Page 77 of Dark Christmas

He’s alive.

Bruised, battered, but very much alive.

I blink, thinking I must be seeing things.

The duke steps into the room, his figure tall and commanding, and my heart soars—it’s really him.

The count, pale with shock, stumbles backward. “How are you here?”

The duke’s voice is calm, but there’s a hard edge to it. “Considering your life as you know it is over, cousin,” he says, stepping closer, “I suppose I’ll give you an explanation.”

I see the tension in the count’s posture as the duke continues. “The rogues you hired tried to kill me, but they failed. Every last one of them fell by my sword.” He smirks, a dangerous glint in his eye. “You should’ve hired better trained men.”

The count’s expression turns to one of defeat. “I-I—”

“I’ll give you a sporting chance,” the duke interrupt, “a head start to run. But know this—I will track you down.” His eyes flash with cold fury. “And when I do, you’ll wish those rogues had finished the job.”

Stunned and terrified, the count stammers, then bolts from the room without another word.

The moment we’re alone, the duke turns to me, his expression softening as he takes my hand. “I’m sorry,” he says, his voice filled with sincerity. “I was wounded in the melee and had tolay low while I recovered.”

Tears of relief well in my eyes as I grip his hand. “I’m so glad you’re alive.”

He kisses my hand tenderly. “I received news of our child,” he says, his voice full of happiness and love. “And now, I’m ready to do what I should’ve done long ago, and that is, marry you.”

We kiss, the words we’ve both been holding back finally spilling out between us.

“I love you.”

“And I you, my lady. And I will forevermore.”

I sit up from my laptop, stretching my arms over my head. Another gorgeous day in San Francisco spills through the windows of my cozy little writing room. The sunlight bounces off the city below, making everything look like a postcard. I glance down at my big, pregnant belly with a smile. Three weeks until this little one arrives, and I’m determined to finish my book before then. It’s practically writing itself at this point, but I still have to wrap it up with a cute happily ever after.

My phone buzzes, pulling me out of my thoughts. It’s a text from Claire. I grin as I open it, a picture of her and William greeting me. He’s growing like a weed, holding up a stuffed reindeer. Too cute.

Park later?she asks, complete with a heart emoji and a little stroller gif.

I chuckle, rubbing my belly as I type back.

I hit send and smile, loving that life’s finally slowed down a bit. Things have been weirdly perfect lately even though Melor’s still intense and protective. He’s also still calm and grounding, and all of it is nice.

I start to stand when I feel a strange pop, wetness trailing down my leg.

"Melor!" I shout, trying to stay calm but definitely not succeeding.

Within seconds he’s there, rushing through the door from his office like some kind of action hero.

“What is it?” he asks, voice filled with concern.

“My water just broke,” I reply, half laughing, half panicking. “I think this baby’s coming early.”

His eyes widen, but he doesn’t miss a beat. “Let’s get you to the hospital.”

And just like that, we’re on the move.

“Overnight bags?” he calls, already halfway down the hall.

“By the door!” I shout back, waddling out of my writing room as fast as I can.

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