Page 113 of The Rogue's Runaway Bride

“In the summer, darling.”

He looked like he wanted to shout the news from the street, but instead, he became very quiet. “By thunder, I don’t have the words.”

She sat up straighter. “Perhaps you might start by telling me you are happy about this rather significant development.”

“Happy?” He slowly shook his head. “My love,happyis in no way adequate to express my feelings.”

His arms slipped around her, and he drew her close. With one hand, he tipped up her chin. Looking into his eyes, Belle felt as if she were lost in his gaze. My, the man she’d wed—the man she loved with all her heart—was handsome. As long as she lived, she’d never tire of looking into those intelligent dark brown eyes. Relaxing against his warm, strong body, she heard herself sigh, drawn into a sense of bliss that enveloped her.

“Belle, you’re so beautiful.” He searched her face, as if she were a lost treasure he’d found. “How bloody amazing that you’re mine. And now, we’re going to have a baby.”

Belle blinked back tears of joy. “Carrie will be delighted to have a little brother,” she said. “Or a little sister.”

“I don’t know how I got so bloody lucky,” he whispered against her ear. “A beautiful wife I’ll cherish until the day I die, and beyond. A beautiful daughter who calls me Papa. And now, a little boy or a little girl who will lay claim to my heart, just as you and Carrie have.”

How she adored this man. And she knew she would until she took her last breath.

“I love you, Jon,” she murmured, drawing in the spicy scent of his shaving soap. “I’ll always be yours.”

“Oh, my Arabelle,” he said. “I love you more than any words can say. And I always will.”

“Then show me,” she teased.

He framed her face in his hands, seeming to drink her in. “An excellent idea, my darling wife.”

And then, he kissed her. Tender. Searing. Hungry with need. His kiss spoke of passion and promises and true devotion—a kiss of love that would nurture their future, a love that would endure and grow ever deeper.

True love.

The essence of their unbreakable bond filled every touch, every caress. Belle whispered words of love against his lips as pure joy washed over her.

She was his. And he was hers.

Forever.

THE END