Page 84 of Rogue Lyon

“How do you know I am going with him?” Nancy’s mouth dropped open.

“She knows everything.” Jules laughed. “And for that, I thank you, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, and for all you have done for us.”

“I’d like to say it was nothing, that finding Meredith a husband was easy, but it wasn’t, and rest assured I won’t be spilling any of the less savory details when I write to your mother, Mrs. Meredith Habsburg… Because…well, it just wouldn’t do her nerves any good.” She paused. “It was quite the dilemma to rectify.”

“Easily rectified.” He winked at her. “In my opinion.”

She let out a low chuckle. “In my opinion, you should take your bride to her new home and from now on, consult her before putting into practice any of your wild schemes or ideas. For you have a very learned and bright young lady at your side now. Be sure to make good use of the fact that she will only every have your best interest at heart.”

“That is true.” Meredith slipped her hand into his. “I only want you to be happy, I want the best for you.”

“For us.” He smiled and had to bite back a sudden wave of emotion when his eyes stung suddenly. She was in his corner, the way he was hers. They held each other’s hearts…forever.

“Jules!” Meredith gasped and clung to her husband’s jacket. “What are you doing?”

“It is traditional for a man to carry his bride over the threshold, is it not?”

She laughed again. “Yes, I suppose it is. Though people are watching.”

“Good, then they will know for sure we are man and wife.”

He stepped into the hall of his home, his lips against her cheek, and then kicked the heavy door closed.

“Sir, it is good to see you.”

“Oh…good day, Cook.” Jules stopped moving. “Er…may I introduce you to Meredith Habsburg, my new bride?”

“Your ‘new bride’?” The rotund woman wound her hands together and studied Meredith with wide eyes. “Well, that is most sudden.”

“Not at all. We have been stepping out for some time.” He grinned wickedly. “Can you rustle us up a wedding feast?”

“A wedding feast. I… Well… Yes, of course, sir. And I have help today, my niece.” She smiled suddenly. “We will get straight to it.”

“Champagne, too. We must celebrate properly.”

“Of course, champagne too. I will make you a feast to be proud of, sir. Just give me a few hours.”

“A few hours is perfect.” He pressed his mouth to Meredith’s ear. “Perfect for me to remind you just how much I adore being naked with you.”

“Jules.” Meredith bit on her bottom lip, holding in a laugh at his brazen words. “Honestly.”

He held her tighter and chuckled. “Thank you, Cook. We will see you at dusk.”

“Dusk, yes, sir, and very nice to meet you, ma’am.”

“And you. Please, could you put these in water?” Meredith held out the flowers.

“Yes, ma’am, right away.” Cook smelled the petals. “They really are very pretty. Just like you.”

“Thank you.” Meredith felt her cheeks blush. How nice to be called pretty. How nice to be a bride.

Meredith swung her legs as Jules carried her to the wide staircase and began to descend. “You really shouldn’t have dropped news of our marriage on her so suddenly.”

“It was sudden.”

“I suppose…but the feast is a lot of work.”

“She has help, so she said.” Jules reached to top of the stairs. “And I have known her for many years. She knows me as well as anyone.”