Enchanting the Duke - Lana Williams Page 0,42
mind was completely blank. All he wanted to do was gather her in his arms and never let go. Or kiss her until they both forgot what stood between them.
Yet the air of reserve around her kept him from doing either of those things.
“I am sorry.” Before he explained anything else, he needed to apologize. “Sorrier than I can possibly say. I never should’ve sent you away. That was a terrible mistake.” He stared at her hand with its smooth skin, running the pad of his thumb over her knuckle. “I worried I wouldn’t be able to focus on my duties when you were near.”
“Douglas, I—”
“Please,” he interrupted. “Allow me to explain. You see, I was raised with the belief that women are a distraction.” He hurried to say the words before she told him to leave or worse. “But now I realize you’re a gift. A blessing.” He met her gaze once more, desperate to see if he was getting through to her. “You make me a better man. A better duke. You make me whole.”
“Oh!” Tears welled in her eyes, much to his dismay.
He reached up to gently wipe a tear from her cheek, not surprised to realize his hand was trembling. “Please say you’ll forgive me.”
“Yes, of course.” She nodded jerkily.
Relief flooded him at her agreement, but the continuing tears concerned him. He obviously hadn’t made things right yet or she wouldn’t still be crying. “Eleanor, I love you. With all my heart and even more.” He pressed a hand against his chest, hoping to ease the ache there. “Each day I think I couldn’t love you more. But my heart seems to keep expanding with my love for you.”
“Douglas.” She rested her palm along his cheek, her eyes still glistening. “I love you so much. I realize my dowry is the only reason you married me—”
He shook his head then placed a hand over hers on his cheek. “That’s not true. I tried to tell myself that was the reason. But all along it was you. You enchanted me from the moment I saw you. Your bright smile. Your beauty, both inside and out. The way you care more about those around you than yourself.” He tipped his head toward the settee in front of the fire. “Perhaps we should sit down. It might take me some time to list all the reasons.”
Eleanor laughed. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll love me despite my many, many flaws.”
“I love you, Douglas. Flaws and all. I love your determination to improve the duchy, not just for yourself but for those who depend on you. I love that you’re a man of honor who keeps your word. I love your smile because you don’t offer it lightly. I love everything about you.”
Joy swept through him, and he wrapped his arms around her tight and kissed her. “You have made me a happy man, my love.”
“And you have made me happy as well. Not only did you bring me yourself, but you also brought me Christmas.”
He drew back to look at her, thrilled at the love shining in her eyes. “We’re not done with Christmas yet.”
“We’re not?”
“Heavens no. We’re going to celebrate Christmas properly.” He released her with one arm to point toward the boxes. “We’ll decorate the tree, open a few gifts, and this evening, your parents will join us for a Christmas feast.”
“They will?”
“I sent a message to invite them last night, and they agreed. The staff is already preparing the meal, including Morris, who insisted on accompanying me.”
“Morris is here too? All of this is so very thoughtful of you. Thank you, Douglas.”
“My pleasure.” Her smile was all the thanks he needed. “I intend to spend the rest of my days doing all I can to make you happy.”
Eleanor wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, then tipped her head back to look at him. “That shouldn’t be difficult, and you’ll still have plenty of time for your duties.”
“You come first. Always.” Then he kissed her once more, his heart feeling as if it grew even bigger.
“You will always come first in my heart as well, Douglas. I love you. Happy Christmas.”
“May this be the first of many that we spend together. Happy Christmas, my love.”
Epilogue
Christmas Eve, Five Years Later
Eleanor bent low to kiss Archie’s soft cheek, his long, dark lashes hiding green eyes that matched his father’s. The three-year-old had fallen asleep while she read to him. “Sweet dreams, darling.”
“I’m sure he’ll sleep