Page 119 of The Moonstone Hero
To her disappointment, she saw no one.
Shaking her head, she rose and was about to start back toward the manor house when she noticed the outline of a man striding toward her. Perhaps Melrose, the family butler, had been sent to fetch her. Or her uncle had come to lecture her on standing alone in the dark outdoors.
But as the figure approached, she realized who it was. “Caden!” she cried, and ran toward him.
Who else would set those moonstones shimmering for her?
He swept her up in his arms. “I’m so sorry, love. I know I should have arrived weeks ago.”
“You’re here now, and this is all that matters.”
“I was not going to miss another turn of the full moon,” he said, wrapping her in his arms for a fierce hug before he let her go. “Sorry, I must still smell of horse sweat and leather.”
Yes, he did.
She did not care. He was here, and that was all that mattered. “You made it.”
“I would not miss our full moon for anything. Did you notice any moonstones yet?” He kissed her gently, for he hadn’t shaved in several days and his jaw was all sharp bristles.
Ella laughed and kissed him on the lips, ignoring his scruff. “Yes, just a few quick glimmers. I thought the sea was shining for someone else. Have you slept at all these past few days?”
She planted more kisses on his face, still not caring that his recent growth of beard irritated her cheeks. He was with her, and it meant everything that he had pushed hard to reach her tonight, this night of the full moon.
“Thank you, Caden,” she whispered brokenly, once more caught up in his treasured arms. Oh, how she had missed those strong arms of his.
“Love, I’m the one who should be grateful foryou. You’ve stood beside me, encouraging me to be everyone’s hero, to belong to everyone. But I shall always and only ever belong to you, Ella. Nothing matters more to me. I love you so much.”
He had no sooner gotten out the words than a veritable display of light erupted on the water, dazzling glimmers sparkling along the waves in every color imaginable. Ruby red, amber yellow, emerald green, sapphire blue, and the rarest diamond pink.
Caden sucked in a breath. “Are those the moonstones?”
“Yes, aren’t they beautiful?” Ella turned in his arms so that her back was pressed against his chest. His arms remained around her, and they watched the illuminated waves dance to shore and break with a gentle whoosh.
“I love you too,” she said, her heart soaring because she only ever wanted to be in his arms. Perhaps it was not the loftiest of dreams. He was still England’s hero and would likely remain much sought after for the rest of his life. But she would share that life with him, perhaps making her mark as well. Her status as his wife allowed her to gain admittance in places she might otherwise be turned away from, and she meant to take full advantage if it meant saving lives or helping those who could not help themselves.
“Look at those brilliant lights,” he said. “Is there any doubt how we feel about each other?”
She laughed. “No, but it’s nice to have the confirmation, especially when we are apart so much.”
“And especially since the gossip rags still accept stories from those who would wish us ill,” he said ruefully. “I will always be faithful to you, Ella.Always.You were the miracle I neededto turn my life around. You are more wonderful to me than I deserve.”
“You are pretty wonderful, too,” she said with a sigh as he gently nuzzled her neck.
“I am the one who gained everything from our marriage. I loved you from the first moment I set eyes on you, Ella. Nothing and no one will ever change that. I hope you remember this as we journey through life and are constantly pulled apart. This new role for me is going to separate us from time to time. No matter the duration, I will never break my vows to you. I give you my oath upon those moonstones.”
She nodded and emitted a trill of laughter. “I know, Caden. You pledged your heart to me when we married, and you are too honorable ever to break that pledge. I think it would hurt you as much as it would hurt me.”
“It would destroy me,” he said with a deeply felt ache. “It can never happen. But let’s think good thoughts and not dwell on things that will never come to pass.”
“You’re right. Shall we return to the house? You must be hungry. When did you last eat? And you’ll need a bath.” She tugged on his hand, but he wouldn’t budge.
“I have a better idea. Those moonstones are still sparkling like fireworks on the water. Come down to the beach with me, love.”
“But it’s dark and will be very difficult for us to see our way once those moonstones stop shining. Can it not wait until morning?”
“No,” he said with a naughty grin. “And those lights are not going to stop shining for us because…”
She gasped. “You want us to make love down there? You do realize how impractical it is, don’t you?”
