Page 120 of The Earl's Bluestocking Bride
Her eyes were wide. “And my mother?”
He snorted. “Come, Amelia. You see the same thing I do when it comes to her. Her priorities are skewed. You should be more important than gossip, rumor, or social status. You’re her daughter. A talented, intelligent, kind woman. You said earlier that you deserve better, and you really, really do.”
She blinked rapidly, her eyes sparkling. “When we married, I never expected you to be like this. You’ve given me so much more than I ever imagined.”
He gazed down at her, letting the full force of his affection shine through. “You are the one who has given me everything. I love you, Amelia. So much more than I ever knew was possible. My heart overflows with it. I feel thatlove with every breath I take. I don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks, but I need you to believe me.”
“Y-you love me?” she stammered. “Really?”
“I do.” He held her hands in his. “More than anything.”
She seemed stunned. “But… you never gave me any sign.”
He grimaced. “It’s come to my attention that despite our best efforts, you and I aren’t always fantastic at communicating our feelings. I’m telling you now so there will be no misunderstandings. I love you, Amelia Drake. My heart beats for you. I won’t say that I’m glad my family lost almost everything, but I’m ecstatic that that horrible situation brought me to you.”
His heart raced frantically. Butterflies fluttered in his gut. He hadn’t failed to notice that Amelia had yet to reciprocate his declaration. Honestly, she hadn’t really said anything.
Did she feel the same?
He was sure she felt something. But maybe it was affection or friendship rather than the all-consuming love he felt for her.
“Sweetheart,” he said, his tone pleading. “Say something.”
“Oh.” Her cheeks colored. The corners of her lips tipped up. “I’m sorry, I….”
“Yes?”
She nibbled on her lower lip. “It’s so strange that we married for such unromantic reasons, and now you love me. You love me. I almost can’t believe it. Certainly, no one else will.”
“Then sod them all,” Andrew said. “All that matters is that you believe me. Do you?”
CHAPTER 29
She did,she realized.
She believed him.
As far as she knew, Andrew had never lied to her. He may have omitted the truth at times, but he hadn’t lied. So if he said he loved her now, she had no reason to doubt him. If she continued to hold herself back out of some misguided need to protect herself, she would be hurting not only herself but him too.
“I believe you,” she whispered, holding his gaze. Flecks of gold twinkled in the depths of his irises. They were magical. Just like him. “And I love you too.”
His face lit up. “You mean that?”
“Of course I do.” She kissed him chastely. “How could I not? You believed in me all along. You encouraged me and supported me. You really see me in a way no one else ever has. I never stood a chance against you.”
He cradled her face in his hands. “I will always be there for you, and I will do everything in my power to be worthy of you.”
“You already are.”
He brushed a kiss over her lips and then her forehead.She closed her eyes, savoring the soft caress that filled her with a sense of warmth and comfort.
“So.” She opened her eyes and tried to clear her thoughts. “Do you still want to leave for Suffolk? You know that it won’t do as much to quell the gossip, considering that she turned up here.”
Andrew laughed. “My practical countess. Always thinking ahead.”
Her lips twisted wryly. “You love me. You just said so.”
“I did,” he agreed. “And I wouldn’t have you any other way. Yes, sweetheart, I want to take you to Suffolk and show you where I grew up. I want to walk with you through the meadows I played in as a child and introduce you to the people who’ve known me my whole life.”
