Chapter Forty

A rthur looked up and stared for a moment. Then he blinkedbut no, he was still there walking across the lawn in Hyde Park toward them.

Linc was there.

He leaned over to Jo. Hes coming.

She gasped softly and turned to look at him. Then she tugged on his arm to demand, Help me up.

Arthur did as she bade, rising to his feet and helping her to hers as Linc approached.

Before they could do more than wave tentatively, Matthew launched himself at Lincs legs. Uncle Linc! You came!

Linc smiled softly at their boy, but there was a tinge of sadness to it and that sadness worried Arthur. Linc knelt down to talk to Matthew, though they could not hear what he said. Then he hugged the boy and sent him off. A delighted Matthew went back to chasing the ducks with a vigor which had been missing earlier.

Linc approached them with a curt nod. Arthur, Jo.

Hello, Linc. Jo smiled. Please, sit down, join us.

Linc nodded and lowered himself to the blanket they sat on. Arthur helped Jo sit so she wouldnt put any strain on her side. It was healing well, but she was a few weeks away from being back to her normal, active self.

Would you care for a glass of lemonade, or perhaps some wine? Jo offered, gesturing to the picnic basket.

Lemonade would be fine.

From what Arthur could see, Linc looked contrite. He must be nursing quite the hangover, based on what Jo had related to him the night before. Shed been beside herself with worry, so hed invited Stone and Theo over for dinner to discuss the situation. Of course, Stone had been all for pounding some sense into Linc. But Theo had insisted on another course of action: this course of action. Talking to him in the clear light of day and out in the fresh air. Theyd planned to take Matthew to the park anyway, so it was quite easy to arrange everything else from there. The only risk was Linc refusing to take the drive, but Theo had assured them she could get him in the vehicle. How, Arthur hadnt wanted to know.

Jo handed him a cup of lemonade then waited. Linc was the one who needed to speak first.

Im sorry. Im sorry for the last few days and I am sorry for not sharing more openly with you both before now. Linc stared at the cup of lemonade in his hand.

What have you not shared? Arthur asked, curiosity getting the best of him. He and Linc were so close, he found it hard to believe there was much he didnt know about this man; about the man that he loved.

I had a sister, Linc started with a deep exhale.

Shock and a spark of a memory from the night Matthew was taken slammed into Arthur, hard and brutal. A sister? How? Youve never spoken of her. He inhaled sharply. Thats not quite right. You mentioned her that night outside of the Downs home.

Yes. I havent spoken of her in years, Linc agreed.

Arthur looked over at Jo, who looked terribly pale at this point, but he didnt want to interrupt Lincs story. Linc went on to explain how his sister died and what happened afterward with his parents.

Oh, my poor Linc. You do know it was not your fault, dont you? Jo asked as she leaned across and took his hands in hers.

Linc had long since finished the drink and set the glass aside. Yes, and no. As an adult, I understand I was not responsible for what happened, any more than Matthew was responsible for what happened to him. But that little boy still lives inside me and at times I still feel responsible. It makes little sense, but its not something I can seem to control. He shrugged. So when Matthew was taken that little boy reared his head, and I felt responsible once again whenwhen perhaps I shouldnt have.

If anyone was responsible, of the three of us, it was me, Jo said firmly. I was the one who married Lord Whitestone, I was the one who allowed the situation to get so out of control. But truly, in the end, it was all Lady Downs. She is the one who chose to take Matthew. She couldnt let the title go, even once they had the unentailed portion of the money.

Linc nodded. I am sorry I didnt tell you of Melanie before now. Perhaps the last few days could have been avoided had I been more open with you both.

Perhaps, but perhaps not. You may have had the same reactionthe only thing which might have changed was how we dealt with it, Arthur offered with a smile. I certainly wouldnt have let you sod off on your own like I did.

Linc chuckled. I probably would have fought you on it, but either way, I am sorry.

So are we. Jo squeezed his hand. We should have realized there was something more going on with you, not just left you to get blazingly drunk alone.

Apology accepted. Linc smiled at them.

