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CHAPTER FIVE

How did the topic of marriage arise? Poppy was fixated on Alexander’s words.

I’d keep my vows if I made them. Did he truly mean he would be faithful?

Not that it mattered as they were not marrying.

The situation was unusual but she was a spinster chaperone and the summer storm had scared their horses.

There may be some questions but surely Mr. Ambrose would know his brother was trustworthy.

It was with great surprise that Poppy realized it didn’t matter either way. If by some twist of fate she was ruined, she couldn’t think of a better person to be yoked to for life.

Mr. Ambrose might be arrogant at times, but he was also funny, smart, and handsome. Poppy could certainly do worse in choice of husbands. The cold rain must have triggered illness for her thoughts to drift in this direction.

She could feel the warmth of his body and see the pulse thrum at this throat. He focused his gaze on her and she thought she’d melt on the spot. Her memory supplied the vision of their kiss two days ago and how right it felt when their lips touched.

She’d never imagined a scenario in which she felt immediately close to anyone and considered what it might be like if they wed. A lifetime of passionate kisses and witty banter was far more appealing than she’d like to admit.

“Poppy.” Her name was a whisper on his lips and ghosted across her own. With a start, she realized he’d used her given name rather than a honorific. The intimacy of the gesture sent shivers down her spine. She held her breath waiting for his next move.

His hand came up to gently cup her cheek and she turned to gaze to his. “Alexander,” she whispered.

He closed the gap between them and captured her lips with his own. This kiss was not gentle, rather instantly igniting the banked embers between them. Poppy was on fire and the chill she’d felt moments earlier subsided. She leaned closer, desperate to close the scant distance between them.

Alexander gripped her hips and effortlessly lifted her until she was across his lap and he could better angle his lips over hers.

She let out a startled gasp but adapted to the novel position.

It felt like he was surrounding her. She rested on his muscular thighs and his strong arms wrapped around her as he tilted her towards the ground.

She landed in his embrace and felt the entire length of him against her. There was no question now that she was on the path of no return. Either she put a stop to things now or commit to kissing this man for the rest of her life.

Poppy found the second option most appealing. As it turned out, Alexander was the one to pause for reflection. He lifted his body and settled next to her, his arm firm around her waist.

“This is dangerous territory,” he said as he traced her upper arm with his finger.

“Yes, it is.”

“Yet we are not moving.” His features hinted at a grin.

“Indeed we are not.”

He leaned up on an elbow. “If we remain here as we are, there will be no avoiding the consequences. Whether found out or not, once we are rescued, it will only take one look to discern our activities.”

“I don’t care.”

“Why the sudden change of heart?”

Poppy considered his question. “You make me laugh.”

Alexander was quiet, perhaps awaiting further response. After a moment, he asked “Is that all? Not my handsome looks, charm, or?—“

Poppy swatted his arm gently. “Those are good qualities but none as important as humor. For the first time, I can see myself spending every day with a person and enjoying it.”

Alexander’s expression grew serious. “I feel the same. We have both been determined to live our life on our own terms and somehow together, we just fit.”

Poppy leaned over to kiss his cheek. “That is the perfect way to describe us. We fit in a way no one else could.”

Alexander sat up and tugged Poppy to sit next to him. “Poppy Stanton, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

“Do not jest about such serious topics.”

Alexander clutched his chest as if mortally wounded. “I would not tease about this subject. I have never in my entire life asked this question of a woman and will never again, even if you won’t have me.”

Poppy considered his serious expression. It seemed the infamous rake had turned a new leaf. “If your offer is genuine, then I’d love nothing more than to be your bride.”

Alexander grinned and swept her into a hug. “I shall strive every day to be deserving of your love.”

Poppy cupped his face in her hands and kissed him. “We shall bring out the best in each other.”

In the distance, hoof beats sounded and Alexander rose to his feet. He offered a hand to Poppy, who stood beside him. She didn’t even make the effort to brush off her clothing or tidy her hair. She knew that whatever came next, she and Alexander would face it together.

The redeemed rake and the hopeless spinster.

And she couldn’t imagine a more grand adventure.