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Swooping down, he captured her lips with his own. It had been a long journey, but he was finally home.
They swept out of the church, stopping to kiss their family and friends.
Rathmore patted him on the back, giving him a wink. “Didn’t know you had it in you.”
Balstead grinned. “I’m aware of your doubts. My stomach still aches from all the hits I took.”
The other men chuckled as Craven stepped up next to him. “You know, you’re not so bad after all.”
“Not so bad?” Mr. Moorish joined the well-wishers, kissing Charlie’s cheek. “Without Lord Balstead I would have never caught the pirates stealing from me.”
“Did they finally capture him?” Raithe asked. Mr. Moorish had sent a fleet of ships after the man and his crew.
“They did. Sunk his vessel I’m afraid and captured whomever they didn’t kill. Captain Montague was his name.”
The group fell silent. “I’m glad that was solved, Papa.” Ophelia took her father’s hand. “But let’s allow these two in the first carriage back to the house for the wedding breakfast. Today is a day of celebration.”
“Indeed,” Mr. Moorish answered. “I’ve reserved a fine case of champagne for the occasion and chosen my favorite sonnet for the toast.”
A chuckle rose from the crowd, and then Raithe and Charlie climbed into the vehicle.
The door had no more snapped closed before Raithe had his new bride in his arms.
“I should tell you,” she whispered in his ear. “I didn’t wear pantaloons.”
In response he tugged down his trousers even as she lifted her skirts. She was already wet and he groaned with satisfaction as he slid into her slick heat. They made love hard and fast, their cries muffled by each other’s lips.
When Charlie slumped against him, he wrapped her in a deep hug. “I love you, my sweetheart.”
She nuzzled his neck. “I love you too.” Then she lifted her head. “But there is something I have to tell you.”
“What?” he asked a knot tightening his lungs.
She licked her lips. “I…I haven’t bled since that first night we were together.”
He closed his eyes for just a moment, processing those words. “A baby?” Joy and fear danced in his gut. “Already?”
She nodded, holding his face in his hands. “Are you happy?”
“Of course.” He kissed her again. Despite his worries, he couldn’t wait to see her round with his child. He brushed his hand along the flat of her stomach. “A baby.”
“If it’s a boy.” She smiled into his neck. “We’ll name him Raithe, of course.”
“Not Charlie?” he teased, lifting her chin to kiss her mouth again.
“And if it’s a girl,” she wrinkled her nose at his joke. “I thought we’d name her Jennifer.”
A lump clogged his throat. “Charlie…I…” He tried to push out the words. “I don’t know what to say.” Those words filled his heart to the brim. She’d promised to honor his first wife. But this…
She kissed him again as the carriage came to a stop. “Don’t say anything. Except that you’re happy you changed your mind and decided to marry me.”
“I’m so very happy, love.” He stroked her cheek with his thumb.
“I’m happy too,” she gave him a giant smile. “But I’m also hungry. My appetite has been voracious. Are you ready for our breakfast?”
Ready? He was ready for the rest of his life with his beautiful wife.
When to Dare a Dishonorable Duke
