Damian understood his son’s reaction perfectly. He never wanted to leave her arms either.
“How soon until they arrive?” Cassandra asked for the third time that hour.
“Any minute now,” he answered his grin soft as he stroked her back. “Your impatience will not make them come any faster.”
It was near Christmastide and it had been decided that Balstead and his new bride would come to their home for the holiday. Which meant Chase and Ophelia had decided to come along with Hartwell and Juliet.
Naturally, the other sisters couldn’t bear to be parted from their family and so the entire Moorish clan was going to attend along with their husbands.
Damian shook his head. He’d have never believed a year ago that he’d be having a big family celebration for Christmastide and he’d certainly never imagined that he’d be happy about it.
But those men had become his brothers over the last year and their wives Cassandra’s sisters.
He’d found in them a family he’d never thought he’d have again.
“How old is Craven and Bianca’s daughter?” He reached out a hand and stroked his son’s temple.
“Two months.” She smiled. “And hopefully up for the short journey here.”
He nodded as he kissed his wife’s temple. “Thank goodness we’re building a summer cottage near by the Moorish property.”
Cassandra raised an eyebrow. “Summer cottage?” They’d begun construction this past summer. “It’s the largest house you own.” Then her grin grew. “And it’s near Christmastide and we’ve yet to return to London.”
He shrugged. He no longer needed the anonymity that London provided. He found with Cassandra by his side, people had all but stopped seeing his scar. Or perhaps he just didn’t care any longer.
Hooves on the drive made them both snap up their heads. “They’re here,” Cassandra called as she gave him a wide smile. “I’m so glad we’ll all be together for the holiday.”
“Me too, love,” he answered as they crossed the foyer to the door.
It had no more opened and a burst of lords, ladies, and babies flooded into their hall. Well, only one other baby, but both Ophelia and Juliet were expecting.
Damian stood back for a moment as everyone hugged and chatted away.
Mr. Moorish entered the hall last, stepping up to Damian to shake his hand. “Thank you for your hospitality.”
“Thank you for coming.” Damian liked this man more than he could say. His kindness was a balm that had soothed
the few wounds Cassandra had yet to address.
Mr. Moorish gave him an open grin as he looked around. “Construction is going well.”
“Indeed,” Damian answered with a wink. “It’ll cost me a small fortune by the time I’m through.”
Mr. Moorish pumped his hand. “Worry not. It’s money well invested. Seabridge Gate will provide for your family the way it’s provided for mine. You’ll see.”
His heart expanded as he looked about, then Damian gave a single nod. He never wanted to be anywhere else.
Earl of Gold
Lords of Scandal
Tammy Andresen
Why did he need love if he had gold?
The Earl of Goldthwaite had spent his entire adult life accumulating wealth. It was his life’s goal to never end up as his father had, penniless and rotting in some debtor’s prison. He has no time for such silly notions as love or romance. When he eventually marries, he’ll find a nice heiress to increase his holdings. But when Miss Penny Walters waltzes into his life, he knows she’s all wrong for him. As poor as her name implies, she’s nothing that he wanted. Just another woman attempting to part him from his gold. So why can’t he look away?
Who needed gold when her heart was rich with love?