Page 87 of The Duke Says I Do
“We could present it to him as a fait accompli.”
“Would that hurt his feelings?”
Portia smiled, her heart spilling over with gratitude and elation. “You know, that’s one of the many reasons I love you.”
“Because I can’t make a decision?”
She laughed and placed a hand on his cheek. “No, because even when you have every right to be selfish, you care about other people.”
“He’s about to become my father-in-law.”
Portia gave an exaggerated gasp of horror. “I should have mentioned that when I listed all the reasons not to marry me.”Even without his monomania for Shakespeare, her father was a handful.
Alaric’s embrace firmed. “It’s too late to wriggle out of taking me. I’ve got your promise.”
“I’m sure Papa would like to be involved, but he was really terrible to Juliet. I’m in no mood to indulge his vanity if it means putting off our wedding, especially—”
“Especially when you could be carrying my child.”
A glow that had nothing to do with passion and everything to do with love expanded inside her. “I’d love that.”
“So would I.” More kissing. Portia’s brains were addled by the time they stopped. Their closeness filled her with contentment. She and Alaric were together and would stay that way.
“Tomorrow?” he asked.
“Yes, tomorrow.”
“Shall I send a note to the stables?”
“I’ve got a better idea. I’ll ask the Shelburns to be our witnesses. Kate already suspects something’s going on. It will cheer her no end to discover she’s right. If I leave for the church from Leighton House, I can dress there without anyone wondering what I’m up to. I’ll send her a note first thing.”
Another flurry of kisses. Breathless, Alaric raised his head. “Damn it, I want to see you. I never imagined getting engaged in the dark.”
She laughed. “It’s romantic.” She caught his hands. “Alaric, are we really going to do this extraordinary thing? Everyone will say we’re the most mismatched couple in England.”
“We’ll be too happy to care about gossip.”
“How wonderful.”
“But you should go inside. We’ve tempted fate long enough.”
“Kiss me first.”
It wasn’t a speedy farewell, and Portia was trembling by the time she stepped back. “I love you, Alaric.” Having held thewords inside for so long, she exulted in repeating them over and over.
“I love you, my treasured Portia.”
“And tomorrow we’re getting married. I can hardly believe it.”
“You’ll believe it when you’re standing in front of the parson saying ‘I do.’”
What a perfect thought. One more quick kiss.
“Let me call Jupiter, then check nobody’s around,” he said.
She collapsed against the convenient tree, as she struggled to comprehend that such joy existed and that it belonged to her.
Chapter 22
