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November 4 - November 6, 2022
“Nor will I ever acknowledge her again.” Will’s crisp words echoed throughout the room.
Right then and there, he vowed not to let Avalon’s jilting define him. He’d learned a valuable lesson—never trust love again—and never allow his heart to be vulnerable to the wiles of a heartbreaker. His entire focus would be devoted to himself and his work.
“If my grandfather were still alive, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. He’d still be the Duke of Ferr-Colby and the Earl of Eanruig, and I’d still have my old life.”
“Trust me when I say he’s superb, handsome, and utterly charming.” Stella laughed, the sound pealing through the sitting room like ringing church bells run amok. After her laughter died, she regarded Thea with an artful smile. “He’s my great-nephew, Lord William Cavensham.”
It’s a sad story, my boy,” Stella said. “Isn’t it always,” he said under his breath. “What did you say, young man?” Lady Edith challenged. Her hearing had the most amazing power to ferret out sarcasm fifty feet away.
Lady Edith commanded while she studied Stella’s sketch over her shoulder. “Stella, you’ve always been an incredible artist. But you’ve outdone yourself with this. You’ve managed to capture his fury as well as an intriguing vulnerability hidden in his eyes. Are you going to paint him nude?”
To call his great-aunt unconventional or unorthodox didn’t adequately describe her. But Will adored her and loved every odd inch of her—completely. She was more like a grandmother than a great-aunt. Simply put, she was a precious gift he appreciated every day.
“Thea?” The rough resonance of her name on his lips set everything within her vibrating like a tuning fork.
The swirl of emotion in her eyes reminded him of a kaleidoscope, and it captivated him. Determination, loyalty, generosity, plus a myriad of others combined into a pattern that showed her true strength of character.
Her eyes locked with his, and time seemed to stop its relentless pace. Everything within her stilled, reminding her that this would be a moment she’d remember for a lifetime. A strange eagerness like a hunger flashed in his eyes. It caused a molten heat to explode in her chest and slowly sink lower into her body.
If anyone within the Cavensham family had fallen ill, she had little doubt that the entire clan would rally and support one another in the care for their loved one. The bond they shared slowly surrounded her like a fog rolling in from the sea, and she’d never felt so alone. She wasn’t a part of this family who had deep ties to one another.
“Even before Stella announced our friendship, I wanted to be perfect for you and your family. Wasn’t that the definition of a friend, someone who values what you value?” She lifted her head and studied him. “I want your family to like me because I know they mean the world to you.”
“You’re perfect the way you are.” Will’s voice turned guttural, but he studied her. This moment he’d remember for the rest of his life. She truly was special and didn’t deserve to be tortured by Ferr-Colby.
“I truly appreciate your concern and attention.” She straightened to her full height and squared her shoulders like she was ready to face the enemy in an epic battle. That was Thea’s true essence—kind and lovely with a hint of diffidence that was replacing her earlier Northumberland brashness.
The softness in her mellifluous voice reminded him of honey. He’d always known she was attractive, but when had she become exquisite? He’d never held perfection in his arms before, and the urge to tighten his arms around her grew fierce.
response, he drew her closer. “Yes. You can ride me all day, and I’ll not allow you to fall.” He didn’t hide the innuendo of seduction that colored his voice.
Mr. Ainsley nodded with a smile. “His missive said that only a woman with Thea’s strength and character could do justice to this fragrance.”
It was becoming impossible to keep his distance from her. She didn’t see what a kind and generous person she was. All she saw were her failures. In direct contrast, all Will saw were her strengths. Her dedication to her grandfather was heartbreaking and loving.
“It’s a requisite part of the whisky lesson,” she crooned against his lips. “Who exactly is the teacher here?” he asked. “You’re teaching me how to kiss, and I’m teaching you how to appreciate Scotch whisky.”
In an infinitesimal amount of time, one that could not be measured in minutes or seconds, she understood what had just happened to her. In between the beats of her heart and the time it took her to blink her eyes, she realized that she loved him—fully, completely, and decidedly.
This was the man she loved with all her heart, and she was setting him free. “But you should know … I love you,” she said softly. “I always will.” “Oh my God, Thea.” The creases around his eyes marked his pain, and he tilted his face to the roof of the carriage.
There was no use holding on to him. Everything inside of her stilled, then slowly cracked into a million pieces and fell into nothing.
His eyes widened, then he shook his head as if disbelieving what she was saying. “I made a promise, Will. I couldn’t live with myself if I cause my people harm. We’d both suffer, and I love you too much to put you or me through that.” She fought to maintain control over her grief while wretchedness crept in like a thief stealing all her previous happiness. “I’m sorry.”
“You gave me everything. You’re everything in this world I want, but I can’t have.” Though the pain ripped her heart into shreds, she forced herself to smile. “It’s the right thing for me to do. I have to do this. It’s who I am.”
She didn’t think I had it in me to fall for you.” The edge in his voice made her lean back. “She was wrong. I fell off the cliff for you.” He leapt from the carriage and held out his hand for her to take. “If you truly love me, give me a chance.”
If she’s reading, then I want to sit beside her and read.” He examined her shoe that he held in the other hand. “I want her in all other parts of my life. I want to share my family and friends with her.
Will you give me the same chance?” “You don’t need to ask. I love you. Completely.” He kissed her nose. “Decidedly.” He kissed her cheek. “Thoroughly.” He kissed her other cheek, then crossed his heart with a finger as if making a solemn pledge. “I’ll love you forever.”
😘
Thea raised her hand and rested it against her heart as tears streamed down her face. She glanced at Claire whose own eyes glistened with tears. The duchess’s mouth trembled. Even Stella was wiping her eyes. It was the most beautiful and poignant moment in her life. But when Thea looked to the duke, that’s when she sobbed. A single tear fell down his handsome face. “We’d be so honored if you’d join our family.”
I totally ugly cried at this part 🥰
