Page 83 of Beneath the Beastly Duke's Mask
Nicholas nodded, taking her hands in his. “I want that more than anything,” he said, surprising her as he drew her closer. “I love you, Arabella. Please forgive me for thinking our love couldn't handle hardships. I was wrong.”
"You were," she agreed. "However, I have already forgiven you, and now I just want to be with you. Can that finally happen?"
Nicholas smiled. “Of course,” he said. “I want nothing better than to make you my wife and live our lives together. If you will marry me, of course.”
“Of course,” she said. “Of course, I'll marry you.”
Nicholas drew her into his arms, holding her close as he laid his cheek on her head. Arabella closed her eyes, smiling as she burrowed into him. This was what she wanted, where she felt safest, and it was only the beginning of a lifetime of happiness.
Epilogue
Several Weeks Later
Arabella was happy she didn't have to wait months to get married. The village vicar was more than happy to marry them and get the necessary paperwork for the legal part of the wedding. Nicholas's relatives had been wonderful about it all, supporting them and making her feel welcome.
Not even Nicholas was aware of how many relatives he had, making her wonder what had happened in the past. It seemed Aunt Violet believed Nicholas had died in the fire, so it could only have been a shock to see him appear after nearly twenty years. Fortunately, they were ready to accept him, scars and all, with hardly a bad word said about his appearance.
Looking around the room, Arabella's heart was filled with affection for the people attending their wedding breakfast. Most of the servants from Euston were present, showing Nicholas that they still thought highly of him. Arabella was glad to hear the new duke was a good man and treated everyone well, although many had said they wished Nicholas was still the duke.
It warmed her heart to hear them say that. Nicholas didn't realize his impact on many people's lives because he was too humble to see, but this day showed how much they respected and cared for him.
“I have a surprise for you,” she said, leaning toward him.
“Oh?” he said, raising his eyebrows. “Were we supposed to organize surprises for each other?”
“No, you have given me enough just by being with me,” she told him. “This surprise is for both of us, but I know you'll appreciate it more. Besides, you organized our honeymoon in Somerset with my relatives—that was a wonderful surprise. I didn't expect a honeymoon.”
“A married couple needs time together to lay the foundation of their marriage,” he said. “A honeymoon does that. Or at least, that is what people have told me.”
“Well, such a lovely surprise needs one to match it,” she said. “I know you'll love it.”
Interest lit up his eyes. “When do I get to see this surprise?”
“In a little while,” Arabella promised. “We shouldn't leave our guests too soon.”
He nodded. "Of course not, but you certainly have me interested." He took her hand, kissing her palm, making her shiver. "Did I tell you how happy I am that you're my wife?"
"Several times today," she said, chuckling. "Although I never get tired of hearing you say it."
He kissed her palm again, smiling knowingly when she trembled. They had yet to have their first kiss, and she was a little nervous about it. Nicholas seemed to realize this because he seemed to be working his way up to kiss her.
“Did you hear about Lord Kersey?” Nicholas asked as he added a sausage to Arabella's plate. “Truman informed me he has disappeared. It seems his womanizing ways finally caught up to him.”
Arabella sighed. “I'm not surprised,” she said. “Dare I ask what happened?”
“A husband found out about his wife's affair and challenged Lord Kersey to a duel to protect his honor,” Nicholas explained. “The viscount ran away. It seems his title might be given to someone else.”
“His title given to someone else?” said Arabella. “Surely not while he's still living?”
“Well, amid all the chaos, it seems someone has stepped forward to claimheshould have been Viscount Kersey,” said Nicholas. “I suppose I'm not the only one who bore a title they didn't deserve.”
Arabella pursed her lips. “Make no mistake,” she said. “You were the best duke Euston could have had. Sometimes, those who have a claim by birthright are the worst and shouldn't have such a large responsibility.” She paused, adding eggs to his plate. “I'm not saying the current duke is not good, but he will never be you.”
Nicholas smiled, a hint of shyness in his eyes. “That means everything coming from you, my love.”
Arabella briefly covered his hand with hers, squeezing before letting go. “I'll keep reminding you of how wonderful you are until you believe it, silly man,” she said, smiling. “There is one thing I am relieved about now that you're not the duke.”
Nicholas raised an eyebrow. “And that is?”
