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“Edmond,” she said softly. “I will not perish…not today.”
He kissed her wet cheeks, running his hands over her shaking shoulders, trying to comfort her. “I know, for the strength of your spirit is unquenchable. Together we will ensure our babes come safely into the world. I believe you will hold them in your arms. I, madam, would be but a shadow without you.”
A watery smile crossed her lips, and a small sob hiccupped from her. “Does this mean, Your Grace, you will stay with me?”
“Nothing will pry me from this room.”
Her forehead dropped onto his, her sweat dampening his hairline. “I will not leave you…at least not for another forty years or more.”
“Not yet,” he echoed. “Neither in this lifetime nor in the next.”
Then they faced the demon that had haunted him for far too long.
Epilogue
EIGHT MONTHS LATER…
“You have a wonderful family,” Westfall murmured with something akin to envy in his tone.
Edmond moved even closer to the open window in his library, not wanting to miss a second of their delightful romping. His duchess reposed on a blanket with their very active eight months old sons, Jordon Alexander Rochester, the Marquess of Carlyle, and Drake St. John Rochester, crawling over her and cooing. Love swelled in Edmond’s chest when his wife chortled and did that very ridiculous talk to the babies that she swore they understood.
Life indeed had been wonderful to him and Adeline. After the birth of their boys, within a couple of weeks his duchess had been back to her exuberant self, refusing to stay abed. Then when he had been hesitant about making love too soon, his duchess had seduced him with shocking sensuality, over and over. Hell, he wouldn’t be surprised if she were to tell him soon that she was once again with child, because of how often they were wrapped together in passion.
“I think it’s time we joined them,” Edmond said.
Westfall frowned, canting his head left and Edmond knew who he searched for. Lady Evelyn.
“You cannot
avoid her forever,” Edmond said with some amusement. “You are both godparents to Jordon and Drake. I daresay there will be many occasions where yours and Lady Evelyn’s paths will cross.”
Westfall grunted. “Thank you for inviting little Emily to play with Rosa and Sarah.”
There was a throb of emotions in Westfall tone and Edmond consider him. “The circumstances of her birth does not matter to me or my duchess. Your daughter is my daughter, and she will always have my support.”
Tawny golden eyes met Edmond’s, and then with a small smile Westfall clasped his shoulders.
“Thank you, my friend.”
They exited the library and made their way outside. Edmond walked slightly ahead, his heart light, wanting to be in the presence of his wife and children. Rosalie saw him and with a shriek she barreled in his direction. Sarah followed, and then he had his hands full with hugging his girls. Adeline waved, a wide grin splitting her face.
Westfall’s six-year-old daughter, little Emily—who was a replica of him with her dark hair and golden eyes—ran into the marquess’s arms. Holding their girls, they walked over to the several blankets spread on the lawn. Edmond lowered himself by his duchess and planted a firm kiss on her lips.
“Eweeee!” Rosa shrieked, and Emily and Sarah giggled.
Adeline’s answering laughter tinkled like bells, and the love glowing in her eyes made Edmond’s chest squeeze. “I love you, Adeline.”
“And I you, Edmond.”
Then he reached for his sons, who stared at him already with piercing intelligence. They had stunning hazel eyes like their mother, the only thing they seemed to share with Adeline. Then under the incredulous gaze of Westfall, Edmond proceeded to have a rousing conversation with his sons, who stared at him enraptured. He was as certain as his duchess that somehow from their kicking legs and gleeful chortling, they understood.
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