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He stumbled backward but managed to stay standing. He returned his brother’s embrace. “Miss me, did you?”

Sebastian pulled away, his expression turning bored. “No idea what you mean.”

Rafe snorted, and his brother’s smile popped back into place. “It’s good to see you. Good to see you walking so well.”

They fell into step, heading toward Theo’s office. “Good thing I am, otherwise you’d have knocked me to the floor.”

“It’s not a good hug unless you bowl the person over.”

“Ah, that explains it. I was wondering why that one felt like a wretched attempt.”

“You do realize that only encourages me. I’m going to be flying at you when you least expect it now, trying to knock you off your feet.”

Rafe didn’t say it out loud, but he couldn’t wait.

Sebastian lowered his voice. “Also, I owe you a thank you. For what you did with Nathan and Mr. Turner.”

Rafe caught his brother’s eye. “Of course. You deserve to see the world. And you deserve to get to do that with your closest friend at your side.” Hopefully, it would help ease some of the loneliness that plagued Sebastian. And aid him in getting over the feelings he held for the elder Mr. Turner.

They drew closer to the office, and Rafe quickened his pace. As soon as he veered into the room, he stopped short. There she was. Standing in front of her desk, leaning back casually against the piece of furniture. Like she’d been waiting for him.

A smile broke free. “Duchess.”

Theo crossed her arms, fighting valiantly against her own smile. “Duke.”

He slowly walked up to her, gaze devouring every inch of her. No coat today, just a lawn shirt and waistcoat. Which meant he could admire every inch of her long legs in those skin-tight trousers. He paused before her, gaze locked on her smiling eyes. He’d missed her horribly. He dusted his knuckles over her jawline, reveling in the softness of her skin, in the light blush that warmed her cheekbones. Bloody hell, she was stunning.

“You are beautiful,” he whispered.

“You are observant,” she murmured back, her mouth finally curving into a soft smile.

He pressed a soft kiss on her lips, and that warm, floaty feeling fell over him. Happiness.

Her hands found their way inside his coat, pressing flat against his waistcoat. “It’s good to have you home.”

Home. He never in a million years thought he’d place that title here. But now…now he thought it might just fit. Not the castle, never the castle. But the estate. Their future cottage. Her. Because when it came down to it, home would always be wherever she was.

A wicked idea flitted through his mind, and he slid his hands under her thighs, then popped her onto her desk. “You know…we never did get to test the structural integrity of your desk.”

“You both know I am still here, right?”

Theo burst out laughing. She gently pushed Rafe back, her cheeks bunched and eyes glowing. “Why don’t we test that later? I’m sure your stepmother wants to see you. And I can update you on the happenings of the estate.”

Rafe reluctantly stepped away and turned a glare on his brother. “You know. That would have been a convenient time for you to make yourself scarce.”

Sebastian grinned foolishly at him. “What are little brothers for, other than to be pests?”

“You excel at it,” Rafe said dryly.

Sebastian threw his arm around Rafe’s shoulders and led him back into the hall, Theodora on his other side. “Mother is out in the gardens. I believe she arranged a picnic for all of us.”

Something warm unfurled in Rafe’s chest. Abigail was so kind and thoughtful. He still had absolutely no desire to have any meals in the dining hall here. And, of course, his stepmother would have picked up on that fact.

“A family picnic sounds perfect.”

Theodora’s fingers wove through his, squeezing gently.

Perfect.