Page 75 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“Everything?” Alexander raised an eyebrow.

“Well, I do not love the way you seem determined to believe you are not worthy of love.” Rose laughed. “But if I must spend the rest of my life loving you and showing you just how worthy you are, then I will.”

She reached for his face again, her hand gently stroking his cheek. Alexander caught it in his own, leaning into the warmth of her touch. His eyes found hers, and her lips parted.

There was a pause as the air around them seemed to thicken. Her breath tickled his skin. His lips found hers, and the world exploded. He did not know where he ended and she began.

All his thoughts were of Rose. In one deft movement, he swooped her up into his arms. He laughed, twirling wildly as they kissed each other and laughed.

“I love you!” he cried out as he spun them.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

“I love you, too, you absolute fool!” Rose threw her arms around him and nuzzled his neck.

As they stopped spinning, his eyes found hers. She touched his scar and smiled. Outside the window, a cloud shifted, and sunlight filled the room.

A rumbling sound filled the room, and Alexander glanced at her stomach. Rose flushed a deep scarlet.

“I think it is time for lunch.” Alexander smiled.

“Quite possibly.” Rose glanced at the floor. “Are you going to put me down?”

Alexander laughed and shook his head. “No. I plan on carrying you to the dining room.”

“How gallant.” Rose giggled.

“Perhaps. Or perhaps it is simply that I wish to kiss you often and wish always to have you in my arms.” Alexander pressed a kiss to her lips.

Rose sighed. “I should like that very much, but I fear it may make eating rather difficult.”

“I am sure we will find a way,” Alexander teased.

As he stepped out of the study and into the hall, he felt as though he could fly.

I really must thank Miss Carstairs and her nosiness.

Everything was turning out more perfectly than he had ever imagined. Nothing could take this from him. Nothing at all.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Why We Walk In Pairs

Rose could not stop smiling as she walked with Abigail in the park the next day.

I did not know I could feel so happy.

The sun was shining in a beautiful blue sky. A robin chirped from his nearby perch, and Rose breathed in the fresh air.

“You seem to be in a most wonderous mood, Your Grace.” Abigail cast Rose a sidelong glance.

“I confess, I am almost overcome with emotion. I feel as though I could do anything. Were the heavens to open upon us and drench us or a carriage to drive past and splash us with mud, nothing could ruin this day.” Rose threw her arms wide and twirled, too giddy to pay any mind to propriety.

Alexander and I are in love.

She wanted to sing, to announce her joy to all the world. She laughed and glanced at Abigail, who was smiling beside her.

“I am glad to see you so happy. I was frightfully afraid yesterday.” Abigail wrung her hands. “I take it all is resolved?”