Epilogue

Brighton, Three years later

Geoffrey and Serena sat in the dining room when their two-year-old son ran in, Nanny behind him. Serena’s eyes brightened at the sight of the dark-haired boy, and she lifted him to her lap.

“Papa.” His chubby finger pointed. “We tie?”

She gave him to Geoffrey, who always carried cord in his pockets, to show little Geoff another type of sailor knot. She watched them together and it always imbued her with a jolt of pride and love—precious moments.

The nanny sought to take the little boy who protested.

“Leave him a little while longer,” Geoffrey said. “I do not want to relinquish my time. However, dress him in warm clothing, and I will take him to the stables with me. I enjoy my moments with Geoff.”

He handed over the child, his mouth a pout, his eyes wet. “We will go see the horses, Geoff. You always like that. Go get your warm jacket.”

Geoff took his nanny’s hand. “Hurry.”

Geoffrey turned to his wife. “How are you feeling this morning, my dear?”

“Well-loved as usual, husband.” Her smile held a secret.

Serena went to him and sat in his lap, one leg slung over him, her backside wedged between his thighs, her arms around his neck. Her lips found his and teased. His response invited a prolonged tongue mating.

“Hmm. To what do I owe this pleasure? If you keep this up, we’ll never make it to the stables. What is it you want?”

“Geoffrey…” She raised one leg clad in calf tight boots. I will need new Hessians in a larger size.”

In her seductive ivory colored breeches, open white shirt and red scarf tied around her neck, having their baby made her more voluptuous than he ever could imagine. Her breasts swelled in the tight fitting shirt, her slim waist accentuated the curve of her hips. Her long legs encased within the taut fabric only added to her femininity. Everything about her allured.

“Why in a larger size?”

“My feet tend to swell when I am pregnant.”

“A baby? We are to have another child? What a dunce I am.” Geoffrey smothered her face with kisses. He held her gently and dislodged her from his lap. He placed Serena in her chair with great care and stared at her. “When?” His excitement was contagious.

“In six months, around Christmastime. Are you happy, Geoffrey?”

“Who could ask for a better present?” He gazed at his wife, his face aglow with adoration, “I would wish it to be a girl so you could have someone to fuss over, as I do with our son. I love you so much.”

She reached to touch his face.

He got to his knees and placed his head on her belly. “Sleep, my child. You are already well-loved.”

“Why do you look pensive?” Serena placed her hand over his.

“I have come to the realization you are the only woman who satisfies me all the time—in every way. I could not imagine a life without you.”

Her smile beamed. “We have earned our happiness, Geoffrey.”

A sudden rush of noise announced the arrival of Adonis as he skittered on the shiny marble floors and came to greet them. He went to Geoffrey first to paw at his boot. He looked at Serena and sat, waiting for her to pet him.

Little Geoff and Nanny returned.

“Go, Papa.” Geoff rubbed Adonis’s head.

“Serena, I have something to show you. Put on something warm and we all will go.” He winked at her.

She took her cape and placed it over her shoulders.

“Come, Adonis.” Geoffrey took his son’s hand and placed an arm around Serena’s shoulder.

Inside the stable, Geoffrey stopped. “Stay here,” he instructed Geoff and Serena.

He walked to a stall and brought out a beautiful bay pony, and shared the reins with his son. “Do you like him? He’s yours.”

“Yes, Papa. Ride with you and Mama now?”

“In due time, son.”

Serena embraced her husband, the reformed rake, who cherished his family above all. Could she have ever dreamed for more?