Page 152 of The Duke that I Lost

“There is nothing to forgive. Just as you said. We are fulfilling destiny now.”

She watched his throat move. In a thousand years, she would never have imagined the happiness she knew in this man’s arms. His gaze shifted to study each of her eyes, and then he exhaled and seemed to dismiss the sadness for both of them.

“There is more destiny to fulfill.” That smile of his emerged slowly. That smile that she’d seen for the first time when he’d caught her watching him from the window. It promised something wonderful and possibly scandalous, and she could hardly wait to hear what he’d come up with for their day.

“I brought you something to eat, but I find myself tempted by the sweet morsel in my arms instead.”

“Well, I’m starving.” She didn’t move, though. Because she would always be starving for him, and yet the scent of delicious culinary delights intrigued her taste buds. Perhaps she could find a way to incorporate her enjoyment of both…?

“Eat up, princesse.” His arms remained around her as well. “For we’ve a long journey ahead.”

“Together.” She nodded. “We will go to your home?”

“Yes.” His smile grew. “You will meet my sister? We will plan a wedding? And then a wedding trip? Another adventure?”

It was exactly what she wanted, to become Mrs. Dash Beckman, for real this time.

“Yes. To all of it!”

This man made everything into an adventure: food, a simple outing, a horseback ride––even the planting of a flower.

And love.

She lowered her hands to begin unfastening the buttons on his falls.

She wouldn’t have it any other way.

—The End?—