Its getting late, but Linc, wed like you to be in our home for dinner tonight, the home of all three of usand back in our room, where you belong. Jo looked at Linc, and then over at Arthur. Her heart shone in her eyes as she looked for his agreement.

Absolutely, Linc. Come home. We miss you. Arthur leaned over to slap Linc on the shoulder.

That would be wonderful, he said with almost a shy smile. Assuming I can get a ride with you. Otherwise it may be a long walk home from here, and missing dinner is a very real possibility.

They all laughed.

Of course we have room for you. Unlike Theo, we brought a very practical landau. Arthur grinned and they began packing up the picnic.

That night, after a lovely dinner, Jo waited for Linc and Arthur to join her in the drawing room. She had been busy finding as many candles as she could after they got home. Every surface was covered in candles and a pair of maids had been lighting them since halfway through dinner. There were only a few left to light by the time she came in after excusing herself. Once Linc and Arthur joined her all was ready, and she waited for them alone.

Linc came in first. Whats all this?

Behind him, Arthur smiled, because hed known Jo had been up to something. This is what you were doing instead of resting, as you should have been after the picnic.

It was. She smiled lovingly at both of them: her men, her hearts. I wanted us to renew our vows to each other. I think its important, after all that weve been through, all weve learned.

Linc nodded and took Arthurs hand and walked him over to where she stood. Then he took Jos hand, and held them both in one hand. I swear to love, honor, and cherish you both. To never hold secrets that arent wonderful surprises. To never pull away from you without talking to you both first. And I promise to love our son and any future children, and protect them as fiercely as I shall love and protect you both.

Arthur said the same thing. I swear to love, honor, and cherish you both. To never hold secrets that arent wonderful surprises. To never pull away from you without talking to you both first. And I promise to love our son and any future children, and protect them as fiercely as I shall love and protect you both.

Jo smiled through the happy tears that slipped down her cheeks. I swear to love, honor, and cherish you both. To never hold secrets that arent wonderful surprises. To never pull away from you without talking to you both first. And I promise to love our son and protect him as fiercely as I shall love and protect you both. She took a breath and then continued on. Three hearts entwined to beat as one. Three souls merged to live as one.

Linc and Arthur repeated the phrase to finish the vow from their original ceremony. Then Linc pulled Jo into his arms and kissed her until she felt like she was floating three inches off the floor. After he released her, he kissed Arthur just as passionately, then Arthur kissed her.

It was a perfect moment, just the three of them. And Jo knew it was true, and forever.

As Arthur plundered her mouth, she felt Linc move in behind her. Her wound was still healing, but she wanted thiswanted them, especially with Linc having returned to them. Her bodice slowly opened as Linc undid each small button down her back, then he tackled her skirts. All the while, Arthur distracted her with a deep, rapacious kiss. She loved it when these men allowed their passions to roam free. It inevitably led to great pleasure.

Once her skirts finally dropped to the floor, Arthur broke their kiss, and she turned to face Linc. She needed more of him. He welcomed her into his arms, though careful of her side, and captured her mouth in a searing kiss once more. Her heart skipped a beat as Arthur loosened her corset.

Leaving Jo in her chemise and pantaloons, Linc pulled back from their kiss. How is your side feeling?

Better every day.

Linc narrowed his gaze at her. But it still pains you?

It does, but I dont careI need you both. Worry that they would end things here and now had her stomach knotting for all the wrong reasons.

I need you two as well. Links words were a husky caress as he leaned in to kiss her again.

I think we can do this gently, Arthur offered.

They were both still fully clothed which absolutely could not continue, so Jo reached up and pushed Lincs coat off his shoulders. The candlelight bathed the room in a warm glow, and she was curious to see the way the light flickered over their bodies. She refused to be deterred. Fortunately, they both seemed willing enough so Linc aided her efforts to remove his clothing. Behind her, she could hear the rustle of Arthurs as he also disrobed.

By the time both men were nude, Jos body ached with need. Linc wrapped her in his arms and leaned down to capture one nipple in his mouth. As he sucked gently on her already sensitive tip through the soft cotton of her chemise, she heard Arthur move around behind them before Linc released her puckered nub and scooped her into his arms before he knelt down and gently deposited her on a bed of blankets.

