Page 37 of The Duke I Wished For
“Where are we going?” she asked.
But apparently Clarissa already knew because she started clapping.
“It’s such a warm, lovely day, I thought you might like to explore outside for a while.” Blake nodded toward the manor. “And it will give the servants time to get the house to rights.”
Clarissa wiggled and squirmed her way out of Blake’s arms the moment they stepped outside into the sunshine, and Blake immediately sought out Daffodil’s hand.
They let Clarissa lead the way across the lawn as Daffodil took in the sprawling and lush garden to her left. But to her right, where Clarissa was heading…
“What’s this?” she asked. “A greenhouse?”
“Of sorts.” Blake sounded so pleased with himself, and Daffodil recognized that tone.
She laughed as she glanced up at him. “Don’t tell me. More surprises?”
He squeezed her hand in answer. “I hope you’ll like it.”
She sighed, feigning exasperation. He’d be the first to admit that he’d gone overboard showering her with gifts these past two months.
“I had this made for Clarissa after her mother passed. A sort of sanctuary for us both. But we’ve made some new additions to it this past month, and I…I think you’ll like it. Or, I hope you’ll like it…”
Clarissa rushed back before he could finish and snagged Daffodil’s free hand. Soon all three of them were laughing and running as the little girl dragged them along toward what looked to be a greenhouse.
Once inside, Daffodil’s breath caught on the hot, misty air. She blinked rapidly as her eyes took in the splendid array of bright, tropical colors. But the gorgeous flowers were quickly forgotten as her lips parted and her eyes grew wide…
“Like it?” Blake’s smug tone said he already knew she did.
She lifted a shaky hand, her wish that day at the maypole coming back to her with a clarity that left her winded. “Is that…a-are those…”
“Butterflies!” Clarissa shouted happily, dropping Daffodil’s hand to run off and chase the pretty creatures that dipped and flitted over the hothouse flowers.
“Butterflies,” Daffodil echoed, her tone dazed with disbelief. “You got me…butterflies.”
Blake’s arms wrapped around her waist, and he dipped his head to rest on her shoulder. “Like it?”
“How did you know?” she whispered.
“What do you mean?”
He couldn’t know, of course. She’d never told anyone about her silly wish at the maypole to be like a butterfly. And now here she was—her life transformed into something beautiful and glorious.
Clarissa ran back to her. “Mama, don’t cry.”
Blake dropped his arms and shifted so he could see her face, his expression alarmed.
Before either he or Clarissa could ask any questions, she swiped at the joyful tears and beamed at her new family. “It’s wonderful,” she said. “You’ve made me so happy. Both of you.”
“Why did you cry?” Clarissa asked.
Daffodil shook her head with a laugh as Blake wrapped an arm around her, holding her close to his side. “It’s silly, really. But, you see, a few months ago, before I met your father, I made a wish…”
Clarissa lit up. “Did your wish come true?”
Daffodil smiled up at Blake. “It did. I got everything I wanted…and so much more.”
Clarissa grinned, bouncing on her toes. “I want to make a wish, too!”
Blake leaned down slightly. “And what would you wish for, love?”
