Page 23 of The Villain’s Vixen (Wanton Wastrels)

CHAPTER 23

D ominic stared out the window of the Crown I am sure of it.”

“I have no doubt of it. If she managed to capture your heart, she can work miracles and God only knows that our family could use some of those.”

After exploring the rooms of the main part of the house, Lexie found her way outside. She had already spied the stone chapel on the property and her heart warmed knowing that is where she would share her vows with Dominic.

What currently interested her was the enclosed gazebo with its round roof peeking out among the back gardens. Making her way along the expanse, she noted the dormant flowers that would bloom again in the spring. She had never been much of a horticulturalist, but she attempted to guess what flowers might sprout where as she passed.

She was pleasantly surprised to find the gazebo had been well maintained. The smooth parquet floor had been carefully preserved and the glass shone in the late day sun. The padded benches inside the enclosure beckoned her and she couldn’t resist the urge to sit down. Running a hand along the bright colored pattern, likely inspired by the Asian influence that had struck the country like a whirlwind, she appreciated the mix of red and gold that mingled quite nicely with the wood beneath her feet. She already decided that this would be one of her favorite retreats. She could imagine lounging here with a plate of scones and reading a novel. She might become sleepy and even rest her eyes for a time.

“I half hoped you were playing hide and seek.”

Lexie glanced up and spied Dominic and her heart clenched in her chest as it always did when he was near. “Why is that?”

“So I could have the pleasure of finding you, of course.”

She laughed. “It seems you did that anyway,” she noted. Turning serious, she asked, “Did you work things out with your mother?”

“All is well.” He grasped her elbow. “But I am more interested in us and this moment.” He held out his hand and she spied the most luxurious golden ring with an emerald set in the center.”

“It’s… breathtaking,” she murmured.

“It’s yours.” As her gaze clashed with his, he added, “A gift from one duchess to another.”

Lexie didn’t know what to say. Her throat had suddenly closed up at the lovely sentiment she’d been shown. “Please tell her thank you on my behalf.”

“I told her that is what you would say.” He glanced around the gazebo and smiled broadly. “I couldn’t have picked a better location for this.” He bent down on one knee and began, “Miss Alexandra Givenwald, would you do me the honor of?—”

She fell to her knees in front of him. “Give me the ring.” He handed it over obediently and she slipped it onto her left ring finger. “It’s a perfect match.”

“As are we,” he murmured softly. “The villain and his vixen.”

She lifted a coy brow as she wound her arms around his neck. “Sounds like an interesting story.”

“But how does it end?” he asked.

She appeared to think of that for a moment and then said, “Happily ever after? ”

He chuckled. “Entirely too cliché, my dear. What about happily for now?”

“No. That makes it sound as though there is some terrible tragedy about to befall the couple.”

His lips twitched in amusement. “Then what do you suggest to close out the tale?”

She placed her lips against his and offered a light kiss before she drew back and said, “How about just… happy?”

“One word? You don’t think it’s missing anything?”

She shook her head. “Not when it’s the two of us. Happy is all we need.”