“The Black Knights?”Nicholas suggested.
“This is not a medieval romance,” Alex said.
“The Loyal Watchmen?” Nicholas suggested.
“Kate is standing right there,” said Hugh. “Besides, it sounds like a group of boring parliamentarians.”
Kate smiled as the men argued over one another, the suggestions growing increasingly ridiculous. She doubted they would ever agree on a collective name.
A surprised laugh escaped her when James caught her hand and led her to the tall sunlit windows in the far corner of the study. She still could not believe that she had found a man who not only accepted her, but loved all of her—KateandRaven.
“So, Lord Brenton, are you ready for whatever comes next?” Kate asked, placing her hand on his cheek.
“As long as we face it together, Lady Brenton.” A thrill ran through her at hearing her new name on his lips. He bent to kiss her but stopped as the debate and laughing from the other side of the room grew louder. “We really need to find them wives,” James murmured, eliciting a laugh from her.
James kept his eyes locked on hers and raised his voice loud enough to be heard across the room. “Would you all do me the courtesy of leaving so I can kiss my wife properly?”
Kate could have sworn there was some grumbling about “married men” before a flurry of footsteps sounded and the door shut firmly behind them.
“Properly?” Kate said with a light laugh. “I thought we were done with that.”
“The word can also mean other things,” James said, winding his arms around her waist and drawing her closer.
“Hmm, like what?” she whispered, running her hands up his arms to his shoulders.
He leaned down, placing a kiss at the base of her neck, and moved slowly upward, leaving a trail of kisses in his wake.
“Tenderly.” His lips moved along her jaw, sending a faint thrill through her.
“Thoroughly.” His whisper brushed the tender spot below her ear.
“Devotedly.” His lips skimmed along her cheek, stopping only a breath away from hers.
“I am afraid I am still confused. You might need to show me.” She closed her eyes, her voice falling to the barest of whispers. “James.”
And so he did.
THE END
Epilogue
Two Weeks Later
James
How was a gentleman to get time alone with his wife?
James sighed in frustration. This wedding breakfast would soon need to be renamed a wedding luncheon. Who had invited all of these people? He leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he surveyed the room, his gaze landing on his wife.
His wife.
Kate was radiant, her face alight and her smile wide as she conversed with family and friends. He was not going to drag her away when she appeared to be having such a wonderful time.
He felt a gentle hand on his arm and smiled down at his mother. “I am so proud of you, James. Your father would be too, you know.” She placed a soft kiss on his cheek, walking away before he could respond.
He watched her disappear into the crowd, her mention of his father a bittersweet pressure in his chest. He took a slow, steadying breath, letting her words settle before he checked his pocket watch as unobtrusively as possible.
Westmarch approached, his wife on his arm. “Congratulations, James, and may I also say thank you.”
