Page 26 of One Wanton Wager

"Good, because I shall never allow you to leave me." He sat on the settee, bringing her into his lap. "Now tell me what you have planned."

She shifted her weight and snuggled closer to him, her arms draped over his shoulders. With a sly smile, she said, "It is a brilliant idea. We shall host a masked ball and invite every eligible bachelor in London."

Alex's face softened as he looked at her, one dark eyebrow quirked and a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "For Phoebe?" he asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

Daphne's eyes sparkled as she spoke, gesturing excitedly with her hands. "Indeed. Phoebe yarns for a husband but has not had any luck finding a gentleman to catch her fancy. I want to surround her with eligible gentlemen she may not have met previously in a setting that puts everyone at ease. What could accomplish that better than a masquerade?"

He grasped her hand tightly and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "You do not need to convince me, my darling wife. Your happiness is all that matters." His soft gaze met hers, conveying an unwavering love and support.

Daphne leaned in and brushed her lips against his. "Then you need not want for anything for you have already made me the happiest woman in all the world."

"How so?" Alex's eyes searched hers.

Daphne's eyes crinkled at the edges, a smile spreading across her face. She leaned into Alex's embrace as his warmth seeped into her. "You love me," she said.

"That I do," he replied, wrapping his arms tighter around her waist. His nose lightly grazed her hair as he continued, "And you have my solemn vow that I always will."

Daphne reached up to push a stray strand of hair from his forehead, her fingers lingering against his skin. "And you have mine," she whispered, gazing into his eyes filled with love and devotion.

Alex kissed her cheek. "I am a lucky man," he said, his voice full of sincerity.

"And I am a lucky woman." Daphne leaned in and kissed Alex on the lips, her heart filled with gratitude and love. They were partners in every sense of the word, and she was blessed indeed to have him by her side.