12. Epilogue

Epilogue

Five Years Later

P rue sank into the chair before Silas's desk, waiting patiently for him to finish writing. He'd been in his study the entire afternoon and each time she'd looked in on him, his obvious concentration had kept her from interrupting.

Clearly, an idea had taken hold, and she knew he wouldn't be able to stop until he wrote down all the details running through his mind.

Dusk had fallen and a lamp on his desk and another in the corner gently lit the room.

She had sent a tray in with his dinner while she'd eaten with the children. William, at three years of age, and Hettie, at one, were a delight. She'd tucked them into bed and left the nanny to watch over them.

"There." Silas heaved a sigh and set down the pen, paging through the numerous notes and sketches he'd completed.

Unable to resist, Prue rose and walked around the desk to place a hand on his shoulder as she looked at his work. "What is it?"

"A wind turbine. Similar to a windmill but more powerful."

"How exciting."

"I received a letter from a professor in Scotland with interest in the project. We are sharing a few details via post, but we will need to venture there to meet with him."

"I look forward to it." She ran a hand over his shoulders. "Perhaps your grandmother will want to join us for the trip."

"Excellent idea." He glanced toward the window on the far side of the room in surprise. "It's dark out already? I'm sorry. I must've lost track of the time."

"I could see an idea was burning brightly and didn't want to interrupt."

He caressed her hand that rested on his shoulder. "Have I mentioned you are the best wife and partner I could possibly have hoped for?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek, her heart full. "Once or twice."

"The children?"

"Sound asleep."

He reached for her, pushing his chair back and pulling her onto his lap. "Perfect."

"Oh?" She wrapped her arms around him, awareness rippling through her. "Perfect for what?"

"Us." He kissed her deeply, his tongue demanding entrance as he held her tight before his hands started to roam.

Need quickly rose and soon Silas stood with her in his arms and set her on the edge of the desk. "Don't move, my love."

She grinned as he strode across the room to lock the door before returning to her side, having already shed his jacket and waistcoat along the way. He untied his tie and pulled it free.

"Lady Winstead, my angel?"

"Yes, my love." She smiled at the sweet nickname as she unbuttoned her bodice and shrugged out of it then drew the pins from her hair to allow it to fall around her shoulders, just the way he liked.

"I need you."

"Excellent, because I need you, too."

"I love how often we are of the same mind," he muttered as he came to stand before her, lifting the skirts of her gown out of the way.

"As do I." She made quick work of removing his shirt and unfastening his trousers, desire pulsing through her.

He kissed her again, loosening her corset then kneading her breast through the chemise that still covered them. He pulled down the soft fabric and kissed first one nipple then the other as liquid heat filled her.

She reached for him, his manhood springing free of his drawers. She stroked its velvety softness as his firm fingers caressed her thighs, edging ever upward.

"Now, Silas," she demanded, reaching for his hand to move it closer to her center. "I want to feel your touch."

"Where?" he teased.

"Here." She moved his hand to the apex of her thighs. Her love for this man knew no bounds. He'd helped her to find her voice in all things, including the bedroom—or in this case, the study.

"As you wish." He kissed her again, his touch finding her slick folds and caressing her in a steady rhythm that soon had her breathless.

She returned the favor as she stroked him until he grabbed her hand to halt her movements. "You'll have me finishing before I've had you."

"That can be fun," she teased, loving the knowledge that she could make him lose control.

He chuckled, tipping his forehead against hers. "Yes, but perhaps not this time. I want you too much."

"Then you should move closer." She adjusted her skirts, so they were out of the way.

He did just that then kissed her again as her hands ran over his broad shoulders and the wiry hair of his chest. She took hold of his hips, more than ready for him to claim her.

"Now, Silas. Please."

"Yes, my love." He eased her down onto the desk and thrust inside her, causing her to gasp as pleasure filled her.

"Amazing," he whispered, eyes half-closed as passion rose.

"Don't stop," she pleaded.

"Never." He set a steady rhythm that soon had them both quickly finding release, holding each other as they sank slowly back to earth together.

Prue nuzzled his neck, heart full. "You should have new ideas more often." She leaned back to look into his eyes. "They seem to invigorate both of us."

Silas laughed as he hugged her. "Winning the wallflower wager was the second-best thing that happened to me. You being the first. Have I mentioned how much I love you, Prue?"

"You have. But tell me again."

And he did.

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