Where on earth did these come from? Linc asked in obvious wonder.

Arthur smiled. You are not the only one who can plan ahead. I figured we would eventually wind up making love in here, so I had some thick blankets stashed in the old trunk under the window.

Jo smiled and readied herself for whatever came next. Linc kissed his way down her body, pushing her chemise up as he went. He tugged her pantaloons down and off her legs while Arthur reached helped her remove her chemise. Fully naked, she watched contentedly as Linc nudged her thighs wide and nestled between them. As his tongue speared through her slick folds, Arthur leaned over and sucked on one of her nipples as he plucked and strummed the other. Her body arched up gently, her side only allowing so much movementbut the pain of her movement melded with the pleasure Linc was delivering between her legs and the desire Arthur stirred higher up.

She truly was a lucky woman.

As Jo edged toward her first orgasm, Linc withdrew from between her legs. I want to feel you come wrapped around my cock.

Yes, please. Jo was a little surprised to hear the words out loud. She hadnt meant to say it aloud, though she knew her men would welcome such agreement. She looked at Arthur. Grab a pillow from the couch so I can suck your cock while he fucks me.

Arthur growled, low and hungry. Yes.

After a moment, her head was propped up and Linc was in position between her legs. As he slid inside of her, Arthur pressed the tip of his cock against her lips, then traced it along the seam. Open for me.

His commanding tone had her doing as he bid. Jo wanted this, gladly taking him in as Linc filled her up. The pair of them possessing her felt right, good, everything shed ever wanted.

As Linc slid in and out of her pussy, Arthur worked his cock in and out of her mouth, pushing deep into her throat. Jo loved it, reveled in the way she could please both her men.

When Linc reached down and strummed her clit with a finger, she found herself once more on the precipice of orgasm.

Thats it Jo. Take his cock in your sweet cunny while I fuck your pretty mouth. Arthurs dirty words pushed her over the edge and she moaned as the men fucked her good.

Linc stroked into her once more and then a final time before he came. He arched back a bit as he buried himself deep inside her pussy. She loved how it felt to have him inside her. Arthur withdrew from her mouth and waited for Linc to finish. Once Linc had pulled free of her body and fallen to the side, Arthur slid into place between her knees, and thrust inside of her.

Oh, Jo loved it, loved the feeling of needing more and knowing it was coming.

As Arthur sank inside her, Linc reached over and plucked at her hard nipples while Arthur shuttled in and out of her body at a steady yet gentle pace. Just like Linc, her second husband was taking care not to jostle her too much.

Arthur sank into her over and over. God, you feel good, Jo. I can feel Lincs seed inside you, making you so slippery for me. He pumped inside her and then slid out. Can you feel me? Feel the way I fill your sweet pussy up?

Yes, she moaned as a new orgasm built inside of her. Need had her hips thrusting up to meet his, but always the protector, Arthur pinned her down and refused to let her injure herself further. It was a tantalizing tease.

Hold still, Jo. Arthur pumped into her a little harder.

Linc sat up and reached down to where Arthur met her opening. He ran his fingers around where they were joined and gathered more moisture. Hold still Wood Sprite. He stroked over her swollen clit and her body became taught like a bow.

Jo panted as Linc stroked that little bundle of nerves while Arthur pumped into her, pouring more and more pleasure into her until finally, she shattered. Her body flew apart as wave after wave of pleasure buffeted her. Linc worked her clit as Arthur thrust and she couldnt control herself. As they continued to work her body together, her orgasm ebbed, but another built right behind it.

Thats it, love. Come again for us, Arthur commanded as he fucked her slowly but firmly.

Let go, Jo. Linc leaned over, sucking on her nipple as he stroked her clit once more.

Jos orgasm burst over her and she lost all sense of the here and now as a roar of pleasure sounded, breaking through her haze. Arthur was coming as well. He pumped into her as her release eased to gentle pulses of pleasure.

Beside her, Linc snuggled close until Arthur collapsed on her other side. Together they kissed her, one on each cheek, as they caught their breath. Jo lay there, knowing all was finally right in her world. Their world.

Three hearts entwined to beat as one. Three souls merged to live as one.

The End