One Christmas With a Wallflower, page 8
She felt the tears that ran unchecked down her cheeks but couldn’t do anything to stop them. His words were so wonderful she could hardly believe they were real. She’d gone from being a confirmed spinster, an unwanted wallflower to having the man she loved love her right back.
“And even if you don’t return my love, it still belongs to you because I will love you and nobody else for the rest of my life.”
She finally lifted her eyes to his face, and he reached out and wiped away her tears. “Please don’t cry, my love,” he said hoarsely. “I can’t stand to see you cry. If I’ve upset you, I’m sorry.”
His apology, the uncertainty in his face made her cry harder and she threw herself into his arms trying desperately to get a hold of herself. Finally, after moments of holding him, of making sure he was really here and saying these wonderful things, she pulled back to see his face.
“Harry,” she sniffed.
“Yes?”
“I do return your love,” she said, the words too simple to convey the depth of what she felt. “I love you so very much. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to find someone like you. And I will honour this gift from you and from your grandmother for the rest of my life.”
With a muffled ‘thank God’ he reached out and pulled her onto his lap once more, making short work of capturing her mouth in an earthshattering kiss.
When he finally let her up for air he reached out and took the hand still holding the cameo and pressed it against his heart.
“Marry me,” he said against her mouth. “Marry me and make me the happiest man on earth.”
Jane pulled back to narrow her eyes at him. “I’ll have to think about it,” she said. “After all, it wasn’t on the list.”
EPILOGUE
The snow was falling fierce and swift outside the London townhouse as Jane stood in the window watching the world become peaceful and white.
They’d have to set off early to get to Livy’s Christmas Eve ball if it kept falling like this. Though the Fincham townhouse was only a few minutes away, the weather was beginning to look treacherous.
The sound of approaching footsteps had her mouth already curling in a smile and she reached up to stroke the cameo that she’d chosen to wear for tonight.
His scent enveloped her before his arms wrapped around her, hands moving lovingly over her round belly. “How are you, my love?” Harry asked against her neck.
“Better now that you’re done with your business.”
“Well, I’m all yours now. For two whole weeks you get me all to yourself.”
Jane turned to wrap her arms around her husband’s neck. “Not quite to myself,” she said. “We’ll be with Alex and Livy this evening and tomorrow. And the children of course.”
Harry reached out and placed a tender kiss on her lips. “Just imagine, next year our own little one will be there, too.” The wonder in his face made her throat tighten and he looked up in alarm as her eyes filled with tears. “What’s the matter, sweetheart?” he asked, the picture of concern.
She shook her head. “Nothing,” she sniffed, feeling foolish. “I’m just happy. And so thankful for you.”
He kissed her again, this time deeper and for so long that she was breathless when he pulled away. “And I’m thankful for you,” he said, running his finger along the cameo. “You are the best gift I could ever want. My Christmas wallflower.”
The End.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Thanks for reading!
Keep in touch with all things Nadine Millard at www.nadinemillard.com
Nadine always loves to hear from readers!
Follow for updates at:
https://www.facebook.com/nadinemillardauthor
https://www.twitter.com/nadinemillard
https://www.intagram.com/nadinemillardauthor
https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B00JA9OXFK
Also By Nadine Millard:
The Ranford Series
An Unlikely Duchess
Seeking Scandal
Mysterious Miss Channing
The Revenge Series
Highway Revenge
The Spy’s Revenge
The Captain’s Revenge
The Saints & Sinners Series
The Monster of Montvale Hall
The Angel of Avondale Abbey
The Devil of Dashford Manor
The Saint of St. Giles
The Royals of Aldonia
The Hidden Prince
Protecting The Princess
Redeeming A Royal
Beauty & The Duke
Fortune Favours Miss Gold
A Lord For All Seasons
A Springtime Scandal
Midsummer Madness
Forgotten Fall
A Winter Wedding
Anthologies
Get Your Duke On
The Wedding Wager
Christmas Wallflowers
Kisses and Winter Wishes
Mine This Winter
The Rocky Valley Series
Can’t Escape My Love
Can’t Hurry Love
Coming Soon:
Can’t Buy Me Love
Can’t Help Falling In Love
Nadine Millard, One Christmas With a Wallflower
