Splendid

The party lasted for the rest of the afternoon and most of the evening. Emma found herself being congratulated by hundreds of people she didn’t know and then by hundreds of people she did. Alex stuck by her side as much as possible, but even when they were forced to socialize separately, she felt his eyes on her, and she could barely contain the dual shivers of love and desire that floated through her.

Finally after hours of dancing and dozens of toasts, Alex sidled up next to Emma and whispered in her ear, “I know it’s still early, but could we please get out of here? I want you all to myself.”

“Oh, I thought you’d never ask,” Emma sighed, her smile growing wider by the second.

The pair waved farewell to the crowd and then stopped by Eugenia’s side before they left. “I want everyone gone tonight,” Alex said firmly. “I don’t care if they don’t get home until dawn. They usually don’t anyway.”

“May I assume that your stinginess does not extend to members of your immediate family?” Eugenia inquired with an extremely amused expression.

“Of course, but I want the lot of you out of here tomorrow morning.” Alex dropped a kiss onto his mother’s cheek. “I’d like a bit of privacy with my new wife, if none of you mind.”

“Rest assured, we’ll all be gone by noontime,” Eugenia replied. “I assume that you don’t plan to emerge from the bridal chamber before then?”

Emma blushed to the roots of her hair.

“Absolutely not,” Alex said shamelessly. “Although I would appreciate it if you could arrange to have a meal sent up to us tomorrow.”

“Fear not, my dear son, I’ve taken care of everything.” Eugenia’s eyes misted over as she touched his cheek. “I’m very happy for you today.”

Alex and Emma smiled their good-byes to Eugenia and took off down the long hallway that led to the master suite. Emma nearly had to run to keep up with Alex’s long strides until finally, as he propelled her up the curving staircase, she had to stop and catch her breath. “Please,” she begged, laughing all the while. “Wait just a moment.”

Alex halted in his tracks and cupped her cheeks in his hands. His eyes were filled with a curious mix of total intensity and humor. “I can’t wait,” he said simply.

Emma let out a little yelp as Alex scooped her up into his arms and carried her the rest of the way to their room. “Alone at last,” he said dramatically, kicking the door shut so that he wouldn’t have to put her down. “Do you mind if I kiss you?”

“No.”

“Oh, good.” And by the time he was through, Emma was breathless and warm.

“Are you nervous?” Alex asked.

“No. I was this morning, but I’m not now.”

Alex’s eyes glowed as he took in the implications of that statement. Still, he didn’t want to rush her. They had all night—all week, actually. He took her hand and led her further into the chamber. “This is your new room,” he said, waving his hand at their surroundings.

Emma looked around. The decor was quite masculine.

“You can redecorate if you want,” Alex said. “Nothing too pink, I hope.”

Emma stifled a grin. “I think we can come up with something suitable.”

Alex caught her hand in his. “There is an adjoining room which is officially the duchess’s chamber, but I’d rather you spend more of your time in here.”

“Oh really?” Emma teased.

“We could turn it into a sitting room for you with all of the feminine fripperies you want,” Alex said earnestly. “But I don’t think there’ll be any need for the bed that is in there. I’m thinking of having it moved to Mrs. Goode’s quarters. She has been with us for many years, and I think it would be quite a treat for her. Much more comfortable than what she has now.”

“I think that would be a brilliant idea,” Emma said softly, stepping closer to him.

“Oh, Emma, I’m so glad that you’re finally mine.”

“And I am glad that you are mine.”

Alex laughed out loud. “Come a little closer so that we can finally get that gorgeous dress off of you, your grace.”

“My name is Emma,” she replied in a stern voice. “I don’t want to hear you calling me ‘your grace. ’”

“You are priceless, your grace.” Alex reached his arms around her and started to undo the tiny buttons that marched down the back of her wedding gown. He moved with agonizing slowness, sending hot desire down Emma’s spine with each touch.

A small moan tore from Emma’s lips as she placed her hands on his shoulders to steady herself. The entire room seemed to be spinning in a sensual haze, and it was all she could do to remain standing.

Alex’s hands stilled about halfway down her back. “Mmm, I think it’s time we let down your hair.” With deft fingers, he pulled out the pins that had been used to pile her thick tresses atop her head. “Although I do like these little wispy things that hang down when you do your hair this way.” A few moments later the entire mass came tumbling down, and Alex lifted a few of the soft locks to his face, kissing them first and then breathing in the heady scent.

“I adore your hair,” he murmured, running his ringers through it. “Have I ever told you that I want a little girl with hair this exact color?”

Wordlessly, Emma shook her head. They had never discussed children. She had assumed he wanted an heir—all men did—but she had never dreamed that she would want a little girl just like her. “I my self had been thinking about a little boy with black hair and green eyes,” she said hesitatingly.