wonderful wedding present I could ever expect,” Sophie exclaimed. “Now tell me about Sin when he was young. I am certain he got up to all kinds of mischief.”
“Luckily, we have a ways to go. That will give me enough time to cover his childhood before we move into his years at Eton.”