Page 20 of Miss Davis and the Spare (Dazzling Debutantes #3)
Chapter Nineteen
“I understand your trepidation, but it is imperative that I wed to protect the people who rely on me.”
July 1819, Richard Balfour to his brother, Peregrine, on his twenty-fourth birthday.
* * *
E mma shut the door to the hall and turned to Perry, her heart fluttering at the quiet intimacy now enveloping them. “Well, husband, we are finally alone. And wed.”
“With our entire family likely speculating on exactly what we are doing now that we are finally alone.”
Emma chuckled at his dry tone. “I think we might forget their presence if we go about this correctly.”
Perry huffed a laugh. “I shall take that as a personal challenge.”
He stepped toward her, sliding an arm around her waist and drawing her close. His green eyes softened as he lowered his head to capture her lips in a kiss that was both reverent and full of promise. Emma melted against him, her hands slipping up to rest against his chest as he deepened the kiss, slow and sure, as though he meant to memorize her.
They had waited for this moment through sleepless nights, aching hopes, and tender reconciliation. To stand here now, husband and wife, was overwhelming in the most delightful of ways.
His hands moved gently, cupping her face, brushing along her arms, as if he were rediscovering every inch of her. She sighed against his lips, and he smiled into the kiss.
She pulled back, taking his hand to lead him farther into the room. With slow, careful movements, she unfastened his cravat, her fingers trembling slightly as she slid the fabric free with Perry standing still, his eyes never leaving her face. Crossing to the bed, she reached out to turn down the counterpane. He laid her down gently, brushing a curl from her forehead before joining her on the mattress.
They lay there for a moment, side by side, simply staring at each other, hands entangled between them.
“I love you, Emma,” he whispered.
Emma smiled, her heart full to the brim. “I love you, Perry.”
Their mouths met again—soft, lingering, full of promise. Their hands caressed, unhurried and full of wonder. As the moonlight spilled across the counterpane, Perry pulled her into his arms and whispered against her temple, “You are my wildflower. And I shall never stop being grateful that you chose me.”