Sins of a Wicked Duke (30 page)

“Here? In the garden?”

“Hmm.” He inched closer, his breath a seductive rasp against her ear. Even married two years, he still stole her breath.

“I thought you wanted to attend. It’s an important night for Ethan. For—”

“He won’t miss us.”

Fallon pouted, running her fingers over the red satin of her dress. “I did want to show off my gown…and it has been an age since we ventured out.”

Dominic rolled her beneath him, his eyes so hot and hungry that she suddenly forgot about her dress. Or that he was crushing it. “As fetching as the gown is, I’d prefer you without it.”

Bending his head, he kissed her, a deep and consuming kiss that ended abruptly at the sudden wail of a baby. His gaze shot to the window of the nursery.

“Dominic?” Suspicion settled in her chest as she watched his eyes flash with anxiety. “Is that why you’re out here? Tospy on the baby?”

Gaze still on the nursery window, he asked hurriedly, “Do you think she’s all right?”

Fallon glanced up. A light soon filled the room, and the nanny’s shadow passed the window. “Yes, Dominic. I’m sure she’s fine. She’s with Ms. Chitwood.”

He scowled. “And what do we know of her?”

“She comes highly recommended.”

He grunted.

“And I like her.”

His shoulders slumped and he sent her a sheepish smile. “You think I’m behaving like an idiot.”

She splayed a hand over his cheek, her heart overflowing with love for him, for their family. “I think you’re behaving like a father. A most excellent father.” Settling back against the tree, she motioned for him to join her. “We’ll have plenty of evenings out.”

Grinning, he settled beside her with a deep, contented sigh. A sigh that she felt reach inside her, warming her heart. Their daughter’s coos and gurgles of delight floated on the air. She feathered her fingers through Dominic’s hair. “I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening.”

“Lying here watching our daughter’s window?”

“No. Lying herewith you watching our daughter’s window.”

Acknowledgments

There are several who read this book in its various parts and forms, and even more who listened to me talk it to death and always offered sage advice—ahhhing, nodding, laughing, and eye rolling when necessary. Thanks to each of you: Tera, Robyn, Ane, Christy, and Lindsay. And, as always, I could never do it without the wonderful May Chen. Thanks for helping me bring another one the final mile home. Long-overdue thanks goes to Tom Egner for all my amazing covers. And Maura Kye-Casella, my agent-extraordinaire, my friend, my sounding board—thank you doesn’t cover it.