Page 95 of A Potion for Passion

She chuckled. “Which means they’ll stop visiting and I’ll finally have my house to myself again,” she said happily.

“Correction. You will be required to share it, at least for the time being. With me.”

Joy flooded through her entire body. All the pieces were falling into place. She didn’t care a jot what anyone said about her choice of husband. She had no regrets. Well, perhaps just one…she wished she’d realized sooner he was the only man for her.

He cocked his head. “Are your servants at home?”

A thread of need spiraled through her. “They won’t be home until much later.”

“So, your cottage is empty.” There was a very wicked twinkle in his eye.

Anticipation flickered to life in her belly. There was nothing like the threat of imminent death to sharpen one’s appetite for life. And the greatest pleasures it had to offer.

“I’m quite tired after the morning’s excitement,” he announced, his innocent expression belied by his devilish smile. “My wagon’s in too much turmoil for use. May I rest my head on your pillow for a little while? Charley will happily settle down on the hearthrug. I’ll get him a hambone, to reward him for his bravery today.”

She warmed to the smile of the man she loved, desire blossoming. “Of course, you may,” she said. “Whenever you wish.”

“Are you quite certain you’re prepared to exchange a spying sister and nosy neighbor for the burden of a demanding husband?”

She twined her arms around his neck. “That all depends on what he’s demanding,” she whispered.

“You are incorrigible,” he murmured.

Joy charged through her like a wildfire. Was it really possible to be so happy? “What do you demand of me, Lawrence?” she asked softly, brushing her lips lightly across his.

He returned the kiss gently, teasingly. In a voice so low she could hardly hear, he said, “I demand your heart.”

She pulled back and saw his eyes were dark, uncertainty boiling in their depths.

“Oh, Lawrence,” she said, holding him as tightly as she could. “Never doubt it. I’m yours, heart, body, and soul.” She choked back a sob. “I weep for joy that you want me, too.”

“This is the last time I’ll ever let you weep,” he vowed.

He kissed away the tears of happiness coursing down her face, then pressed her body against his, until there was not a chink of space between them, until they felt like the same being.

And Flora knew her heart had finally found its sanctuary.