Page 20 of A Villain for a Duke

“Mmm…yes, I think that’s a very good idea.”

There was a coiling in her stomach.All the flutters had banded together in one ever-tightening knot and now they were about to spring loose.

He plunged into her again, and she could feel him everywhere.He was everything she needed.“Yes.”

She could feel him swelling inside of her.

“Yes!”she shouted.

“Come for me, Astrid.”He managed between breaths.“We’ll come together.”

And then she shattered.Her world had been torn apart and now it was set right.This was the man she loved.

***

CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING WAS a blur.It was likely a whirlwind for everyone, but it was especially blurry for Astrid.

Not only had Hope and Isaac returned, but all seven of Hope’s brothers (and each of their wives) had returned home just in time for Christmas Eve.It was a flurry of drama and activity with everyone checking in on Hope.

Astrid finally made time to make her confession to Hope, and she had been forgiven.Astrid had also made a point to tell Hope how much Isaac needed her, so as to erase any doubt Hope might have.It took all day for everyone to visit with Hope, and no one was quite sure what was going on until the couple came down hand in hand for Christmas Eve dinner.

It was a beautiful feeling Astrid had while taking a pre-dinner drink with her beau on her arm.Her brother had Hope, and she had love.

And just when Astrid thought she couldn’t be any happier, Michael clinked his glass and cleared his throat.It was time to share their joy with some of their closest friends.“I have an announcement to make.”