Page 69 of Cherish and the Duke
“Perhaps, but we seem to have caused quite a stir anyway.” Between Katie’s mischief and Northam’s rants, plentyof entertainment had been provided for Fiona’s guests. There would be plenty of gossip fodder for the London papers, too.
“That is true. No proper courtship, but it shall still be a fun tale to regale our children.My little imps, if ever I told you of your father’s…” She gasped. “Oh, but you do not wish to have children. I…I did not mean…”
He took her hands in his. “Cherish, forget every stupid thing I’ve said or have been rumored to say. It is all different with you. If you wish to have children, then we shall have them. With you as their mother, I know they will be cared for and loved whether or not I am around to see them grow up.”
She regarded him in dismay. “Do not say that. You must be with me into our dotage.”
“I hope to be,” he assured her, “for I am not keen to depart this world so soon. Especially while you are in it. But you know our lives will not necessarily turn out as we hope. Things happen. Whether I live or die is not in my control. So, let us take one day at a time and be grateful for every moment we have together.”
“All right. But I will not let you go without a fight,” she said, closing her eyes and leaning into him as he dipped his head to hers for another kiss, this one scorching and ravenous, for he wanted her to feel the heat between them and know he was going to bring out all her fiery passion in their marriage bed.
She sighed when he eased his lips off hers.
“You taste as sweet as honeysuckle,” he said.
She nestled in his arms, each of them content as they stood beneath the summer sun and soaked in the warmth of their future life together.
Most of the guests had gathered in the dining room by the time they made their way back to Fiona’s house. They entered through the parlor only to encounter Fiona, Reggie, and Margaret waiting for them.
Fiona smiled. “I knew he would kiss you. I hope you liked it.”
“Oh, dear heaven,” Cherish muttered as a blush crawled up her neck and into her cheeks. “Am I that obvious?”
Gawain merely arched an eyebrow. He loved his cousin, but she could be irritating at times.
“I cannot wait to be kissed.” Margaret sighed and set her gaze on Reggie, who grinned at her wickedly.
“That can be arranged,” Reggie said.
Gawain groaned. “Come on, whelp, I’ll need that license if I am to get married tomorrow.”
“I’ll unpack my things while you’re gone,” Cherish said as she let go of Gawain’s arm.
“I’ll help you, Cherish,” Margaret squealed, and walked out with her, leaving Gawain alone with his cousin and his nephew.
Fiona cleared her throat.
Gawain sighed. “What? All I did was kiss her, I promise. Reggie, care to join me while I obtain the license?”
His nephew threw his arms around him and gave him an enormous hug. “With greatest pleasure, Uncle Gawain.”
Gawain laughed and hugged him back.
“Will you not join us for a meal first?” Fiona asked. “Or I can have my cook pack up something for you.”
Gawain shook his head. “Reggie and I will grab a bite in town. I want that license. I mean to marry Cherish at the parish church tomorrow morning. Would you mind turning tomorrow’s breakfast into a wedding breakfast? I know it is very short notice, Fiona. But I dare not put this off for even a day. I don’t trust Northam.”
“It is disheartening how many bad men like him exist,” Reggie muttered.
Gawain nodded. “Which is why it is important that good men always step forward to counter them.”
“I’m glad you are marrying Cherish, Uncle Gawain.”
Fiona nodded. “I have already put my kitchen staff to the task. After all my meddling and plotting to put you two together, did you even need to ask?”
Chapter Fifteen
The parlor gameswere quite merry that night, but Fiona was still bent on torturing Gawain by pairing him with the worst teammates. Lord Pershing was still drunk, still useless, and still on his team. Sweet Margaret was newly added to his team in place of Lady Eugenia, who had set her cap for Fellstone and maneuvered to be on his team.
