by Amelia Grey
Lyon took hold of her upper arms. “Damnation, Adeline, I know that. It’s just that you were so sure you couldn’t be in the family way.”
“I know,” she whispered earnestly. “I have disbelieved all the signs myself.”
“How can you be sure then? What’s changed?”
“You.” She stopped and inhaled deeply. “It was you making love to me. It’s the only possible answer. You made the difference.”
His eyes glistened. “Me?”
Her heart was full of love, of happiness for the child she carried, and of dread in not knowing how Lyon would respond to this news. “I know of no other reason. I have been to see a physician and two different midwives. One of whom I saw when I was drinking the tonics that were made for me every day. She was the only one I trusted during that time, so I went back to her as well.” Adeline touched her stomach lightly. “They all agree with me that it’s true I’m carrying a child. I don’t know how this could have happened. I went through hell trying to have a child for Wake and now I am more than three months carrying yours.”
His fingers tightened around her arms. His gaze fluttered up and down her face. “So it happened our first time together.”
Adeline’s throat tightened more and she shivered. “It appears so.”
“Can you feel it move?”
“Not yet. It will take a little longer for that to happen.”
He let go of her arms and placed his hand against her lower stomach as if he were in awe of a precious stone he was touching.
“Yes,” he said, looking up at her with joy beaming on his face. “I feel it. The small swell of life is there.”
“I knew all the signs to watch for indicating I was with child. They were drilled into me. I’ve waited extra time to be sure.”
His eyes narrowed. “You waited to tell me I’m going to be a father?”
“I had to be sure. Lyon, I love you with all my heart, but I couldn’t get past the ugliness of my first marriage. The torture, the feelings of failure. I can’t explain it.”
He placed a finger on her lips. “Shh, my love. You don’t have to think about that ever again.”
“All I can do is say again that I love you and I’ll marry you if you still love me and want me.”
“Love you? Want you?” He caught her up in his strong embrace. “I wake every morning wondering what I can do or say to make you change your mind about marriage. Adeline, it was always only you that I wanted. I understood your reasons for wanting to remain a widow. I had to respect your wishes.”
“Thank you. I love you for that, Lyon, but now will you marry me?”
“I was beginning to think this day would never come and I never could have dreamed it would be a babe that brought you back to me.”
He kissed her long, hard. “I didn’t know how it would happen or when, but I had faith that if I gave you enough time you would realize love conquers everything and you would want to be my wife.” Lyon squeezed her tightly and whispered, “I love you so much.”
“And I love you.”
Suddenly he leaned away from her and asked, “Do you know if you will have a son?”
Adeline breathed a soft laugh. “Of course not. Many try, but no one can predict son or daughter.”
“Good. I want to be surprised by you one more time.”
Lyon captured her lips with his again.
Adeline thrilled to his touch.
Epilogue
Lyon stood before the fire. They were all trying not to stare at him, but at various times during the night they all had. It was as if they expected something from him other than the calm he was presenting. Adeline had assured him she would have no problems delivering the babe and that after it arrived, Lyon would be sent for. He had no choice but to take her at her word and let her handle this very important matter of giving birth without his assistance or pressure. It wasn’t that he didn’t have concerns.
He was filled with them.
Everyone was gathered in the drawing room with him at his London home. He and Adeline decided to winter there rather than Lyonwood. She would be near the midwife she wanted to attend her. There would be time for them to enjoy the last of winter at Lyonwood, after she delivered.
Marksworth and his bride had returned to London and were on one settee. Mrs. Brina Feld and Cordelia were on the other. Lady Kitson Fairbright was also present, but she was the only one who had the honor of being above stairs and in the room with Adeline—because she’d had a child and might in some way be of service to her during delivery.
Lyon would have rather this be a private time, but Marksworth had made Lyon promise, as had the others, to let him know when the time was close for the baby to be born. They all wanted to be at Lyon’s house for the joyous occasion.
The midwife had been sent for early in the afternoon, and she confirmed the time was near. But that was several hours ago. Lyon was told to vacate their room and find a way to keep himself busy. He’d written the notes that brought the others rushing to his house and then tried to concentrate on some of his account books before they arrived. That proved impossible to do. Every little sound had him looking up at the door and losing his place.
“It’s been long enough,” Marksworth said, rising from the settee. “I think it’s time someone went up there to check on what’s taking so long.”
“Why don’t you go?” Cordelia said dryly.
“Me?” He exclaimed, giving Aunt Delia a hard look. “I have no business going up there. It’s no place for a man.”
“Neither is it for the rest of us,” she answered. “She has a midwife and Lady Kitson. She doesn’t need anyone else interfering.”
“What do you know about birthing a babe?” he asked. “You’ve never had one.”
