Chapter 13

Thirteen

A s the parlor stilled, silence wrapped around them. Alone at last, the world beyond their shared moment seemed to fade into insignificance. Emily’s heart thrummed, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears of joy as she gazed up at Nicolas. How improbable it all seemed—that this man, the one she had longed for, now stood before her, love etched so clearly on his face.

Her Christmas wish had come true, and as fate would have it, she did not need to do anything at all, for he came of his own accord. Nicolas truly loved her.

His hand rose with a tenderness that stole her breath, his fingers trailing over her cheek. “My darling Emily,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, “when shall we begin forever? When would you like to become my wife?”

Emily, her heart fluttering, leaned into his touch, savoring the warmth and strength of his presence. “As soon as the banns can be read,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion, “I have dreamed of this moment, and now that it is here, I have no desire to delay.”

He pulled her against him. “Thank goodness, for I have no wish to wait, either. I would marry this very night if I could.”

Nicolas’s gaze flicked upward, a playful smile tugging at his lips as he nodded toward the sprig of mistletoe hanging above them. “It seems even the heavens conspire to keep us together, my love.”

Emily, her cheeks flushed with anticipation, tipped her head back, her gaze locked with his. As he leaned in, his lips mere inches from hers, she could feel the warmth of his breath mingling with her own, sending shivers of delight down her spine.

When their lips met, it was as though every unsaid word, every moment of longing, poured into the kiss. The only sound was their ragged breathing and the pounding of their hearts as they clung to each other, the depth of their love wrapped in that singular moment.

She threaded her fingers through his hair as she lost herself in the magic of the moment.

As they parted, their breathing ragged and their hearts racing, he rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, my dearest Emily, and I will love you until the end of my days... beyond, if the fates allow.”

She smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling. “And I love you, Nicolas Winters,” she asked, her voice soft and filled with wonder. “I never dreamed I could find such happiness again, but you have shown me that love can indeed conquer all.”

“Indeed it can.” Nicolas hugged her closer. “How would you like to spend the first night of the rest of our lives?” He asked, a playful grin curving his full lips.

“Hum…” Emily mussed, glancing toward the stairway visible just beyond the parlor door. “I have a few ideas.”

Her playful suggestion hung in the air, charged with anticipation. Nicolas’s eyes darkened with desire, but he took a deep breath, steadying himself.

“My dearest,” he said, brushing a stray curl from her cheek, “nothing would bring me greater joy than to whisk you upstairs this very moment. But you deserve better. At the least, you deserve to be properly wed, and I mean to do things right this time.”

Her lips curved into a teasing smile. “How very noble of you, Mr. Winters. And here I thought your reputation as a rake was well-earned.”

He chuckled, pulling her close. “Ah, but you have reformed me, my love. I aim to be a gentleman worthy of your hand.”

“And if I prefer the scoundrel I feel in love with?” Emily’s voice was a sultry whisper, her fingers tracing the lapels of his coat with teasing intent.

His pulse quickened, his resolve nearly crumbling under the weight of her seduction. But he held fast, drawing a shaky breath. “You make me want to be a better man, Emily. To do right by you in every way.”

“And you make me want to be a scandalous woman,” she said, her tone laced with desire.

“Incorrigible minx.” Nicolas swept her off her feet, cradling her in his muscular arms as he carried her toward the staircase. Her tinkling laughter filled the air, her heart racing with anticipation as she clung to his broad shoulders. The warmth of his body seeped through the layers of her gown, igniting a fire within her that burned with the intensity of a thousand suns.

As they ascended the stairs, Emily’s mind raced with the scandalous possibilities that awaited them. Her cheeks flushed a becoming pink, and she buried her face in the crook of his neck, breathing in his intoxicating scent.

She had never felt so alive, so consumed by the desire and love that coursed through her. Feathering her fingers through the hair at his nape, she pressed a kiss to his neck.

Nicolas’s resolve wavered as her teasing touch ignited a fire deep within him. He longed to possess her, to lose himself in her completely. But he could not—would not—allow himself to fall. Not yet. His love for her demanded patience, respect, and honor, even when every fiber of his being screamed otherwise.

At the landing, Nicolas hesitated, his gaze locking with hers before he turned toward her bedchamber. With a tender kick, he opened the door and carried her inside, lowering her onto the plush bedcovers as though she were something precious, fragile even. The reverence in his gaze stole her breath.

“My darling,” he said, his voice low and filled with longing. “As much as I burn for you, my love.” He caressed her cheek with longing. “I cannot take you to my bed again until we are bound in marriage. You deserve every honor, every promise of devotion that I can give. I will not betray that.”

Her heart brimmed with admiration, her love for him deepening in ways she had not thought possible. His restraint, his devotion, only made her ache for him more. But she knew that when the time came, it would be all the more perfect for the waiting.

She reached up to caress his cheek, her gaze shining with affection. “My dearest Nicolas,” she said, “your honor and respect mean more to me than any fleeting passion. Though I confess, the temptation is great indeed.”

He leaned into her touch, pressing a kiss to her palm.

“I swear to you, Emily,” Nicolas said, his voice laced with desire, “when we are wed, I will worship every inch of you, body and soul. I will make you mine in every way imaginable, and you will know pleasures you have never dreamed of.”

A delicious shiver ran through her at his words, and she offered a coy smile. “I shall hold you to that promise, my dear Mr. Winters.”

He groaned, clearly battling his self-control. “You test me sorely, my love. But I will not yield.” He leaned down, capturing her lips in a searing kiss that left her breathless and aching for more. But as quickly as it began, he pulled away, his eyes dark with restrained passion. “Goodnight, my sweet Emily,” he said, his voice rough with emotion.

With one last lingering look, he turned and left the room, closing the door softly behind him. Emily sank back against the pillows, a blissful smile playing across her lips as she hummed a joyful tune. Her heart was so full of love and happiness that she thought it might burst from her chest.

As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts were filled with visions of her future with Nicolas, of the life they would build together, and of the endless love they would share. For the first time in years, she knew she had found her true home, not in a place, but in the arms of the man who had captured her heart and made her believe in the power of second chances.

Tomorrow would bring the joy of Christmas morning, the warmth of family, and the promise of new beginnings. And soon after, there would be the reading of the banns, the vows exchanged, and the life she had scarcely dared to hope for. Her heart soared with the certainty that love had, indeed, conquered all.