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“I shall be,” I whispered, closing my eyes and inhaling the scent of her. “As long as you are here, I shall be.”
“Then I shall be here,” she replied. “ ‘One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is love.’ ”
I lifted my head. “Have you become a poet, or have you stolen from a philosopher again?”
“I do not steal, merely borrow.”
“And from whom did you borrow that?”
“Sophocles.”
I shook my head. “To think you know all of this, and you did not know what the word aroused meant.”
Her face contorted as she fought between her desire to yell at me and to hide her embarrassment. I could not help but laugh.
“It is not my fault! My papa obstructed words and definitions he deemed inappropriate for a lady.”
“And now you know far more than I bet he would wish.” I grinned, enjoying teasing her as much.
She smacked my shoulder, but when I winced, she gasped. “Sorry!”
“It is fine.”
She checked just to make sure, allowing me to admire her face and to appreciate this moment—her here with me.
“This spring has been one like I never thought possible,” she said.
It felt like years had come to pass, not mere weeks. My life had changed so drastically that I found it hard to believe.
“This spring, no, this moment, here with you, is what I always dreamed,” I replied and she turned to look at me. Leaning over, I kissed her forehead. “My duchess, my wife, my Aphrodite.”
“My Duke, my husband, my Evander.”
Epilogue
Aphrodite
My Dearest Papa and Mama,
Forgive me for not writing sooner, as I meant to upon receiving all of your letters at once. However, as you have often said, Mama, I did not find the time, despite many attempts. I know not where to begin to tell of the events that have taken place since I arrived at Everely. But I amsure I need not explain it all as some word must have already reached you both. Whatever you have heard, worry not, for Evander and I have weathered the storm. We are much stronger and better for it—
“Evander!” I giggled as he kissed the side of my face. “You are going to make me mess up my letter.”
“Forget the letter,” he muttered into my ear.
“I must finish and send them. I have been quite neglectful of my family. I am certain the only reason they have not found a reason to visit is Hathor’s desire to remain in London.” Ilooked over my words, but was still greatly distracted by Evander’s arms around me.
“Very well.” He sighed dramatically and released me as he stood straighter. Instantly, I missed the warmth of his embrace. “If only to prevent your father from throwing his books at me when we see them.”
I grinned, glancing up at him. “My father greatly reveres books. He would never throw those. If anything, he would most likely throw stones.”
“And you smile at this for what reason?” he questioned, cupping my face. “My dear, sweet wife, if stones were to fly, it would fall on you to defend me.”
I huffed. “From where did such a rule come?”
“Nature.” He kissed my forehead. “Husband trumps father. Thus, I am your greatest priority.”
I fought the urge to roll my eyes and opened my mouth to speak, when there was a knock at the door.
