Epilogue

Epilogue

J ulia held Charles's arm as he led her from the carriage, her excitement and anticipation making it nearly impossible for her to keep her eyes closed. "May I look now?"

"Not yet, darling. Just a few more feet." He patted her hand.

They had only just returned from their wedding trip two days past. She could not imagine what he might have done in such a short period of time.

Drawing her to a stop, he wrapped one arm around her waist, tugging her close against his side. "Open your eyes."

A large whitewashed building greeted her, with a slate roof and dozens of windows. A grand manicured lawn with cobbled paths, shrubbery, and mature trees surrounded the building. She glanced around attempting to figure out why he had brought her to this place. Utterly confused she turned to him. "What is it?"

He led her through a cast-iron gate and pointed at a sign. "Read it."

Her Grace, the Duchess of Selkirk's, Home for Women in Need.

Tears pricked at her eyes as she turned to him, joy bursting within her. "Oh, Charles, you remembered." Once, only days after they'd met, he had asked her what she would choose to do if she could do anything she wished. She'd replied, "Open an orphanage of sorts, but for women rather than children." She grinned at the memory.

He cupped her cheek with his hand. "Your every wish, every desire, is imprinted on my soul. I remember every moment we spend together and want nothing more than to make your every dream come to fruition." He dropped a kiss on her forehead.

"I love you." She nuzzled her face against his chest.

"And I love you."

"I wish Mama were here to see what you've done. She'd be so pleased." At her request, they had stopped at her mother's while on their wedding trip. To Julia's dismay, they found that Mama had passed away a fortnight earlier.

He rubbed her back. "Your mother is no doubt watching over you from heaven and exceedingly pleased with what she sees."

Despite her heavy heart at the thought of mama, Julia filled with warmth. Looking up at him, she said, "I'll wager you are right, my love."

"Indeed."

Julia turned her head, taking in the building once more before returning her curious gaze to her husband. "How…when did you manage this? We have only just returned to London."

He grinned roguishly, love radiating from his gaze. "I purchased the building right after you told me of your desire to help other women in need. My intention was to give it to you for Christmas."

"But that was before we…ever became intimate." She stared at him through rounded eyes.

"Even then, I loved you. I was just too addlebrained to recognize it."

She grinned up at him, her heart full to bursting. "Can we go inside?"

"Of course. It is yours to do with as you wish." He chuckled when she released him and made haste for the door.

Reaching the door, she turned back to him. "Do hurry."

In the same manner as she had, he raced up to the door, taking the porch steps two at a time, then pulled it open, allowing her entrance. "Your Grace."

She tilted her chin up in true aristocratic nature. "Thank you, Your Grace." Unable to fight the urge, she broke into a fit of laughter as she stepped into the entrance hall.

He followed. "Whatever do you find so amusing?"

He swatted her bottom playfully, sending a thrill of longing through her.

"You." She shot him a saucy look, then ran down the hall toward the first open door she spotted.

Chuckling, he chased after her. With Julia in reach, he grabbed her and pulled her to him, wrapping her in his embrace. She squirmed until she managed to turn in his arms so that she faced him. "Thank you, Charles. This is the most wonderful surprise."

"I beg to differ."

She arched a brow. "How so?"

He tightened his hold on her. "You are the most perfect surprise. More than I ever hoped for or believed possible. You are my everything, my treasure."

His words went straight to her soul, branding her forever his. Rising onto her tiptoes, she kissed him with every bit of passion she possessed.

Not only had he saved her; he'd also made it possible for her to save others. More than that, he loved her with a fierceness she never would have believed possible. A soul-searing passionate love, which she returned with reckless abandon.

Charles, Duke of Selkirk, was her perfect rogue.