Page 102 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
“I am still furious with you,” she said, even though she could not keep the smile off her face. “You broke my trust.”
“I know.” He stroked her face. “And I will spend the rest of my life trying to earn your forgiveness. I will spend every second rebuilding the trust that was between us. I will do everything in my power to make it up to you, again and again and again. And twice on Sundays.”
He kissed her between each sentence, kissing away her tears, making her breath catch and laughter escape her.
“What do you say, Duchess? Are you ready to come home?”
“I am.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “But first, we have to go and tell our children the good news. After all, they have missed their father.”
Hand in hand, they made their way back down the hill, ready to start their life together and bring their family back home.
Epilogue
“What about Bertrand?” Rowen asked, pointing to a name in the book.
She was curled up beside Tobias on the chaise in the eastern library. A fire crackled merrily in the fireplace, and Tobias had his arms wrapped around her.
Rowen breathed in deeply, reveling in his scent. Cedar and pine, mingled with the scent of woodsmoke and mahogany.
I do not think I will ever get enough of it.
Tobias wrinkled his nose and shook his head. “I knew a Bertrand at school. Horrid fellow used to rip the legs off spiders.”
Rowen shuddered. “I might not like spiders, but I see no reason to torture the poor things.”
“Annabelle is a nice name. What about that?” Tobias shifted, and she leaned further against him.
“Maybe.” She rested a hand on her belly. “I have always been partial to Louise myself.”
“Louise.” Tobias tested out the name. “I like it. And Louis, if it is a boy.”
“Or Harrold. Harry for short.”
“I think I prefer Louis.”
“Well, we will just have to see.” Rowen stretched and let out a yawn. “Goodness, I am tired.”
“You have not been sleeping very well lately,” Tobias pointed out. “You could always take advantage of the peace and quiet and have a quick nap.”
“I suppose I could. Do you promise you will still be here when I wake up?” She wriggled against him, drawing the thick blanket over her as sleep threatened to pull her under.
“I would not dream of being anywhere else.” His words reverberated through his chest.
“Good.” Rowen let her eyes flutter shut.
Suddenly, they heard footsteps, and they both turned to face the door. It burst open, and Alistair, Georgie, Erica, Felicity, and David hurtled into the room. They were followed by a panting Martha and a red-faced Adele.
“So much for peace and quiet,” Tobias muttered under his breath as all the children made a beeline for him.
“Erica, what did I tell you about running in the house?” Martha made a dive for her toddler, but the little girl avoided her easily in her quest to reach her uncle.
Rowen shifted as Tobias stood up and blocked the small onslaught of children before they could clamber all over her. His muscles rippled as everyone began climbing on him, shouting that it was their turn next.
She caught Adele’s eye as she settled into a nearby armchair, smoothing her frizzy-looking hair.
“I tried to convince them that going into the garden would be more fun, but they were determined to see Uncle Toby. I hope you do not mind.” Adele winced.
“I mean, we did invite you all to stay for a reason. I can hardly complain if that means we all get to spend time together.” Rowen smiled at her.
