Page 42 of An Earl, His Valet, & Their Wife

“Happily ever after,” repeated Gerard. “I like the sound o’ that. But I must ask, my lord. Do ye wish tae still host the ball or cancel?”

Michael returned to his chair and absently stirred another sugar cube into his cooling tea. “What do you think, Katherine? It was to celebrate our marriage.”

She tapped her chin, carefully considering the question. Once again it was all about courage, that leap of faith when the future path would certainly include rocky patches. Naturally, if they proceeded with the ball there would be guests who would decline, or those who attended for the sole reason of sniping or gathering gossip. But if they cancelled, Nero won without a fight. And they would be hiding their unconventional love from the world as though they were ashamed of it.

That was utterly unacceptable.

“Normally I dislike balls,” said Katherine. “But I wish to host this one more than anything. To show society who I am. Countess of Whitmore and Mr. Hunter’s lover.”

Michael grinned. “Ah, the gunpowder and lit fuse approach. Gerry, perhaps we should order in a quantity of hartshorn in the event of mass swoonings. Oh, and I…I should like it very much if you’d consider standing in the receiving line with us. For I am Earl of Whitmore and Mr. Hunter’s lover.”

“I’ll consider it,” said Gerard, his dark eyes glistening suspiciously. “But I’ll nae dance in a room full o’ Sassenachs. They get jealous that I have rhythm and they flop around like landed trout.”

“Very well,” said Katherine, her lips twitching. “Now, let’s have breakfast before my stomach rumbles cause cracks in the footpath. Then…”

“Then?” said Michael softly.

She made her way over to the buffet, deliberately swaying her backside, then glanced over her shoulder. “I hope that wasn’t too subtle.”

Gerard chuckled. “We’re at your service, my lady.”

CHAPTER 9

Everything seemed brighter. The air seemed fresher. Hell, even the birds were chirping a pretty melody.

It was official: Gerard’s heart had expanded to embrace a sweet earl and a saucy countess. They would be a trio forever more. Stronger together.

Gerard shook his head as he followed Michael and Katie into the earl’s bedchamber, unable to suppress a foolish grin. Today was already momentous, but it would soon become even more so.

“Shall we play valet for each other?” asked Katie. “I want us all naked. Immediately.”

He raised an eyebrow at her imperious manner. The twinkle in her eyes said she knew full well it was provocative. “Do ye indeed?”

“I want…” she hesitated, biting her lip. “I want you both inside me. Pussy and backside. I know I haven’t had much training, but I need it today. Us as one. Michael was first to come in my pussy. Gerard…I want you to be first to come in my backside.”

Gerard almost groaned. Their previous bedding had been intensely, deliciously wicked, but from the moment they’d met, he’d dreamed of being inside Katie. Of owning her pert arse. To take her while she rode Michael would be the sweetest joining of all. “I would be honored, my lady.”

“You don’t have to call us that,” said Michael, as he leaned against a bedpost. “My lord and my lady, I mean. You could just be our gentleman lover, not my valet.”

Indignant beyond belief, Gerard stalked across the room and slid his hand behind Michael’s head, tugging his earl’s hair until Michael panted. “Heed me well, my lord. I will always be your valet. That is who I am, and who I’m proud tae be. Aye, there’ll be times when I must take a step back in public, when we’ll be unable tae stand as three. On those occasions…I’ll ensure ye remember tae whom ye belong. In fact…I have something for ye both.”

After reluctantly letting Michael go, Gerard marched into the antechamber where his belongings were kept. In the second drawer, under a pile of linen shirts, was a small velvet drawstring bag containing three plain gold rings, each inscribed with the letters G-M-K. He’d purchased them after visiting the Townsend-Grants, but it had never seemed quite the right time to present his lovers with them.

Now was exactly right.

“Here,” said Gerard very gruffly as he returned and held out the small bag, because heartfelt declarations were bloody difficult and he preferred to show rather than tell. “Open this.”

Katie took the bag and tipped it onto her palm, the three rings gently clinking together as they settled. “Oh, Gerard,” she breathed, as she inspected one. “G-M-K.”

“A ring for each of us,” he continued. “A symbol that we remain together even when we cannae be.”

Michael held out his left hand. “Will you put it on me and say the words with this ring I thee wed…?”

Gerard swallowed hard. Fuck. His eyes were getting blurry again.

Taking one of the rings, he slid it onto Michael’s fifth finger so it rested against his signet ring. “With this ring, I thee wed. My lord. Mine.”

“Now me,” said Katie.