Page 23 of The Untamed Duke (The Secret Crusaders #3)

EPILOGUE

T he Private Diary of Sophia Hawkins, six months later

How to kidnap a duke:

1. Send him to the carriage to retrieve something you supposedly forgot.

2. Lock him in said carriage.

3. Drive him to an undisclosed location.

4. Release him, yet keep him under your power.

5. Whisper in his ear…

“Has anyone told you kidnapping is not polite?”

“That advice is not valid when it comes from you.” Sophia tapped the bare chest of her husband . He gave a sharp intake of breath, then retaliated by raining kisses down her neck. She closed her eyes, exhaling ecstasy as she almost forgot why she’d kidnapped him.

He shifted, and the carriage rocked.

“Be careful,” she breathed, gasping as his lips found a very interesting spot. She shifted to give him better access to more interesting spots. “What will people say if they discover us here?”

Here was the brand new Foxworth Carriage, grand and plush, for all the times she liked to kidnap him.

Of course, he kidnapped her just as much.

The kidnappings were numerous during a whirlwind six months that were the most enchanting of her life. She never imagined the splendor of a love match, the happiness, the pure joy. She had settled into Kenneth’s townhome, where his family welcomed her with unconstrained kindness. Of course, they spent a good part of their time in Scotland, where she met an entirely new family that was just as beautiful, who loved Kenneth deeply, and her by extension. They also returned to the small town, where they watched Molly marry her love. Even Julia was flourishing, back with her family in the country after Edmund had gotten her out of the ill-fated betrothal.

Kenneth had accepted all of her. He had not been exactly pleased when she told him about the Distinguished Ladies of Purpose , and he was most assuredly displeased when she shared the risks she took on its behalf. Yet he supported the cause, and helped her set up a school to teach women defensive maneuvers. He even helped with instruction.

Indeed life was grand. Yet it was about to get grander, if a little more untamed…

“They’ll say the Untamed Duchess is at it again.” Kenneth brushed his lips against her ear. “They’ll say she has bewitched her husband.” He kissed her forehead. “What is it that you have to tell me, Your Grace?” He gave a soft kiss upon her cheek.

“Indeed, Your Grace…” She leaned closer. “I wanted you to know…” Closer still. “The Untamed Duke is to be a father.”

She had never seen a man smile so wide.

Now that was a love match.