Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,90
the Arc de Triomphe.”
Continuing to kiss her fingers, he added, “Don’t forget cruising along the Seine and seeing the Egyptian collection at the Louvre. I hope that whetted your appetite for going to Egypt. I think that should be our next venture.”
“About that,” she began as the door flew open and their son bounded in.
“Mama! Papa! I ate a croissant!” he proclaimed as he scampered up the bed, evidence of the croissant obvious from the chocolate smears on his face.
Elise pulled the sheet higher and tucked it behind her.
Claire appeared. “Rhys, I told you to leave Mama and Papa alone.”
“But they weren’t sleeping.”
“But they might have been,” Claire said in her wisdom. “Good morning, Mama. Papa.”
“Good morning, my love,” Weston said. “Would you mind playing with your brother today? I have somewhere I need to take your mother.”
“Of course, Papa. You have taken us all around Paris. It’s only fair you and Mama should get to spend a little time together.”
“Can I have another croissant?” begged Rhys.
“Only after you get dressed,” Elise declared. “Go with your sister now.”
The boy gave her a sloppy kiss. “Yes, Mama,” and climbed from the bed.
“Where is mine?” asked Weston, causing Rhys to dash over and smack his father’s cheek.
The children left and Weston kissed her. “We have got to start locking that door.”
She chuckled. “You act as if it’s my fault that we didn’t.”
“It is. We arrive at our bedchamber and I take one look at my lovely wife—then all rational thought flees my head.” He kissed her soundly. “Including remembering to lock our door.”
He rose, his sleek, naked physique still giving her a thrill.
“We should both dress and then have the day to ourselves. After all, we leave tomorrow.”
Elise blew him a kiss. “I will see you soon.”
She would tell him about the babe once they left the house and had privacy.
Her maid arrived with a tray of chocolate and the wonderful croissants that their son had fallen in love with. She preferred them plain but Rhys liked the chocolate ones. After a quick breakfast, she washed and dressed and came downstairs where Weston awaited her.
“Ah, you look quite lovely, Your Grace,” he said, his admiration obvious by the look in his eyes. He offered her his arm. “Come. The City of Lights awaits us.”
As they left the house they had rented for the past month, Elise said, “I see you have a basket. And a blanket under your arm.”
“Yes. We’ll need both.”
They made stops for fresh bread. A pungent cheese. Strawberries. Wine.
“It looks like the makings of a picnic,” she said.
“You have found me out. Yes. I thought a picnic for two in the Jardin des Tuileries would be a nice respite after all our recent sightseeing. Don’t worry, though. Tonight, we will dine on herb buttered snails. I know how you’ve grown fond of them.”
The thought of snails suddenly seemed vile though she’d devoured them ever since they’d arrived in France.
They continued walking until they reached the gardens. Weston found a secluded spot of grass with a wonderful view of colorful tulips. He placed the basket on the ground and spread the blanket out.
“Come, my love. Settle yourself.”
She did and watched as he withdrew their purchases from the wicker basket. Soon, he was feeding her, kissing her between bites. Love for him stirred within her and she prayed she would have decades to love him.
Finally, they finished their feast. Elise was so full that she lay down. Weston slipped her head into his lap and gently stroked her cheek. She knew now would be the time to tell him.
“Weston, I have something to tell you.”
Those aquamarine eyes gazed down at her. “Another bill from a Parisian modiste? Though I must say, you look ravishing in your new gowns.”
“No, not a bill. Something you will look forward to, though.”
“More than seeing you in that déshabillé?” His fingers traced her lips. “That sheer bit of wonder stole my breath away. You should wear it again tonight.”
She captured his hand and threaded her fingers through his. “I am with child, Weston. We are going to have another baby. Sometime in mid-October.”
Elise would never forget the smile on his face.
“A baby?” His free hand moved to her belly. He placed his palm against it. “A baby,” he sighed and he stroked her.
Then he lifted her head from his lap and brought his head next to her belly. His hands framed it as he said, “We know you are in there. We are your mama and papa and we love you so very, very much.”
Weston kissed her belly and then brought them to their feet. He wrapped Elise in his arms, where she always felt secure.
“I love you,” he said and kissed her tenderly.
She knew he did. He always would. And they would love this child and any others they were blessed with.
About the Author
Award-winning and internationally bestselling author Alexa Aston’s historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love.
She is the author of Regency and Medieval romance, including: Dukes of Distinction; Soldiers & Soulmates; The St. Clairs; The King’s Cousins; and The Knights of Honor.
A native Texan, Alexa lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys a good Netflix binge; travel; seafood; and can’t get enough of Survivor or The Crown.