A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,127

ever doubt her worth in his eyes.

She drew a deep breath and her eyes widened. “Look around us.”

He didn’t take his gaze from hers. “What do you see?”

“We’re in an apple orchard.” The wonderment on her face was a sight he’d never forget. “I don’t think I hate apples anymore.” Her brilliant eyes glistened with emotion.

“Say it again,” he pleaded. “Say you love me and you’ll marry me.”

“I love you, and yes, I’ll marry you,” she said against his lips before giving him another kiss that threatened to drag him under.

He didn’t care as long as she was with him.

“But you don’t play fair. Did you lead me into this orchard?”

He laughed. “That was all your handiwork, my love. Besides, I thought all was fair in love and war.” He pressed his lips against hers. Then and there, he vowed to kiss her at least five times a day for no other reason than to remind her how much he loved her. “Thankfully, we need only concern ourselves with the love part.”

“I think you have the saying wrong. It should be … all’s fair in loving the duke.” She pressed a kiss against his ear and whispered, “And you’re the duke.”

“No. You have it wrong.” Christian laughed as Katherine tilted her head adorably. “I’m your duke.”

Epilogue

Rand House

Six months later

Katherine strolled through the halls of Rand House. Each day brought a new treasure to discover. On the inside, it contained a charm and grace that transformed it from something formidable into something beautiful.

Much like Christian.

For the past several months, she’d established a routine where she would meet her clients for appointments at Greer, James & Howell Emporium in the mornings while Beth supervised the workshop. In the afternoons, Beth would handle the emporium appointments.

When Kat had returned to London, she and Beth had decided to change the name of their business as they were now partners. Kat smiled. Now her friend wasn’t a bit afraid to reveal herself.

In the afternoons, Kat would work with Christian on his charity or on her new soap venture. Her first batches, though small, had been wildly successful. The violet-and-rose-scented bars were her favorites. Her next foray in fragrance would be to mimic Christian’s favorite scent of sandalwood.

Beth had stopped by yesterday evening. Marlen Skeats had come to her begging for work, and she’d had the utmost pleasure turning him away from the emporium. He was insolvent, and frankly, it was for the best. She and Beth had hired all of his employees.

Katherine stood outside the conservatory, her favorite room in Rand House. She quietly turned the handle and stepped inside. Immediately, the warmth and humidity surrounded her, making that first breath inside the room difficult. The sweet perfume of roses filled her second breath. The orange trees had been moved to the south side of the room. Endless rows of roses filled the remaining area.

As if she conjured him from some dream, Christian came toward her, his long legs devouring the distance between them. The very same legs that had been entwined with hers last night. She couldn’t turn from the sight. Determined and resolute, each step seemed synchronized with the pounding of her heart.

When he came within five feet of her, he slowed to a stop. His eyes sparkled and his nostrils flared. He stood before her in all his ducal glory.

Katherine blurted the first words to come to her. “Where is it?”

He lifted a single eyebrow.

“Hand it over.” She laughed, then held out her hand while eliminating the distance between them.

“Wife, I have no idea what you’re asking.”

“Quit teasing,” she protested, then proceeded to run through his pockets. Not finding what she wanted, she ran her hand over his waistcoat. “You can’t hide it. I want it now.”

“I married such a saucy wench,” he sighed with exasperation. “Fine.” He wrestled off his morning coat and threw it to the ground. Then, he unbuttoned his waistcoat. “I wanted to wait until this evening to ensure that you were properly fed, rested, and wooed before we made love.” His lips spread into a smile that stole her breath. “But if you want to do it here under the glass dome, I am your servant, Duchess.” His deep voice vibrated with laughter around them.

“Stop teasing.” She blew a stray piece of hair from her eyes and smiled.

Christian came to her finally and wrapped one arm around her. The heat of his body surrounded her, and she closed her eyes. Who needed a fire when a woman