Cordelia gave him a mocking smile. “Neither has anyone else in this room. Which is my point. We don’t need to be barging in when we don’t know how to help. Lady Kitson said she would come for us after the babe was born, and she will.”
“Marksworth, come sit back down,” Helen said in her sweet, calming voice, patting the cushion beside her. “Your bluster is worrying everyone.”
“Well, it should,” he said, pacing in front of Lyon. “I’ve been through this before. It’s been too long. We should have heard a wee little cry by now or at least Adeline yelling out in pain.” He walked over to Lyon. “Aren’t you worried?”
Very.
He’d wanted to be with her, but her insistence there were reasons husbands were kept out of the room had to be honored. He would only get in the way, she’d said. She was probably right about that. Besides, the last thing he wanted was to see her in pain, even if the pain was from bringing his child into the world. This was delicate enough without him adding to her worry by insisting he be with her. When they’d married, he’d promised to always be sensitive to her wishes, and he would.
Even at stressful times as this.
So he waited. Just as he’d waited for her to come to him in love, and ready for marriage. He smiled. The natural order of things. Love, marriage, and then a baby. He needed nothing more to please him.
“Adeline has said not every woman screams during birth,” he said to his father. “I’m not concerned.” Over much. “This is the way she wanted it and we’ll—”
A door shut above. Lyon’s gaze flew around the room. Everyone was riveted. For a heartbeat. Lyon rose and took off running out of the drawing room. He heard the shuffling of feet right behind him.
By the time he made it to the vestibule, Julia had gotten to the bottom of the stairs.
“Is she all right?” he asked.
Julia smiled. “Yes, yes. She and the babe are fine.”
“Is it a boy?” Marksworth asked excitedly.
“That’s not my news to tell.” Julia looked at Lyon. “She wants to see you.”
Lyon took the stairs two at a time. He opened the door and rushed into the room. Adeline was sitting up in bed looking glorious with her honey gold hair framing
her shoulders and holding a small bundle of blankets against her breasts. He smiled, laughed, and sat down easily on the bed beside her. He brushed a strand of damp hair away from her face. “Are you all right?”
“Of course,” she smiled. “I am fine.”
He pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “It took so long. I was worried.”
“Not that long, really. Aren’t you going to ask about your child?”
“Yes, but I don’t have to. I can see all is well in your face. I didn’t know how you would look after your—your labor, but you are beautiful.”
“Is it a boy?” Marksworth asked, bursting through the doorway. Cordelia, Helen, and Brina entered right behind him.
“Come see for yourself.”
Everyone crowded around the bed. Adeline folded back the layers of blankets one at a time and then turned the pink, wrinkled, kicking, and naked little babe so that all could see him.
“I knew it!” Marksworth shouted. “And a fine boy he is.”
The baby jumped and started crying. Happy wishes echoed around the room.
“Now look what you’ve done,” Lyon said. “You’ve scared him.”
“What can you do to quiet him?” Brina asked, distress marking her features. “I don’t want him to cry.”
“It won’t hurt him, Brina,” Adeline said with a smile. “It’s good and will help strengthen his lungs.”
“I do hope you will consider naming him Paston after your dear mother’s surname,” Cordelia said as she peered down at the little one.
“What kind of name is that for a son?” Marksworth argued.
“A good one,” Cordelia answered.
“That’s enough,” Lyon said firmly when the babe continued to cry. “Out. All of you for now. Mother and child need their rest.”
“Don’t worry, I’m going,” Marksworth said, pulling on the tail of his coat. “I must get down to White’s and let them know you’ve had a son and settle my wager.”
Lyon grimaced at his father. “Did you put money on the wager as to which of us would have a son first?”
“Of course.” He smiled. “And I put my money on you.” Marksworth smiled and walked out the door.
Helen, Cordelia, and Brina followed him and Lyon closed the door.
Lyon eased back down onto the bed beside Adeline. She had the baby wrapped tight again snuggled to her chest. She was rocking him in her arms whispering, “Shh, little one.”
“He’s really unbelievably small,” Lyon whispered.
“No, he’s a healthy, handsome size. Does his crying bother you?” she asked.
“If I can handle the screaming girls next door, I think I can manage a soft baby’s cry.”
Adeline laughed. “You will never forgive me for moving the school next door, will you?”
“I have many times over.” He smiled and kissed her forehead. “I was just thinking today that I should have a swing hung from that big tree on the other side of the school. Do you think the girls would like that?”
“They would love it, Lyon, but it would give them another reason to play outside and make more noise.” She looked down at the infant in her arms. “I fear you will never have order in your life again.”
Lyon stared at the tiny scrunched face. The babe stopped crying but continued to make sweet sounds. He’d never seen anything so peaceful-looking. His eyes were big, dark blue, and looking straight at Lyon. He felt as if his heart turned over in his chest. The intensity of his feelings was matched only by what he felt for Adeline.
