Where to Woo a Bawdy Baron (Romancing the Rake 3)

“Why’s that?” he asked, his brows drawing together.

She shook her head. “I shan’t tell you until after the wedding.”

That made his brow rise. “Why not?”

“You’ve already taken my maidenhead. I can’t frighten you away now.”

He rolled on top of her again, kissing her long and slow. “I love you, Bianca. Nothing will scare me away now.”

She ran a hand over his brow and down his cheek. “I love you too.”

“How soon will your father allow us to marry?”

“Ophelia and Rathmore are marrying inside of the month,” she said. “I’m sure we can do the same.”

His thumb traced the curve of her lip. “Start planning the wedding.”

“And what will you do?”

“Find us a home. I can’t take you away from your family now. I’ve only just joined.”

She kissed him again. “Let’s marry on the front lawn, overlooking the ocean. Do you think sunrise is too early?”

“Not for me. I think it sounds perfect.”

Epilogue

One month later…

Bianca walked toward Chris, the first rays of morning sun just touching her back. She wore a new gown that was a soft violet color. It floated about her legs even as the breeze ruffled a few loose strands of her hair. Her father held her hand in the crook of his arm as Juliet gave a jaw-splitting yawn.

She nearly giggled. She’d convinced her family to have her early morning wedding but not everyone had been happy about rising before the sun.

In fact, a few of her sisters had been rather adamant that the ceremony take place at a more respectable time. She wasn’t certain but she suspected Chris had stood behind her, glowering at them until they all stopped complaining, which was fine by her. Let them think he was scary. She knew better.

Right now, he didn’t look frightening at all. In fact, a large grin split his face as he reached his hand for hers.

Her father leaned over even as he gave her fingers a gentle pat. “Wonderful job, Bianca. I’m so proud of you.”

“Really,” she asked, reaching for Chris even as she looked to her father. “You think so?”

“That man loves you with his whole heart.” Her father gave her a small wink. “I’m so happy for you.”

She stepped up next to Chris, the rest of their guests melting away. Rathmore was there, along with his cousin, the Marquess of Hartwell, and of course, Dashwood and Crestlane. But three new guests had also arrived. The Baron of Balstead and his sister along with the Duke of Danesbury had arrived. That had been a comedy that she’d remember for a very long time.

But she didn’t

want to think about them now. Because in front of her was the man of her dreams and he’d begun to say his vows. “I promise to love honor and cherish you until death do us part.”

Her hands shook in his as she repeated the same line.

The vicar lifted his, saying, “You may kiss the bride.”

Chris pulled her close and a loud cheer rose as his lips covered hers. She opened her eyes to see the bright orange globe cresting the morning sky. “There it is.” She pointed. “The start of a brand new day.”

He wrapped his arms about her waist. “You are the start of my brand new day.”

Dashlane scoffed next to him. “Who knew that your stoic façade covered such a mushy man?”