Page 19 of Nobody’s Angel (World of de Wolfe Pack #5)

Now the earl was smiling and shaking his head.

“There’s also the fact that you and your father could pass for twins.

I knew your father very well. We were good friends as well as related by marriage.

The resemblance is unmistakable. You’ll see for yourself shortly.

The duke will expect you to visit Bradford Hall as soon as possible. ”

“I’ll make sure Brynne does,” Lettie assured the earl before Brynne had the chance to respond. “Even if I have to drag him there myself.”

“Lettie–”

“You know you can be impossibly stubborn, Brynne. You have a life and a family in England now. You can’t leave them.”

“We’ll discuss it later.”

“When?”

The earl cleared his throat to remind them he had more to say.

“The duke has an enormous portrait of his son painted when he was about your age, Brynne. It was completed shortly before he died. You’ll understand why I have no doubt of your identity once you view the portrait.

You’ll feel as though you’re looking in a mirror.

But you won’t be able to see it right away because the duke will be joining us here in a few days to celebrate Christmas as he does each and every year. ”

Lettie smiled at the earl. “How wonderful, you’ll have a Christmas miracle of your own to celebrate.”

“Indeed, we will.” The earl returned her smile and then turned to Brynne with a hearty, joyful laugh. “Welcome to the family, Brynne.”

Brynne merely nodded, for he was still taking in the sudden and dramatic change in his circumstances. He’d been a nobody for so long, that it would take several weeks for everything to sink in, possible several months or even years.

Or he would regain consciousness and discover none of this conversation had been real?

Lettie must have understood his thoughts, for she suddenly pinched him.

“You’re awake. You’ve really found your family.

” She didn’t appear to have any trouble accepting his new situation.

She smiled that beautiful smile of hers, and then turned to the earl and threw her arms around him, kissing him soundly on the cheek for good measure.

“Thank you. He’s wonderful. I know you’ll all love him as I do. ”

The earl’s tears began to flow once more as he returned her hug. “I’m sure of it, my dear.” But when he turned to leave the room and retire to his quarters to rest his gout-ridden leg, Lettie held him back.

“One more question,” she said, her gaze avidly trained on the man. “What is Brynne’s name?”

Brynne groaned. “Not that again, Lettie. Isn’t all you’ve learned this past hour enough?

” He understood the purpose of her question.

She wanted to find out if he was the Bert that her non-existent guardian angel had been talking about ever since she was a little girl.

“You’ll marry me no matter what my name is, so let’s not dwell on a stupid angel’s prophecy. ”

She arched an eyebrow in indignation, but the smile upon her face was a sweet one so he knew she wasn’t really angry.

“Oh, you know that I’ll marry you? Rather arrogant of you, I’d say.

” She put a finger to her lips. “And now that you’re so high and mighty, I don’t know that I like you nearly as much as I used to. ”

He laughed. “And now that I am so high and mighty, how do I know you’re not after me for my wealth and title?

” Neither of which he had yet, but what he did have was far more precious…

a family and the love of the only woman he’d ever wanted, the only woman he’d ever loved. That in itself was a miracle.

“My lord, I apologize, but I must insist on an answer. Do you know Brynne’s name?”

He nodded. “Of course, I do. I was there at the christening. Brynne Thornton.”

Brynne threw back his head and laughed. “Hah! Close, but no B-E-R-T. Sorry Lettie. I guess you-know-who was wrong.”

She frowned at him. “He’s never wrong. And he does exist. I’ll prove it to you.” She turned to face the earl. “You’ve omitted his middle names. What are they?”

“Oh, those. It’s been so long since I’ve heard them, but… oh, yes.” The earl’s eyes brightened and he cast Lettie a triumphant smile. “Brynne Everett Rupert Thornton. Why? Is it important?”

“Yes, it’s important,” Brynne said with a groan, leaving it at that until the earl retired shortly afterward to his own quarters in order to rest his inflamed leg.

When Brynne was finally alone with Lettie, he took her hand and drew her into his embrace. “Lettie, I have something to say to you.”

“It’s about time.” Her lips curved upward in a smile and her soft, warm hands slid up the expanse of his chest to rest upon his shoulders.

“Long past,” he said quietly. “I love you, Lettie.”

Her smile broadened and the love she held for him reflected in the beautiful emerald glint of her eyes. “I know… Bert. My Bert. I knew it could be none other than you.”

He laughed and rolled her onto his lap, then bent his lips to hers and kissed her quite thoroughly, loving the hot innocence of her response.

“I’ve always loved you.” He silently vowed to thoroughly kiss his way up and down her delectable body as soon as they were married.

Assuming he could hold off until their wedding night, which he seriously doubted. “You’re the only girl I’ve ever loved.”

“I know that, too. You still haven’t asked your question.”

He kissed her again. “Is there a question I need to ask?” he teased, but quickly sobered, for he’d yearned for this moment as much as Lettie had.

Probably more. This wasn’t how he’d planned on proposing to her, lying naked and not yet able to get out of bed after narrowly escaping death.

Lettie deserved to be courted, deserved to be doted upon.

He hadn’t given her a magical romance. They’d never even shared a waltz.

“Lettie, I fell in love with you the day you rescued me from Mortimer Woodburne and his nasty friends. I remember the pink butterfly on your handkerchief. I remember the look of determination in your eyes when you tended my injuries. I remember the color of the frock you wore. You saved me from those wretches, and from that day on I thought of you as my angel.”

Her eyes rounded in surprise. “You don’t believe in angels.”

“I do now. You had Jeremiah and seemed to believe in his power to work miracles. I wanted an angel of my own, too. Not a mysterious celestial being that spoke in riddles. I wanted a slightly dotty, but always adorable, redhead with a heart as big as a glistening ocean. So I picked you. You were this nobody’s angel,” he said, pointing to himself.

“And you proved it today by working your miracle. You did it, Lettie. I’m so sorry for ever doubting you. ”

She placed her palm against his cheek. “I always knew you were someone very special. Fortune and rank never impressed me. Your heart and courage is all that ever mattered to me.”

“But because of your efforts I’ll soon be a marquis, and a wealthy one at that. More important, you gave me a family. You gave me a name.” He kissed her on the nose. “Our children will carry on the legendary bloodline of Atticus de Wolfe.”

She laughed. “You’re getting a little ahead of yourself.”

“You’re right. I haven’t asked the question, but I shall now. Lettie, will you marry me?”

She cast him a smile as bright as sunshine, her beautiful light finding its way into his long-dark heart. “Yes. I’m so happy, Brynne. I love you.”

He kissed her once more and then glanced up at the ceiling. “Thank you, Jeremiah.”

A deep, male voice responded out of nowhere. You’re welcome.

THE END