He looked into her beautiful gleaming eyes. “I’ll be all right with that. I’m learning that not everything has to have order.”
“Do you want to hold him?” she asked.
“No, I expect he should be walking on his own two legs and feet before I try to hold him.”
“Don’t be afraid.”
“I am.” He gave her a humorous grin. “He’s so little. I don’t want to hold him too tight and hurt him.”
Adeline laughed and placed his son in his arms. “You won’t. He wants to be held tight. Take him.”
He took the little fellow gingerly but with steady hands. Lyon felt the warmth of his son’s body through the blankets. The babe wiggled and squirmed just as Lyon thought would happen. His arms tightened at first, but then he slowly relaxed as the baby’s eyes closed. Lyon didn’t know why, but he reached down and kissed his son’s forehead. It was soft.
“I like seeing you hold him,” Adeline said.
He glanced at Adeline. “I think I like this, too.” He reached over and kissed her gently on the lips. “You close your eyes and sleep, too, my love. I have him. I’ll take care of him while you rest.”
“I know, and I think I will rest for a bit. I love you, Lyon.” She snuggled down onto the pillow and closed her eyes.
“And I love you, Adeline.”
Author’s Note
Dear Readers,
I hope you have enjoyed the first book of my First Comes Love series. I had tremendous fun dreaming up and writing Lyon and Adeline’s story. It’s always a challenge to mix a hero’s and heroine’s inner conflicts with the external trappings of their lives and make it all develop into a sexy, satisfying romance. In this book, the story gave me a couple of mischievous little girls to help.
The sinking of the Salty Dove and The Seafarer’s School for Girls have no particular historical reference. Both are completely from my imagination and, therefore, I felt free to write about them as I did for the sake of this story. The downing of a ship at sea seemed the perfect way to have three young and beautiful widows in Society all at the same time. Though a boarding school for girls wasn’t common during the Regency, it was a touching way to show how a charitable act of kindness can transform someone’s life.
In our modern times it’s often difficult to understand the strict rules of behavior Regency Society placed on ladies while having relatively few for gentlemen. Many of the rules are restricting for an author who writes historical romance, but as always, I try to conform to most of the dictates of Society at the time, while filling my stories with all the passion a romance deserves. And I love sharing my stories with you.
I hope you will be watching for book two in my First Comes Love series, Gone with the Rogue, and the third, How to Train Your Earl.
I enjoy hearing from readers. You can e-mail me at [email protected], follow me on Facebook at Facebook.com/AmeliaGreyBooks, or visit my website at ameliagrey.com.
Look for these other fantastic romances from New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey
The Rakes of St. James
LAST NIGHT WITH THE DUKE
TO THE DUKE, WITH LOVE
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DUKE
The Heirs’ Club Series
THE DUKE IN MY BED
THE EARL CLAIMS A BRIDE
WEDDING NIGHT WITH THE EARL
Available from St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Also by Amelia Grey
It’s All About the Duke
To the Duke, with Love
Last Night with the Duke
The Duke in My Bed
The Earl Claims a Bride
Wedding Night with the Earl
Praise for New York Times and USA Today bestselling author AMELIA GREY and her acclaimed novels …
“Each new Amelia Grey tale is a diamond … a master storyteller.”
—Affaire de Coeur
“Enchanting romance.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Devilishly charming … A touching tale of love.”
—Library Journal
“Sensual … witty and clever … Another great story of forbidden love.”
—Fresh Fiction
“Grey neatly matched up a sharp-witted heroine with an irresistible sexy hero and let the romantic sparks fly.”
—Booklist
“Delightful … charming and unforgettable.”
—The Long and Short of It Reviews
“A beautifully written tal
e … delicious historical romance.”
—Romance Junkies
“Such a tantalizing and funny read, you won’t be able to put it down.”
—Rendezvous
“Fun, fast-paced, and very sensual.”
—A Romance Review
“Well written and entertaining.”
—Night Owl Romance, Reviewer Top Pick
“Humor, romance, mystery, and comedy of errors … All of it well done.”
—Books Like Breathing
“Delightfully captivating.”
—Rundpinne
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amelia Grey read her first romance book when she was thirteen and she’s been a devoted reader of love stories ever since. Her awards include the Booksellers Best, Aspen Gold, and the Golden Quill. Writing as Gloria Dale Skinner, she won the coveted Romantic Times Award for Love and Laughter and the prestigious Maggie Award. Her books have sold to many countries in Europe, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, and most recently to Japan. Several of her books have also been featured in Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs. Amelia is the author of twenty-five books. She’s been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over thirty-five years and she lives on the beautiful gulf coast of Northwest Florida. Visit her at: www.ameliagrey.com, or sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
