Page 64 of The Earl's Scarred Bride

"Elizabeth," he breathed against her mouth. "My darling, my love, my everything..."

She melted at the words, at the raw emotion in his voice. Her fingers curled into his cravat, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened. Cecil groaned softly, his free hand sliding down to her waist, drawing her against him.

"You are extraordinary," he murmured between kisses. "Do you know that? The way you accept all of me—even my terrible attempts at art..."

"Not terrible," she corrected, nipping lightly at his lower lip. "Beautiful. Like everything you do."

A small crash from across the room made them break apart. Percy had discovered the fireplace fender and was regarding it with profound suspicion, having apparently knocked it slightly askew.

Cecil laughed softly, resting his forehead against Elizabeth's. "I believe our new addition requires supervision."

"Mmm." She stole another quick kiss. "Much like his father, always getting into mischief when left unattended."

Cecil rose to rescue the fender from Percy's continued investigation, scooping up the puppy in one smooth motion. "Come here, you little troublemaker. I believe it's time we established some ground rules about appropriate behavior for a gentleman's companion."

Percy responded by licking his chin enthusiastically, causing Elizabeth to laugh. "Oh yes, he's definitely taking your instruction very seriously."

"Much like someone else I know," Cecil said pointedly, returning to the settee with the puppy tucked securely in his arms. "Someone who was supposed to be learning proper deportment from her governess but was instead climbing trees and reading forbidden novels."

"And yet you married me anyway." Elizabeth reached over to scratch Percy's ears. "Perhaps you have a weakness for the unmanageable ones."

"Perhaps I simply recognize true quality when I see it." His voice softened as he gazed at her. "Elizabeth...I want to paint you properly. Not just sketches, but a real portrait. You and Percy both, just as you were earlier, bathed in that perfect evening light."

Her heart skipped at the intensity in his eyes. "But you've only just started learning to draw..."

"Then it shall be my masterpiece to work toward." He shifted Percy to one arm so he could reach for her hand. "Something to practice for, to strive toward. Like being a good father." His thumb traced patterns on her palm. "I want to capture every moment with you, my love. Every smile, every laugh, every perfect imperfection that makes you uniquely, wonderfully you."

Elizabeth felt tears prick at her eyes. "Cecil..."

"I know it's foolish," he continued quickly. "A man of my position, taking up art at this age. Society will likely mock?—"

She silenced him with a kiss, pouring all her love and pride into the connection. When she finally pulled back, both of them were breathing heavily.

"Let them mock," she said fiercely. "You are so much more than they could ever understand. My talented, surprising, wonderful husband." She squeezed his hand. "And you will be an amazing father. You already are, look."

She nodded toward Percy, who had fallen asleep in the crook of Cecil's arm, tiny paws twitching as he dreamed.

"We'll learn together," she continued softly. "All of it. The art, the parenting, everything. Just as we've learned everything else."

Cecil's free hand came up to cup her cheek, his touch infinitely tender. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"

"You loved me," she said simply. "Just as you were, just as I was. No pretense, no masks. Just us."

"Just us," he echoed, leaning in to kiss her again. This kiss was different from the passionate ones before—slower, deeper, full of promises for their future together.

A future that now included art supplies scattered among the business ledgers, a puppy sleeping by the fire, and countless moments of joy yet to be captured on paper and in their hearts.

When they finally parted, the room had grown dark around them, lit only by the gentle glow of the banked fire. Percy snuffled in his sleep, making them both smile.

"I love you," Cecil murmured, pressing his forehead to hers. "More than I could ever capture in any drawing or painting."

"Then you'll just have to keep practicing," Elizabeth teased softly. "We have a lifetime ahead of us, after all."

"A lifetime," he agreed, his voice rough with emotion. "And it still won't be enough time to show you just how much you mean to me."

"Oh, I don't know about that." She curled into his side, careful not to disturb Percy. "I think you're doing a rather good job of it so far."

As soon as they reached their chambers, Cecil kicked the door shut behind them, his heart pounding with a familiar anticipation. Elizabeth stood by the window, the moonlight casting an ethereal glow on her skin. The way she looked at him over her shoulder, eyes dark with desire, nearly undid him completely.

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