Page 109 of Irresistible
“Was there any doubt?” Gil asked. “I could tell you were in love from the moment I met you.”
“Could you?” Dougal asked, laughing softly. “Perhaps you should be a matchmaker.”
“I’d rather be a spy,” Gil whispered jovially.
Jess pressed against Dougal’s side. “We can’t help you with that. You’re speaking to a couple of farmers.”
“Farmers who will still visit the sea on occasion, I hope,” Mary said.
“I’m sure we will,” Dougal replied. Lucien called for everyone’s attention so that Dougal’s father could make a toast. Footmen delivered champagne throughout the drawing room.
The earl stood in the center of the room, his gaze fixed on Dougal and Jess. “I want to welcome my new daughter-in-law, Jessamine, to our family. This has been a year of incredible sadness, but also overwhelming joy. I know Alistair would have loved you as much as I do already. He’s looking down on us today and wishing you all the best. To Jessamine and my son Dougal.” He lifted his glass to a resounding chorus of “Huzzah!”
Dougal met his father’s eyes and blinked back a tear of love and gratitude. He turned to look at his wife and tapped his glass to hers. “I love you.”
“And I love you.”
Epilogue
Scotland, November
After hunting with his father and Jessamine that morning, Dougal stole away to visit his brother’s grave. His headstone had recently been installed. It was magnificent, just like he had been.
The ground was cold and damp, so Dougal stood and traced his fingers over the letters of his brother’s name. He’d been the best of men—kind, generous, humble. Dougal realized those were words his father also used to describe him, but in his mind, he wouldn’t surpass Alistair.
And yet here he was, holding his brother’s title and living the life that was meant to be his.
“You should be here,” Dougal said. “If one of us had to go, it should have been me.”
“How about if neither of you died?”
Dougal turned his head to see Jess walking toward him, the brim of her hat low over her brow since it might yet rain. “Are you following me?”
“Lookingfor you—Robbie just arrived. Though, I suppose I could say I’m honing my espionage skills, which are now entirely moot.”
Neither of them regretted turning their backs on the Foreign Office. And thankfully, no one had picked up on Mary’s use of the word investigate at the Ringshall Ball—the scandal of Jess and Dougal’s escapade followed by their quick marriage had quite overtaken the ton’s gossip for several weeks.
She looked to the headstone that was taller than they were. “What a marvelous monument.”
“I wish you’d known him.”
“I feel as if I do. Between being here where he once lived and the stories you and Da tell, his presence is all around us. Can’t you feel that?”
His lips curved up as peace settled inside him. “I can.” He turned toward her. “Thanks to you, I feel many things.” That included grief. Once they’d arrived in Scotland, he’d finally allowed himself to feel the loss and embrace the sadness. Through that, and with the love and support of his wife and father, he’d actually found solace.
She kissed him gently and snuggled against his side. He put his arm around her, holding her close. “Are you shivering?” he asked. She was wearing a cloak, but it was chilly.
“Perhaps. I still don’t understand how you can wear a kilt and not be cold to the bone.”
“I thought you liked my kilt.” He gave her a randy leer, which prompted her to laugh.
“I adore your kilt, particularly the bits beneath it.”
“Bits? Hopefully they’re a good deal more than bits.” As she shivered again, he said, “Am I going to have to put you in a bath like that first night at Prospero’s Retreat?”
Laughing softy, she put her hand on his chest. “I wouldn’t complain. But I also don’t want to tear you away from Alistair. I didn’t mean to intrude. Robbie will keep.” She started to pull away, but he held her fast.
“You could never. I am glad to share him—and everything—with you. We should head back anyway. I’m looking forward to seeing Robbie. And my sisters will be here soon. I’m glad you’ll finally get to meet them.” They were coming for a fortnight, and the castle would be full of children since they each had three. “I hope you’re ready to be Auntie Jess,” he said, turning with her.
