Chapter 16

16

E mily found it no easy feat to rise from Nate’s bed and prepare for the journey back to Beaumont Manor .

She’d known all along that they didn’t have the full night together. That her family would be waiting for her. Regardless , each brush of Nate’s fingertips against her skin as he refastened her laces made her very much wish he was undoing them instead. And when they removed themselves to the great hall and he set the cloak upon her shoulders, she couldn’t help but long for the relentless snowfall that had kept them confined from the outside world, unaccountable to anyone.

The only thing that sustained her, as they went out into the frosty darkness and Nate helped her into the sleigh, was his fervent promise: “ This is the one and only time, I swear, that I’ll be bringing you home instead of keeping you in my bed.”

He climbed in beside her, and with a flick of the reins, the sleigh began gliding over the moonlit snow, on track to return her to Beaumont just before the stroke of midnight. She nuzzled against him beneath the thick blanket they shared, glancing up at the stars above. How was it they seemed brighter now than when she’d first arrived at Rosemead ? That the air had become crisper? That her body was more alive, humming with anticipation?

“ I never thought I’d have cause to so fervidly miss the snowstorm,” Nate said in echo of her own thoughts as they started toward the woods, the horses’ bells jingling merrily in the background. He pressed his fingertips under her chin, gently prodding her to turn to him. “ I’ve realized now how wrong I was to curse it. For I have the snow to thank for guiding you to me.”

She’d smiled and laughed more this night than she could ever recall doing on any other in her life, and in keeping with the tendency, her mouth curved upward at his words. “ I’ve reached the conclusion that bringing in greenery early is actually quite lucky.”

“ Agreed .” He grinned back at her, his features bright beneath the glow of the sleigh’s lamps. “ I’ve never felt luckier, and I’m grateful, Emily . For all the reasons I cited in my toast, although those are only part of it. They say nothing of my gratitude for the way you’ve come back into my life as so much more than a neighbor. For the way you’ve captured my heart.”

Her own heart leaped and fluttered in response. He’d spoken of forever right before their bodies joined and he brought her pleasure to new and dizzying heights. She’d begun to dream and hope. However , hearing him admit the depth of his feelings made the possibility feel so much more tangible.

His hand went down to clasp hers, and although the night was cold, an exhilarating warmth spread through her limbs. “ I’ve wasted so many years seeking fulfillment in the wrong places that I don’t want to lose another second,” he said, squeezing her fingers tight. Peering at her with those eyes of clear, intense gray. “ My father needed to travel to obtain his happy ending. Mine , though, has been next door the entire time. I could drag this out by suggesting we arrange for regular carriage rides together, or formal visits in the Beaumont drawing room, or whatever else courting couples are supposed to do. However , none of those things will alter what I already know. I love you. When I envision my life as the future Viscount Pembrook , you’re the only woman I can possibly imagine as my future viscountess. I meant what I said: I want forever with you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Her breath stuttered, creating a white wisp in the darkness as her mouth grew slack. She’d chided herself for being young and foolish, for letting her affections land where they weren’t warranted. But what if her heart had been correct all along? What if everything she’d once dreamed of, but had long thought impossible, could really come true?

Her mind flashed back to the sketched hearts in her girlhood diary. To all the times she’d pinched her cheeks and practiced her laugh and tied colorful ribbons in her hair.

But mostly, it flashed to him. To the man who’d stubbornly dragged the yule log through the woods because he wished to do right by his father and estate. Who’d tucked a rose behind her ear when she’d been afraid. The man who’d trusted her with his secrets, who’d brought her to his bed, who’d taken everything she thought she knew about both desire and joy and made it a hundred times bigger.

Yes , this was all happening quickly. But like him, she didn’t need more time to realize what she wanted from the future. She already knew what she felt deep inside.

And so, she gazed back at him, revealing the truth that had long existed as a suggestion in her heart but had spent the past few days blossoming into something new and profound. Something unbreakable. “ I love you, too, Nathaniel Pembrook . I don’t need to wait any longer before telling you that yes, I will marry you.”

For an instant, there was nothing between them but the sound of hooves against snow and the tingle of bells. No movement but the flicker of the lanterns and the shadows of trees passing by.

Until suddenly, his lips were upon hers, pulling her into an ardent embrace. Although one that lasted only a moment before the sleigh veered, and her eyes flew open just in time to see him reclaiming his hold on the reins.

He gave her a sheepish grin that rapidly turned wide. Nonsensical , even. A grin she felt assured was mirrored on her own features, for the next thing, her laugh rang out into the night.

He took a minute to tighten the reins around his hand before turning back to her, giving their interrupted kiss a proper, albeit quick, finale. “ You’ve made me so happy, love. I plan to devote the rest of my life to returning the favor.”

They spent the remainder of the sleigh ride in much the same way—alternating between stolen kisses and glances ahead to ensure that the sleigh was indeed still heading toward Beaumont Manor .

They kissed as they crossed the border back onto Beaumont land.

They kissed as a few dark, puffy clouds drifted overhead.

They kissed as a breeze rippled through the air, the bitterness no match for the heat of Nate’s body and the warmth that filled her from head to toe.

And they kissed as, once again, the sky opened, surrounding them with a dusting of soft, silent snowflakes.