Page 104 of Surrender Your Grace
“Oh, no. One a year is all my nerves can stand. And your mother’s. Maggie was such a support to her. She’ll miss her.”
“I’m hoping Duncan can rein her in. She was…”
“Incorrigible? Like her brother? She’s rebelling against the marriage.”
“It’s a good match. I don’t understand why. Do you?”
Cici shook her head, which wasn’t exactly a lie. She didn’t understand because she wouldn’t give Andrew up if their love was one-sided. She’d fight for it tooth and nail.
“Would you tell me if you did?”
“She’s my best friend, Andrew. I’d have to keep her confidence.”
“Even from your husband?”
“As long as her health and safety weren’t at stake, yes. Even under threat of that awful birching rod.”
“I was in the study closet searching for something and noticed it was missing.”
“Is it? Imagine that.”
“Saucy minx,” he murmured.
“Yes, but I’m your saucy minx,” she replied, echoing his turn of words from that night.
They barely made it to the bed before laughter turned into kisses—slow, familiar, breathtaking. His hands knew every curve now but rediscovered them as though they were new. Her gown slipped away beneath his practiced fingers, and the passion that followed wasn’t wild.
It was slow, tender, and poignantly beautiful.
Afterward, she lay curled against him, heart steadying as his fingers traced her hip.
“I have news,” she said softly.
He stilled. “Good news, I hope. I’ve had enough bad for a lifetime.”
“The best.” She tilted her head back, bursting to share. “Come fall, you’ll have your heir.”
His smile broadened slowly. “You’re certain?”
She nodded. “I visited Dr. Wadsworth this week. He confirmed it.”
He kissed her—harder this time, until she was breathless. Then softer. And again on her cheeks, brow, and lips.
“I love you, sweet pea,” he murmured, his hand sliding reverently over her still-flat belly, “I’m looking forward to everything that comes next—with you, and the life we’re creating. “
She nestled against his chest, whispering, “I love you, too, Andrew. And our son or daughter already. So much my heart is overflowing.”
The house had fallen still, but within their chamber, they lay entwined, wrapped in the warmth and quiet promise of all that was yet to come.
