Abigail threw her arms around his neck, afraid to lose her chance at happiness. “Maybe he’ll change his mind by the time you come back from London.”
His arms tightened. “I’m not leaving Brighton until you’re mine,” he murmured against her ear. “Who knows what scandals you’ll embark on if I’m not here to distract you?”
She laughed and drew him closer. “There is nothing to fear. I’ve saved all my scandalous plans for you.”
David returned her embrace, his warm hands cradling her against him.
Afraid their time alone was short, she raised her head and kissed his lips hungrily, hoping to remind him of the passion they had shared last night and what was to come when they were married.
When he drew back, Abigail had successfully rumpled him.
“I should go before someone else walks in.” He glanced around, guilt clear in his expression. “But hold onto that feeling until we’re married. No more sneaking into my house.”
Abigail pouted. “If you insist, but it will not be easy to stay away.”
He kissed her again, a deep drugging kiss that went on and on. He lifted his head and began to laugh. “Abigail, what would I do without you? I am the luckiest of men, but I want everyone to know it before the next time you’re in my bed for I doubt I’ll let you out again.”
Abigail laughed with him, but she also plotted her next scandalous adventure in his arms. The idea of never leaving his bed was very appealing.
EPILOGUE
Waves crashed and fell in a steady rhythm along the shoreline of their swimming spot, but David didn’t pay them any attention. His heart pulsed with a different rhythm now, part panic, part exhilaration. Abigail would be his wife. He just had to convince her stubborn brother it was in everyone’s best interests without revealing the extent of the relationship. Abigail had already seduced him and he’d taken advantage of her too. There was only one course of action he could take. “I haven’t changed my mind. I won’t.”
Beside him, Peter Watson let out an exaggerated huff. “How could you possibly marry her?”
“The better question is how could I not want to? She’s lovely, sweet, intelligent, and makes me far happier than I’ve ever been. There is no one else.”
And there never would be. He was quite certain it was Abigail or no one. He’d be a bachelor until his last breath without her.
The frown on Peter Watson’s face grew. “She hasn’t a penny.”
David shook his head. “Money plays no part in this.”
“It does for some of us,” Peter said somewhat mulishly.
David sighed as he realized the real cause of Peter’s objection. David wanted to marry Abigail because he loved her, whereas Peter would marry an heiress he didn’t love for money. If David didn’t know Miss George so well, he might have felt some pity for Peter. But Miss George was capable of great passion, as proved by her many stories. The man just needed to discover it for himself.
He tried another tack. “I understand you’re surprised by this turn of events. In truth, I never imagined I would propose to Abigail when I first arrived in Brighton. But I love her and I will not leave without making her my wife. I’ve written my business partner and have taken leave from my duties in London until we are married.”
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Peter’s eyes narrowed to slits. “You’d make that big a sacrifice?”
David worked to suppress a smile as he thought of last night. “Waiting for Abigail is no sacrifice.”
“Hawke,” Valentine Merton called.
David glanced behind and spotted his friend picking his way across the rocks to reach them. He waved. “Where have you been?”
“I was up late and slept late as a consequence.” Valentine gave him an amused look. “Saw another fascinating constellation last night. It seems the night sky is growing more and more interesting every time I view it.”
David suppressed a groan. Valentine had seen him and Abigail together again in the garden. “Never fear, I was just discussing the matter with Peter.”
“Liar. We were not discussing the damn stars.” Peter gestured at David angrily. “This fool thinks to wed my sister and I don’t believe they’ll suit.”
“Congratulations, Hawke,” Valentine said instantly, slapping David on the shoulder. “He’s a lucky fellow, Watson, not a fool. Oh, and congratulations to you too. My sisters have just finished relaying the news that it’s all set between you and Miss George. They say she is utterly delighted.”
Peter scowled.