Earl of Sussex (Wicked Lords of London 0.50)

The duke crossed out several lines on the contract and scrolled above them. Then he passed the papers to Luke. Scanning the document, he signed his name. It was done.

“I should have added as a provision that you aid me in future negotiations. I know you’ve done well for yourself.” The duke signed his own name, his features softening.

“I doubt you need my help, Your Grace. But as your son-in-law, I will do so anytime.”

“Call me, Henry, son.” Waverly stood and extended his hand. “Welcome to the family.”

“He did what?” Tabbie tried to close her mouth but it refused to shut. Her father had called him son? Allowed Luke to call him Henry? Only her mother and the Prince Regent used his given name.

He reached for her hand. “The lack of intimacy will be difficult, but at least we will be together.”

She sniffed. “I’ve no intention of following that rule.”

“Tabbie,

I gave my word.” Luke pulled her closer. His smell tickled her nose in the most delightful way. She’d never tire of the feel of him, the smell.

“Actually, you agreed that you wouldn’t visit my room, you never said you wouldn’t entertain me in yours.” She wrapped her arms around his neck.

He dropped his lips to her hair. “My scheming moon goddess,” he murmured chuckling. “Leave it to you to find the loophole.”

Leaning back she gave him a brilliant smile. “Thank you for making this right with my father and for understanding my fears. I don’t know what more I could have asked for in a husband.”

He bent down to press his lips to hers. As usual, all thought left her head at the touch of his lips. “I am afraid you will have to suffer my absence occasionally.”

“Why?” She hated the worry in her voice.

“I’ve decided to take a more active role in parliament. I know we will move to my country estate, but I’m sure you’ll want to continue your work and I can’t help you if I’m not part of the government.”

Her eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open again. Then her lips found his and nothing else mattered. “I love you,” she finally managed to whisper.

“And I you, my moon goddess.”

Epilogue

Tabbie lay in bed, warm and snug despite the driving rain soaking the London streets. They’d come to the city far earlier than intended. Parliament didn’t begin for another month, but Luke didn’t want to wait any longer to make the journey.

Not with their second child on the way.

Luke stirred behind her. She turned her face to give her husband a smile. “It’s time to get up. I just heard the clock chime seven.”

He groaned. “I’m not going out today. I am staying in bed with my wife.”

“You promised my father you’d aid him in the negotiations.” But she snuggled deeper. His hands were splayed out across her belly as he kissed her neck.

“Papa,” little Henry called from the door. “Mama?”

“Come in, darling,” she called and pulled back the covers for their son to join them. He was nearly three and the spitting image of his father.

He scooted into the bed with them. “It’s waining,” he gave them a sleepy smile as he too snuggled deeper.

“That decides it,” Luke rumbled behind her. “I declare this day a Sussex family holiday. We’re staying in bed, the lot of us.”

Tabbie smiled, leaning back to kiss her husband. He’d made good on each of his promises. In the four years they’d been married, they’d never spent a night apart. Not even in her father’s house. No matter where they were, London, Norfolk, Scotland, his eyes were for her alone. Her fears had died some time ago.

A carriage rumbled on the street below. Henry hopped from the bed and ran to the window. “It’s Grandpapa!” He danced a little jig and ran for the door.

“What in the bloody blue blazes is your father doing here at seven in the morning?” Luke groused behind her, still holding her against his body, his hands searching for baby parts across her belly.