Bridget stared at the tiny silver fox. It was more than likely part of the crest from his mother’s family. A family Stephen had never known.
He was a grown man, but the pain of a lifetime of rejection hung heavy in his words. Stephen had finally, hopefully, seen sense and decided that a life with her was worth living.
But she wasn’t going to yield that easily. He was not the only one who had suffered from having their love thrown back at them—from being rejected.
“And you think because you suddenly decide that you want a family that I should just accept your decision? Because it takes more than just saying ‘that’s mine’ for it to become true.”
She could blame her emotions on the baby growing inside her. On the sudden and quite overwhelming mood swings she had been experiencing. But this was more than just a pregnancy thing. A shy, tentative smile appeared on his face.
“Well, I am your husband,” he offered.
Bridget shook her head. “But not a very good one. Believe me, I have had more than enough experience to be able to claim authoritative knowledge of what constitutes a terrible spouse. If you can’t bring all that you are with you to this home, Stephen, and I mean more than just your things, you don’t deserve to be here.”
Please. Please. Step up and be the man I need. I have so much love to give you.
“You have my all. And that includes my love. I love you, Bridget.” There was rapture on his face as Stephen spoke the word which had eluded him for a lifetime. Love.
And then he smiled. She swore it stretched a mile. He brushed a hand on her cheek. Through a glassy haze of tears, she met his gaze. Tears shone in his eyes.
Oh, sweet lord, he is crying too.
“I mean it. I love you, Lady Bridget Moore. My wife. My heart. I will do everything I can from this day forward to be worthy of your love.”
She sniffled. “What makes you think I love you? You are nothing but a rogue. How could any sensible woman fall for a man such as you?”
Stephen laid a hand on his wife’s pregnant belly and whispered, “Because when it comes to me, you can’t resist. You never could.” He drew her into his arms. “Say you will give me a chance to be worthy of your love. I will never take it for granted.”
“My love for you is precious. I am trusting you to keep it safe.”
He lowered his lips to hers, sealing their pact with a tender kiss. Held safe in her husband’s embrace, Bridget exalted. She had won. Her rogue was finally hers.
I am never letting you go.