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When he began moving, his hips lifting and lowering, Siobhan could hardly understand what occurred. But she urged him to move faster, deeper to take her fully and without restraint.

Seeming to melt together, she became unaware of where he ended, and she began. All she knew was that it should never end and at the same time that she was on the verge of another climatic moment.

“Come with me,” Miles whispered in her ear. “Let go.”

Siobhan threw her head back and lifted her hips to meet his thrusts, once, twice, and then a bolt of release hit so hard, she splintered into a hundred pieces.

In the recess of her mind, she heard Miles’ deep groan as he too climaxed, his beautiful body trembling in release.

Falling over her, she accepted the weight. It was like a balm after the storm, leaving them both breathless and sleek from the exertion.

“I missed you,” Miles whispered, kissing her temple. “I really did.”

Tears sprung to her eyes, and she was sure it was because of having just experienced such a wonderful moment. “I missed you as well.”

*

Siobhan arranged flowers in a vase, deep in thought as to how to approach Miles that evening about returning to her work at the shelter. Two weeks had passed and as far as she knew, the constable had yet to capture her assailant.

A soft breeze blew in through the open window and sunlight brightened the parlor at the townhouse. Since moving there, they’d become closer, spending the evenings when he returned from working with his father, eating, taking walks and even attending a musicale.

Every evening Siobhan was giddy to experience intimacy with her husband. This night, however, it wasn’t to be as her monthly courses had arrived. She sighed and turned at the sound of voices.

Jones appeared at the doorway. “You have visitors, my lady. Your mother and sister.”

“Show them in please.” Siobhan walked behind the butler to greet them.

Her mother scanned the room upon entering, seeming to find fault by the dourness of her expression. “Honestly, Siobhan, you should insist on living at the estate. I admit the townhouse is adequate, but you are titled now.”

Used to her mother’s way, the comments didn’t bother her. In her opinion, if her mother was complaining about something, it meant she was in good spirits.

“This house is more than adequate for us at the moment.”

Amelia shrugged as if she’d been asked her opinion. “If I would have married Miles, I would be living at the estate.”

“Tea?” Siobhan asked when Firtha brought a tray of tea and cakes. She poured and waited to find out the nature of the visit. “Have you been out shopping?”

Her mother nodded. “Yes, and we came to tell you the good news.” Her face brightened making Siobhan smile in return.

“What is it?”

“Your sister is engaged.”

Amelia held out her hand to show off a rather large bauble. “It was his great-grandmother’s, who was an honorable lady.”

“Oh,” Siobhan said studying the piece. “It is rather large. Probably very costly.”

“We should not speak of it,” her mother said and then grinned. “I am told it is worth a prince’s ransom.”

Amelia giggled. “Charles and I will be married at St. Paul’s.”

“St. Paul’s?” Siobhan stated, confused that her parents would wish the ceremony to be at any place other than their own church. “Why?”

“Because it is grand and huge. That is where Eileen McIntire married, and everyone was so taken by the grandeur,” Amelia said of one of her friends. “His father helped it happen.”

Their mother looked on with pride. “I am so very glad about the matches you’ve made. Now I can rest in the knowledge that both of you married well. Hopefully soon you will provide Miles with an heir.” She gave Siobhan a pointed look.

“I do wish for children,” Siobhan replied. “However, I want more time with Miles, just the two of us.”