Page 107 of Irresistible
Dougal realized it was his too. He looked at Jess with boundless love and knew that whatever the future held, it would be wonderful.
Chapter23
They were married.
Jess looked over at her new husband and still couldn’t quite believe it. How quickly their lives had changed.
Many of their friends had come for the ceremony and the breakfast Mrs. Goodfellow had planned. Jess and Dougal stood together as they all came to offer their best wishes and love. Jess had been especially happy to introduce her grandfather to Dougal. She noted he was now deep in conversation with Robbie on the other side of the room.
Kat, who wasn’t terribly enthusiastic about Jess marrying Dougal, came toward them. “I still can’t believe you are wed. We were supposed to be spinsters together.”
Jess understood her disappointment. She might have felt the same if their roles had been reversed. “I can’t quite believe it either. I certainly never expected it to happen.” She glanced over at Dougal, giving him a small smile.
“Well, I’m not falling prey,” Kat said firmly.
Jess sobered. “I don’t think you will. And our friendship will remain. I promise.”
“I’m still happy for you, even if you will be in Scotland and can’t be my chaperone.”
“We will be back for at least part of the Season,” Dougal assured her.
Appearing mollified, Kat looked to Dougal. “Don’t disappoint her. She has friends who can make your life miserable.” She narrowed her eyes at him before stalking off.
“I’ve been warned,” Dougal said.
“I’d say so. She’s a wonderful friend.”
“I can see that.” Dougal scanned the room.
“Who are you looking for?” Jess asked.
“Your father. I wish to speak with him.”
“Do you really need to? He seemed more like himself this morning.”
“I do.” Dougal kissed her cheek.
“Let me come with you, at least.”
“I’d like to do this alone. I promise I’ll tell you all about it.” He gave her a reassuring smile before crossing the drawing room.
Jess watched them intently, wishing she could hear what Dougal was saying. Her father looked mildly disgruntled at first then…skeptical? When he blinked in surprise, Jess nearly stalked over there to demand what Dougal was saying. Then, shockingly, her father glanced in her direction with a look of…admiration. What on earth had Dougal said?
At last, he returned, and Jess immediately demanded to know what had transpired.
“I merely told him a secret—that our escapade was not to conduct a liaison or anything untoward. I explained that we were working on a sensitive matter for the government. Then I told him he should be proud to know that his daughter is brilliant at solving ciphers.”
Jess stared at him. “You didn’t.”
“I most certainly did. I also I fell in love with you because of your clever mind and sense of adventure. I said we didn’t plan for it to happen, but that I am incredibly grateful it did.”
“Do you think he believed you?” Jess asked.
“I do. Didn’t you see the way he looked at you? I thought for certain you had.”
“I did,” she said quietly. “Thank you for doing that. You are incredibly wonderful.” She kissed his cheek and leaned into him.
He put his arm around her. “It’s important to me that your father not think poorly of you. He has absolutely no reason to, and indeed should be exceedingly proud.”
