The Duke and I (Bridgertons, #1)

by Julia Quinn

“Don’t be silly,” she said, touching his chin and turning his face back to hers. “You won’t hurt me.” Love for this woman filled him. It flooded his chest, made his fingers tingle, and stole his very breath. “Sometimes,” he whispered, “I love you so much it scares me. If I could give you the world, you know I would do it, don’t you?” “All I want is you,” she whispered. “I don’t need the world, just your love. And maybe,” she added with a wry smile, “for you to take off your boots.”

Tears pricked her eyes. “That’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.” “It’s the truth,” he vowed. “Before I met you I was only half-alive.” “And now?” she whispered. “And now?” he echoed. “‘Now’ suddenly means happiness, and joy, and a wife I adore. But do you know what?” She shook her head, too overcome to speak. He leaned down and kissed her. “‘Now’ doesn’t even compare to tomorrow. And tomorrow couldn’t possibly compete with the next day. As perfect as I feel this very moment, tomorrow is going to be even