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“Oh, yes. A moment more.”
“We must hurry or the captain will put us to work scrubbing the decks.”
She laughed. “Put Joaquin to work then. I’m not leaving until I’m properly dressed. I am a dignified,marriedSpanish woman, after all.”
He didn’t wait for an invite inside. He wanted to see his wife, so he opened the door, ducked, and stepped into the claustrophobic domain. Martina was behind Shelene, fastening up her day dress, but she was not unduly exposed, much to Roman’s chagrin. He wanted to see her naked, but he knew that wasn’t safe for his self-control.
“Oh, good morning,” she said to him. Her smile lit the room. She was in no danger of embarrassment, and he was in no mood to pretend virginal niceties, even though this separation had been his idea, foolish as it was.
“Shoo,” Martina said to her peeping son, who glanced around Roman’s broad back, but Martina allowed space for the man who claimed kinship to the partially dressed occupant. Roman proceeded around her and took up Martina’s job.
“Only a twelve-hour trip and you’ve had to change dresses?” he asked.
“Of course!”
Martina snipped something in Spanish and her son removed his cap.
“Martina can finish,” Shelene said over her shoulder. She held her dress, both hands holding her bodice firmly in place.
Roman tugged at the strings, which laced up the back of her dress. “I am just as capable and probably faster.” He pulled hard once and she sucked in her breath, one hand braced against the bed support.
“I have something to show you once we get to shore,” he said.
“Oh? Will I like it?”
“I don’t know. I think so. The city has a new omnibus and we are going to tour on it, and perhaps buy you a wedding ring along the way.”
“A wedding ring? With a large stone?”
“The largest.” The tugging and hooking was a matter of rhythm and he tied the laces with a pretty bow. “There.”
She turned conveniently finding a place in his arms. “A diamond or a ruby?”
“Why not both?”
“Thank you.” She took a deep breath, smoothed her hands down the front of her dress and fluffed her skirts. Then she completely surprised him by gripping his jacket lapels and pushing to her toes. “A kiss is in order, don’t you think?”
“For lacing a dress? Martina might be sad to lose her position as a lady’s maid.” He wrapped his hands around her waist, not caring that they were not alone. He kissed her quickly.
Martinahmpfedand continued packing the last trunk, pretending she wasn’t trapped with the newly married couple in the small room.
“Good morning, my Lady Forrester,” Roman said, as if he were seeing her for the first time. He pressed his lips to hers again and felt the welcoming response, making it all the more difficult to stay away from her. Or say no to her or spend another second of his life without her.
When they separated, she was smiling brightly, which must have matched the grin on his own face. He was ready for a lifetime of mornings with his new wife.
All the memories of their youth flooded his mind and heart. Joy was not something he had experienced while protecting the Crown. That was a different feeling, much like falling from a great height and not knowing when one would land and how hard. It was exhilaration coupled with fear.
Shelene was the soft comfort of a bed during a rainstorm. She was the vitality of heart and blood. Everything about her radiated beauty and warmth and he’d missed it and her.
Seeing her in London had been about duty, but it had unleashed his tightly held control. He had arrived at a place in his life where only she and they mattered. Where their children and their future came together in a bright burst of hope and love.
And where danger and intrigue lost their brilliance.
Had the sinking of theVictoriousshined a revealing light on what was important in his life? Or had age given him some wisdom? Had the death of his brother opened his eyes?
The door slammed shut as Martina and Joaquin carried out the first small trunk.
Shelene’s eyes sparkled. “Are you sure we cannot consummate our vows? We will be on land tonight.”
