The Fairy Tale Bride

by Kelly McClymer

  * * * * *

  Miranda was gazing at him, her eyes full of sorrow.

  He knew some of her sorrow was for him when she asked softly, "What shall you do if Peter is not willing to be duke now?"

  Her words struck fear in his heart. He could not allow it. "He understands his obligations."

  "His obligation to his father? The man who embroiled him in this untenable situation."

  "To his blood."

  "And what about his obligation to your mother? He cannot marry her unless he returns to America as Peter Watson."

  "He has none. I will take care of her and her bastard. She is my mother."

  "And what about her? Is she to have no say?"

  He did not want to consider his mother. Wed to an older man, bedded by a young one. Falling in love with her husband's son. "Nothing can be done now." He stayed her lips with a gentle kiss. "Not even one of your fairytales can save them. In the eyes of the law she is his mother — she married his father. They cannot ever marry."

  "In England, yes." Miranda closed her eyes. "I wonder how she will bear it."

  "She always manages."

  "Simon —"

  "No more fairytale endings, Miranda. They cannot have a happy ending together. They cannot marry."