Page 23 of A Beauty for a Duke

“Marry me, Sofie. Let me take you to every convention known to man. And woman. Be mine.”

“First, what’s this I hear about Orkney?”

Egan laughed, “Marry me, Sofie.”

“Yes. Yes, I believe I shall.”

***

WHEN THE TWO FINALLY arrived back at the tavern, the conversation with her father went well. As was to be expected, he was overjoyed, and more than a little astounded.

Egan took the afternoon to take care of some business. While he was gone, Sofie made time to decorate the two Christmas trees with her father.

“Didn’t you want to wait for Egan?”

“This is stillourtradition, Papa.”

Her father chuckled, “So it is. But I hope you’ll carry it on in your home.”

She hugged him. “Of course. But that means I’m taking one of these Christmas toppers.” She tapped her finger against her chin. “I think I’ll take the rose.”

“It’s yours,” her father embraced her again. “Now tell me again about Fia? I still can’t believe it.”

Sofie recounted the tale, finishing with, “I’m sure glad we switched tables when we did.”

“You switched tables?” Egan’s voice surprised her. She didn’t expect him back so soon.

“When did you get back? We weren’t expecting you yet.”

“Just now,” he smiled, took her hand, and brushed it with a kiss. “I made it quick.”

“We’re not that formal here,” her father said.

Egan took Sofie into his arms and kissed her full on the lips.

“Well, I’m not sure we’re that informal here,” Richard grumbled lightly.

“Sorry,” Egan chuckled. “But what’s this about switching tables?” Egan asked Sofie.

“That night we first met. Fia served you your first round of whisky. You don’t remember?”

“I don’t…” Egan rubbed his jaw. “But it all makes sense now…I can’t believe I missed it. George liked Fia all along. The hair…”

“The hair?”

“Her crimson hair? He mentioned her red hair?”

“If only he had…” Egan wasn’t making any sense to Sofie, but he seemed to be making sense to himself, so she let him continue. “So he was never interested in you?”

“Me? Oh, no. For Fia and George, I believe it was love at first sight.”

“And it wasn’t for us?”

“Should it have been?”

“Aye, it verra well should have been.”

Sofie chuckled. “Well, we’re here now. That’s all that matters.”

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