Page 112 of The Nun Duchess

"I believe I have just done so."

"Ask again."

He caught her hand in his and lifted it to his lips.

"Alethea," he murmured, "will you come to my bedchambers with me?"

Her heart fluttered. His request suddenly seemed more real than it had before.

"Yes," she whispered. "I will."

"Thank God," he said, and kissed her once more. When they finally drew apart, she reached up to smooth his hair where her fingers had mussed it.

"You realize," she said softly, "that we are scandalous."

"We are married," he reminded her. "No one can say a word."

"I am sure they will try."

"Let them," he murmured. "Let them say what they like. I am far past caring."

He brushed his knuckles down her cheek. "I love you."

"And I you."

And when they finally slipped away together, it was not with any shame or hesitation. It was simply with the certainty that whatever came next, they would face it together.

For they had found a great love with one another, and it was only the next logical step forward that they extend that love by bringing another life into it.

Alethea had never thought that she would find a love like this, but now as Oliver gently guided her inside, never once letting go of her hand, she knew that she had succeeded in it.

She had found the love of her life. And it made every single day worthwhile.

The End?