Jennifer August (30 page)

“I would have the words,
Stirling
.”

She smiled, unable to deny him. “Do you not see it on my face, Quinn, feel it in my touch?” She traced his lips, thanking the blessed fortune that gave him to her. “You are in every beat of my heart, my lord. My love is yours.”

He kissed her again before leading her to their bed. Pulling her down to him, he smiled softly. “I have found my home,
Stirling
, and ‘tis in you.”

Epilogue

“Peace be with you, Marcus.” Stirling smiled up at the handsome
Norman
.

“And with you, Lady Stirling.” He gripped Quinn’s forearm, then pulled him into a bear hug, slapping his friend soundly on the back. “You will send word when the babe is born?”

“Aye, Marcus.” Quinn rubbed her slightly rounded tummy.
Stirling
covered his hand with hers.

“You have everything you need?”

“Aye, my lady. And more arrives from my father’s estate. When the child is old enough to travel, you must come and visit. Thornhatch will look nothing as you remember.”

“‘Tis a good thing that.”
Stirling
scowled. “But you must choose a new name for your boon.”

“I agree, Marcus,” Quinn said with a smile. “What will you call it?”

“‘Tis a new beginning,
non?
” He turned to his regiment of mounted men waiting in the bailey and raised a fist. “Come, we go to
Chance d’Aigle
.”

The men whooped and waved their arms as Marcus led them out of sight.

“
Chance d'Aigle
, Eagle’s Luck. ‘Tis fitting,”
Stirling
murmured to Quinn.

“You speak my tongue, lady-wife?” he asked, brows drawing to a vee.

“Fluently, my lord. Did I not mention that?”

“Nay. And I wonder what other things you have not told me.”

“Well, you will have a lifetime to discover them, will you not, husband?”

“Aye, minx.” He lowered his head to hers, mouth hovering with taunting closeness. “And ‘twill be both our pleasure.”