Page 86 of When the Duke Met His Match

“After our honeymoon, there is a place I’d wish to visit,” she declared, suddenly surging with excitement.

“Where might that be?”

“I would like to visit my family’s old home back in France. I want to show you where I grew up. I’m certain you will love it. It is even more peaceful than this,” she beamed, pleased by the thought.

Theophilus’ lips pulled into a kind smile as he brought a thumb up to stroke her cheek softly. “The moment we can arrange it, it will be done.”

Heart pounding with love for the man before her, she took in the appealing softness of his lips, suddenly craving that touch once again.

As if aware of her desire, he pulled her face closer to his and gently caressed her mouth with his own, careful and slow with the affection. A shiver ran down her spine, immediately enveloped by the rawness of his kiss. She melted against him, mind going hazy at the feeling.

She never wanted it to end.

But as all things did, he pulled away just enough to gaze into her eyes longingly, expression indulgent.

“I will follow you to the ends of the earth if I must.”

EPILOGUE

The tranquil countryside was swept by a warm breeze, creating a wave-like effect in the meadows. The trees rustled above Theophilus and his wife as they strolled arm-in-arm in front of the house, which had its doors wide open.

The countryseat, belonging to Theophilus' parents, was a marvel to behold and nestled on a beautiful piece of land. The couple was delighted to have accepted the offer of living there and had just finished moving in. Although his brother once claimed the house, Theophilus had always dreamed of having it. He couldn't believe that he finally had it and was grateful to have Odette by his side to enjoy it with him.

“What do you think?” Theophilus asked, pulling a warm smile.

Sunlight poured in through the canopy of leaves overhead, lining the extensive laneway. It made her hair shine like liquid honey and softened her skin. She returned the pleased expression.

“It’s beautiful here,” she murmured, taking in the scenery. “I never knew where I wanted to live before, but I couldn’t envision anything better than this.”

Pleased by the declaration, he released her arm to intertwine their fingers together. “I couldn’t stand to have you live anywhere less than.”

An amused look settled on her face at that. “Not even something like the inns we spent several nights in?”

“Don’t forget about the wagon that smelled like butchered meat.”

Odette shivered at that. “I will never forget it, no matter how hard I try.”

Chuckling at her reaction, Theophilus bent down and placed a kiss on top of her head. “It certainly beats being on the run.”

“It will be a considerable change from what we grew accustomed to,” she said, grinning softly at the pruned hedges and shrubs dotted with beautiful flowers that lined the front of the house.

“I will be preoccupied with acclimating myself to the work ahead of me, yet I will do my best to help you feel as comfortable as possible. My father has graciously offered to show me the ropes, so to speak. I didn’t exactly spend much time studying the ins and outs of being a duke,” he murmured, aware of how daunting it would initially seem. A part of him wished he had paid better attention to his father’s business.

“I’m sure you will catch on quickly,” Odette reassured him kindly. “I have no doubt you will make a wonderful duke.”

“Harold was primed for the title, and I can only hope to be the duke he was meant to be. I wish to honor his name by doing exactly that.”

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m certain he would be proud of everything you have accomplished thus far.”

Taking a deep breath, Theophilus watched as the staff moved the furniture, trying to imagine the two of them living peacefully and building a new legacy together—a rebel and a soldier, come together despite the unlikely odds.

“For once in my life, I know what it means to have pride in my actions, to be grateful for what I have and for what is ahead of me,” he began, smiling so genuinely that his cheeks ached. “Before I met you, I was a lost man trying to make up for the lost time and mend the holes I made myself through my carelessness. I owe my progress to you, my dear.”

Odette’s cheeks warmed at the sentiment, and she allowed him to take both her hands in his grasp. Positioned to look straight into each other’s eyes, he pulled her closer.

“This is your home now, just as much as it is mine, and I hope you find the same comfort in it as I have over the years. We will make it ours together and bring to life what we longed for when we were on the run,” he declared, taking in the glow of her features. “Those days are behind us, and we can become whatever we like. I respect your opinion over all else, and I expect you to point out any of my potential foolishness in the future to come.”

Lips curling in an amused smile, she stifled her laughter along with his. “That I can manage. I assure you.”