Page 18 of The Duke's Surprise Heir

Macie wasn’t sure what “stuffing things a bit” meant, but assumed that the housekeeper thought Edward gave out false flattery.

“Just wait until you try them,” he said to Macie, then turned to Ms. Kealy. “You’ve already met my son.” He gave Kyle a little bounce. “But Macie is concerned that you might spread news of their presence here at the house. She might be in danger. I’m trying to convince her that this house is a safe place to hide from some very bad men.”

Ms. Kealy pressed her lips together and gave Macie a sharp nod. “Absolutely, Ms. Meyers! Not a word of your presence here will slip through my lips.” Her Manchester accent intensified with her assurance. “His Grace will protect ye here. Never ye mind about the wee boy. Whenever either of ye need a break, I’d be more than happy to care for his lordship.”

It took Macie a moment to realize Ms. Kealy was referring to Kyle as “his lordship”, which was startling since she’d always thought of lords as elegant, snobbish men who lazed around their estates, gambling and drinking port. Lords weren’t tiny humans who barfed on her shoulder when they had a tummy ache.

“Thank you,” Macie finally replied with a slight nod. “That’s extremely generous of you.”

“Also, His Grace mentioned that ye need a few things for the wee lad. I’m gonna drive to the stores located two towns over to get supplies, because no one there will associate me with the estate.”

Macie glanced at Edward and sighed with relief. “That…thank you!” she told them. “I was trying to figure out how to get more diapers and formula.” She gently tweaked Kyle’s toes. “I only grabbed what I could stuff into a small travel bag.”

“Don’tcha worry none. I’m on a mission!” She turned around, wiping her hands on her apron. “But first, set yerself down and I’ll have breakfast for ye in a trice.”

Macie was too stunned to react. Slowly, she turned to look at Edward.

He merely chuckled, then led her over to what she could only interpret as a coffee bar. “I can’t drink coffee,” she told him, pointing to Kyle. “Remember? Whatever I eat, he eats. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not have a baby cranked up on caffeine.”

He nodded, then opened a beautifully carved wooden box. “How about tea?” he offered. “There are several varieties of herbal tea to choose from.”

Macie sighed with happiness. “Yes!” she gushed, then leaned over the box. “Lemon-ginger! This is going to be wonderful! Thank you!”

“Don’t thank me. Ms. Kealy is the magician here.”

Macie glanced over at the woman who was bustling about the massive kitchen. She seemed to be deeply engrossed in cracking eggs and adding ingredients to the mixing bowl.

Thirty minutes later, Macie had to agree with Edward’s assessment. Breakfast was divine, Macie thought as she finished off the last of the truly amazing plate of French toast. Even better, Edward held Kyle throughout the meal, giving her the first distraction-free meal Macie had enjoyed in over three months. No, longer than just three months since Kyle had distracted her pretty often by kicking her internal organs before birth. Or just moving about. Or just taking up so much space in her belly that food wasn’t an option.

“Now for the work part of our plan,” he announced. “This way. Kyle and I cleared out my office earlier today so that you’ll have a space to work.”

“You didn’t have to clear out,” she protested, following him down yet another long hallway. “What’s that?” she asked, pointing to a large room that seemed to be empty.

Edward stopped and retraced his steps, all three of them peering into the large room. “That’s the ballroom,” he explained. “My ancestors held large gatherings here during the last century.” He shrugged. “I’ve renovated most of the house, but I haven’t figured out what to do with this space.”

Macie loved the long windows that…actually, they were doors that opened up to what looked like a long, grassy area. But she wasn’t sure what was outside because filmy curtains blocked the view.

“I’ve never known anyone who had a ballroom before,” she teased. “Maybe you could use it for a fencing arena?”

He looked down at her with a raised eyebrow. “Do you fence?”

“Nope!”

“Neither do I,” he replied with a shrug. “Keep thinking. I’m open to suggestions.”

They continued down the hallway until he stopped in a smaller room that was lined with bookcases, which were overflowing with books.

“Wow! This is…amazing!” she whispered, stepping into the room and looking around. “You actually get work done in here?”

“Of course.”

She rolled her eyes at his blasé tone. “I’d be distracted by all of the books. Have you read all of them?” Macie looked up at him. “Or are these just for show?”

He moved closer to her, holding Kyle in one arm. “Do I ever do anything just for show?”

And just that fast, the easy camaraderie disappeared, replaced with that intense awareness of each other. She held her breath as he captured her gaze. “No,” she whispered, remembering how he’d followed through on every promise that weekend. Nothing had been fake. His abilities were very, wonderfully real.

“Glad you remember that,” he murmured, his voice huskier than it had been a moment before. His eyes searched hers and Macie’s head spun slightly. Was this when he would kiss her? She desperately wanted that kiss. Ached to be held in his arms and to lose herself in the bliss of his sexual prowess. Macie wanted to forget about the danger, the responsibilities for a tiny baby that she’d shouldered for so long. Just one kiss…!

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