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The next forty minutes are dedicated to unwrapping the gifts. The kids are excited about their toys, and the adults with the art books I gave them. The books I receive are this year’s best-selling novels. I know because I saw some of them displayed in Smith & Son. The only exception is the hardback Louis gave me, a gorgeous picture book about pantomime.
With all the presents opened, Louis stands up. “Thank you for having us!”
Serafina and Jacques begin to argue it was an honor, but he shushes them. “There’s something else. Something I’ve been meaning to tell you for years.”
Everybody eyes him, intrigued.
“Thank you for being there for me!” Louis says to the older couple. “You always had my back. Also, you were a model of what a happy family is… of what happiness looks like.”
Jacques finds something in his eye that demands vigorous rubbing. Serafina lets her tears run down unhindered.
Louis sweeps a hand toward the Christmas tree. “When Camille and I are your age, this is what I want Christmas Eve to be like in the château.”
This is his roundabout way of telling Serafina and Jacques that he and I are staying married. He couldn’t say it directly because their sons and daughters-in-law aren’t privy to the nature of our union.
Serafina hugs me—and releases me at once, appearing embarrassed by her show of emotion. “I’m sorry, Your Grace.”
“Oh, for pity’s sake!” I protest before recalling that I’m a real, honest-to-goodness duchess, and that people expect me to act like one.
I take her hand and press it to my heart. “Thank you so much for this evening and for everything!”
* * *
I strip allmy clothes off while Louis brushes his teeth and crawl under the duvet.
All the lights are on when he steps into the bedroom wearing nothing but pajama bottoms.
In a knee-jerk reaction, I pull the blanket up all the way to my chin.
He sits down on the bed and gazes at me.
“I have a special Christmas gift for you,” I say.
His lips paint a sexy smile. “Cool! What is it?”
I lift the blanket a notch and glance at myself stark naked.Oh God.I’m not so sure I can go through with this anymore.
“Um, I need a moment before I’m ready for you to unwrap your gift,” I say.
It’s like balancing on a razor’s edge. On one side, there’s a pit of shame. On the other, joy and acceptance. And I can’t choose which side I’ll fall into. It will depend on Louis.
Never in my adult life, have I put so much trust into a man.
“Are you sure about this?” he asks.
“Yes. I think.”
“Can I see your feet?”
Surprised and relieved about his easy request, I tug the blanket to uncover my feet. He scoots down to look at them and stroke them. It’s a funny feeling, pleasant and a little uncomfortable at the same time.
“I love your feet,” he says. “Especially, those yummy big toes. May I—”
“No!”
He chuckles at the horror in my eyes. “I was going to ask if I can see your knees.”
I pull the blanket higher.
