Page 34

One year later

“I f I had not witnessed this transformation with my own eyes, I would not have believed it possible.”

Standing by her brother’s side in the parlor of Bennington Manor, Macie smiled at Jon’s expression of wonder as he watched Finn engaged in a game of peekaboo with his godson. A month shy of his first birthday, Finnegan MacLain giggled boisterously as her husband covered his face again and again. Each time the precious little boy laughed, Finn matched his joy with a broad grin.

“Transformation?” Macie scoffed playfully. “I don’t know to what you are referring, dear brother.”

“Come now, Macie. Not long ago, if someone had told me Finn Caldwell would be playing with Logan’s chubby miniature on a Friday night rather than...” Jon broke off his thought as Macie’s cat sauntered over and rubbed her fur against his immaculately creased trouser leg.

Lifting a brow, Macie finished his sentence. “The activities of a well-seasoned rogue, perhaps?”

Jon frowned at Cleo as she happily pranced over to her little upholstered bed by the hearth. “In a manner of speaking,” he went on. “Then again, I never would’ve wagered you would be happily wed and settled into what one can only describe as domestic bliss.”

She flashed a little smile as his words warmed her heart. “It is rather astonishing, isn’t it?”

“Quite so. If I’d known the two of you were meant for each other, I would have concocted some scheme to bring you together years ago.” He pointed at the hair on his head. “If I had, I suspect I’d have far less gray to speak of.”

“In truth, you should be thanking me. Those strands of silver lend a look of distinction.”

“That’s one way of putting it.” He shrugged. “I suppose a touch of distinction suits me when I’m conducting business.”

“Indeed.” A grin tugged at her lips. “Especially when you act like your collar is too tight.”

Just as Jon shot her a playful scowl, Macie watched as her husband placed a contented babe in Amelia’s waiting arms.

Finn strolled toward them. The gaslight cast by the sconces on the wall gleamed like flecks of gold over his wheat-brown hair and emphasized the definition of his carved cheekbones. Suddenly, the warmth from the crackling flames in the fireplace was no match for the inner heat curling in her belly.

Macie’s mouth went dry. The very sight of the man she adored with all her heart still held the power to unleash a current of longing through her body, from the tips of her toes to the lips that hungered for his kiss.

Judging from the flickers of heat in her husband’s golden-brown eyes, she was not the only one possessed with a sudden hunger. Finn curved a possessive arm around her and brushed a light kiss over her cheek.

As Finn and Jon engaged in conversation, Mrs. Johnstone joined the gathering through the French doors.

“It’s good to see ye,” she said as they went about the exchange of greetings. “Macie, I want to commend ye on yer newest exhibit. The photographs of Athens are quite striking.”

“Thank you. The experience was one of the most rewarding of my life.” Macie glanced toward her husband. “With Finn by my side, the journey was all the more exhilarating.”

By my side. In his arms. Beneath the sheets of our bed. Deliciously wicked images popped unbidden into her thoughts. My, she hoped her cheeks had not flushed.

Mrs. Johnstone strategically cleared her throat. “Shall we make a date to take tea? There is a marvelous new café near the gallery. Ye must tell me all about yer stay in Athens.”

“I would enjoy that very much,” Macie managed as Finn coiled his arm around her waist, a most definite distraction.

“Finn, I understand ye’ve completed the plans for renovation of this grand old house,” Mrs. Johnstone said. “Where do ye plan to start?”

A sly smile played on his full mouth. “The nursery.”

Mrs. Johnstone’s and Jon’s brows hiked, nearly in unison. “Nursery, is it?” Mrs. Johnstone replied.

“Good God.” Jon regarded her with a blend of surprise and happiness. “Are you telling me I’m going to an uncle?”

Macie grinned as Finn proudly answered her brother’s question. “In about six months’ time.”

“Uncle?” Jon tested the word, as if it were somehow foreign. “I do like the sound of it.” His brow furrowed. “Have you told Mum and Father?”

“Not yet. Mum and Papa decided to travel by train. They will arrive tomorrow afternoon, and we’re expecting Finn’s parents the next morning.” She hugged her brother and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Please don’t tell anyone. We trusted Logan and Amelia with the news, and of course, the two of you. Oh, and I had to tell Mrs. Tuttle. She promised to keep the secret so we might surprise our parents with the news.”

“And Nell?” Mrs. Johnstone inquired?

“She’s visiting her aunt in Paris until the end of the month. I’m waiting to tell her in person.”

“Well, I must say, this is certainly grand news.” Mrs. Johnstone enfolded Macie in a hug. “After yer parents arrive, we shall need to have a celebration.”

“Indeed,” Jon agreed with hearty warmth. “I cannot wait to see the look on Mum’s face. She’ll be over the moon. Of course, Father will be overjoyed. But I would not wager he’ll show it. Stiff-upper lip, and all that rot.”

“Over the moon,” Macie repeated. “My, dear brother, you have perfectly described my feelings at this time.”

Many hours later, following an evening filled with laughter and warmth and genuine affection, their guests departed for their respective residences.

Finn watched as Mrs. Johnstone’s carriage rattled over the cobblestones in the distance. When he turned to Macie, the look of desire in his eyes left no doubt as to his intentions.

“Mrs. Caldwell—bloody hell, I love the sound of that—do ye remember the promise I made to ye?” He pulled her close and gazed down into her eyes. “The night I asked ye to marry me?”

Yearning filled Macie, a delicious longing that went bone deep. “I believe I do, Mr. Caldwell.”

“Do ye, now?” Hunger darkened his gaze. “I promised to kiss ye every night, and every morn, until I take my last breath. I aim to keep that promise, sweet Macie.” He drew the pad of his thumb over her lips. Teasing and tempting and stirring her desire. “And more.”

Her heart beat a brisk tattoo as he held her to his body, the demanding length of him against the softness of her belly making clear his intense need. Oh, how she loved this man.

“I love ye, Mary Catherine Caldwell.” His clever fingers released the pins holding her tresses in place, weaving through her curls as they flowed unbound around her shoulders. “I love ye more than the air I breathe. More than life itself.”

He kissed her then, the sheer need in his caress leaving her knees weak and wobbly.

“Oh, Finn, I have no words to convey how very much I love you.”

His seductive smile kindled the heat in her body to a blaze. “Words are overrated, my love.”

With that, he swept her into his arms and carried her to their bedchamber.

“I’ve been waiting to get ye behind closed doors all night.” Gently, he placed her on the bed, pressing a softer, sweeter kiss to her lips. “Macie, I will adore ye to my last breath. And beyond. To the end of eternity.” His words were as desperate against her mouth as his touch was tender. “I will love ye and our babe forever, my darling Macie.”

THE END