A few minutes later, the duke’s spare made his appearance.
Both babes were remarkably hale and healthy. Both bore a remarkable resemblance to their father, and to each other, although Celie politely told her she thought there was a slight resemblance to their mother. Which wasn’t true at all.
Celie told her she was glad Amanda’s birthing wasn’t difficult, although Amanda prayed that none of her future babes were any more difficult. This was painful enough.
The hurt was worth it though when Sterling walked through the door and saw his sons for the first time.
Amanda didn’t know her dark duke could be brought so low by such small bundles. His eyes filled with tears when Celie picked up his two sons and placed one, then the other, in his arms.
He looked at his sons first, then turned to Amanda wearing an expression she would never forget. Nor could she ever put into words.
“I love you, wife. If ever you had doubt to believe that I did, never doubt it again. You have given light to my dark existence.”
He held the babes for a while longer, then placed them back in her arms. When they were cradled against her, he kissed her with as much love and tenderness as any kiss could contain.
Amanda kissed him in return. There was no doubt that she was adored by the most wonderful man on earth—her dark duke.
Visit Laura
at www.lauralandon.com/
The Dark Duke Page 25
