My Merry Marquess (Wallflower's Christmas Wish #3) - Annabelle Anders Page 0,42

loving eyes. Not only did she feel happy, but she felt secure and oh, so very very hopeful. “Mama would have loved it.”

Nick squeezed her to him. “I wish she could have been here for you.”

Each time she thought she couldn’t love him more, he did or said something that proved her wrong. He’d already done more than she ever could have dreamed to make her happy.

“I think Mama was here, in a way. She was always the one who could make the impossible possible. And three weddings in a single day? I must admit I was skeptical. But everything was beautiful. Mama was watching out for us.”

“You are beautiful.”

The desire in his voice spiked her own need. With her aunt and Mr. Kringle, as well as her father, watching over the three engaged couples, it had been nearly impossible for any of them to be alone with their intended privately.

Even when the couples had tried to accompany each other for chaperonage, their father had never once been far off.

Eve reached over and ran her hand up Nicholas’s chest. “Have I told you yet how handsome you look today?”

He growled and increased their pace.

“Lord and Lady Merriweather!” Mr. Rudolph greeted them before they could escape up the stairwell. “May I be the first to offer my heartfelt congratulations? And Merry Christmas as well!”

“Our thanks, Mr. Rudolph,” Nick offered over his shoulder as he dragged Eve up the stairs.

Eve had always heard that ladies were a little afraid of their wedding nights, but she felt nothing but anticipation, and…

An aching need that had grown to almost unimaginable proportions since she’d become engaged.

Nick fumbled with the key but before she could step inside, he swooped her into his arms. “Have I told you yet today how much I love you?”

He smiled into her eyes, looking as excited and happy as she felt.

“You have, good sir. Have I returned the sentiment?” Eve grinned back, ducking her head as he stepped through the doorframe.

“I believe you have, but I’ll not argue if you feel the need to repeat it.”

“I love you, husband.” Eve leaned forward in his arms and traced kisses along his jaw. “I love you—love you—love you.”

And then Eve gasped as she went flying onto the bed. Nick didn’t wait even a moment but jumped on top of her and pinned her down.

“Words are all fine and well, wife. But are you prepared for me to show you how much I love you?”

He hovered over her and in that moment appeared quite rakish indeed.

“I am aching for you to show me how much you love me.” Eve pulled his lips down to hers. “But only if you allow me to return the favor.”

Neither of them possessed an ounce of patience and before any more words were spoken, Nick had his falls unfastened and her gown around her waist.

“I need to slow down,” he rasped along the side of her neck.

“We’ll go slow later,” Eve promised as he settled at her core.

And they would. Because she had a lifetime to live with this man.

“Love me now, Nicholas,” she commanded, thrusting herself up to meet him.

“Always,” he answered as he slid inside. “Always.”

—The End—

(Keep reading for the Full Series Bonus Epilogue)

I hope you have loved reading this series as much as Tammy and I enjoyed writing it! In case you started on book 3 and want to go back and read books 1 and 2, follow this link to My Dashing Duke and My Yuletide Earl now!

Eve’s Apple Pie

With a little help from Nick

CRUST

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling

1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water

Mix flour, salt, and sugar together.

Cut in butter and blend until mixture is the consistency of small peas.

Add water until dough mixture sticks together when pinched.

Separate into two separate piles

Shape into discs and chill

FILLING

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

8 Granny Smith apples – peeled cored and sliced… Carefully, please

To bake, place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at ~ 375°F

Lower the temp to 350°F and bake for 50 more minutes.

Allow to cool and serve.

Chill first—especially if you intend

to serve it up in the bedroom!

Full Series Bonus Epilogue

One Year Later

Noelle cradled baby Gabriel in her arms and hummed the tune to “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” as she watched out the window. She couldn’t