Page 89 of The Duke's Pet

“Jemima... damn, I don’t even know your second name.”

“Cooper.”

“Jemima Cooper, will you do me the very great honor of becoming my wife?”

He held forward a gold ring set with a large blue gem.

“Are you crazy?” she gasped.

“Yes, completely, but you know that and I hope it won’t sway your decision too much.”

“I mean.” She shook her head and stared from his face to the ring then back to his face. “You can’t take me as your wife, I came from... from a whorehouse.”

“A place you never worked in and barely spent any time in.”

“But still. What would people say?”

“I have no care for what people say. I hardly see anyone so I don’t hear it anyway.” He paused. “And my staff are perfectly discreet and a few extra shillings to Madam will also ensure her discretion if it bothers you.”

“It doesn’t bother me for myself, but for you.”

“Do not concern yourself, all I want is you.”

She could hardly believe her ears. The duke wanted to marry her. Take her as his wife and make her the Lady of Hillcrest.

He stood, still holding the ring out. “Jemima, you have found your way into my heart. I cannot bear to think of you not being here.”

“I don’t want to not be here, with you.”

“So we feel the same?”

She nodded.

“As my wife I will still expect you to obey me, it won’t make you immune to going over my lap for a spanking.”

“I wouldn’t expect it to.”

He took her hand and perched the ring over her finger. “Please say yes, it is my fervent wish.”

Her eyes misted and her heart thudded. It was as though honey and sunlight were flowing through her. Happiness was a wonderful new emotion that she wanted to move in and stay.

“Yes.” She nodded. “Nothing would make me happier than to be your wife. To be with you, for always.”

He slid the ring on, perfect fit, then took her in his arms. He touched his nose to hers. “I love you. I think I loved you from the moment you walked into my study.”

“I love you, too.”

He kissed her, a deep intense kiss that told her just how much he needed and wanted her.

She clung to him, barely able to contain her emotions. She was staying here at Hillcrest. This was to be her home, and this wild, handsome duke was to be her husband, her life companion. There was no dream that could ever have predicted this in her future. It was beyond everything she’d ever hoped for.

He pulled back and stared into her eyes as he slid his hand to her belly. “I hope that we will have many children together.”

“So do I. Maybe there is already a baby.”

“Ourbaby.”

“You will want for nothing, Jemima, and neither will our children. I promise to be the best husband and father that I can be.”

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