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Allheads turned in expectation toward the coffeehouse from whence the other authors had entered.

Thewall clock rang out, announcing midnight was upon them.

Araminta, flanked by Cassius and Leonidas, stood at the entrance.

Guestsand patrons craned their necks for a glimpse of MadamQuillheart.

Leonidasgave Araminta an encouraging smile before Cassius murmured something and passed her a book.

Itfinally hit Darius then.

Whyhadn’t he seen it before?

Hiswife. His beloved, beautiful, brilliant Araminta was MadamQuillheart.

Amurmur began and rose in volume as she glided toward the podium, the epitome of grace and confidence.

“I knew it!” Grandmama cried. Gifted with the second sight, Darius’s grandmother likely had known Araminta’s secret. Beaming, she gave Araminta an exuberant smile. “A girl after my own heart.”

Unlikethe other authors, Araminta wore no black domino over her face, but this unmasking was even more potent because of who she was.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” She roved those incredible green eyes over those assembled. “I am MadamQuillheart. Please permit me to read a selection from MissWimple’sMarvelousAdventures.”

Dariuscast a worried glance toward the reverend, who appeared remarkably composed despite the shocking revelation.

ReverendWeldon angled his head, a half-smile arching his mouth. “I knew, you know. Her mother told me on her deathbed.”

“Well, I didn’t, and I’m her husband.” Darius couldn’t decide if he was more miffed than ecstatic. He focused on his lovely wife, as she finished reading her excerpt.

“Hermione gazed into Palmer’s brilliant blue eyes. Without a doubt, she’d fallen, hopelessly, head-over-heels in love with the roguish explorer, CaptainPalmerWhitaker.

“‘Are you ready for your next adventure, MissHermioneWimple?’” He gave her a devilishly charming grin as he lifted her hand to his mouth and grazed his hot mouth over her bare knuckles.

“Nodding, Hermione wrapped her arms around his strong neck. “‘Oh, I think being your wife will be my grandest adventure yet.’

“THEEND.”

Aramintafinished to resounding applause.

Smilingto himself, Darius made his way to her, having to elbow through a throng of admirers and well-wishers.

Nowonder she’d been so keen on him stocking MadamQuillheart’s books.

Whenhe reached her side, she gave him an uncertain glance. Before he could tell her how proud he was of her, she said, “I wanted to surprise you.”

“Surprise me, you did.” He chuckled. “I presume you had to confide in my rascally brothers to pull it off.”

“I did.” She looked so contrite that he couldn’t begrudge her secrecy. “And your parents too. It was past time I revealed who MadamQuillheart was. I am proud of the romances I write.”

Aflash of defiance sparked in her eyes.

“As well you should be.” Darius maneuvered her away from the crowd. “I didn’t know I’d married a famous author.”

“You didn’t. You married me, a woman who loves you beyond words.”

Dariusleaned wickedly near to whisper in her ear. “MadamQuillheart? Should we undertake vital research for your next novel?”

Shewidened her eyes in artificial shock.

“Good sir. Are you suggesting something scandalous? In public, no less?”

“Oh, I am, my love. I am.”

Andin front of his family, her father, Woodhaven’s elite, and everyone else who had packed into Westbrook’sBook & CoffeeEmporium, Darius swept her into his arms and kissed her like a man long-starved.

“I’ll bet she writes that into her next novel.” Cassius laughed, and the rest of the guests joined in his merriment.

Aramintaopened her eyes and, leaning back in his arms, gave him a saucy wink. “Oh, I definitely shall.”