“You should have had more faith in me, sweetheart.”
“How could I? You were so secretive about your intent.” Drawing back her fist, she lightly punched his shoulder. “You could have warned me what you were about. Offering my father a title was the perfect solution.”
“I didn’t want to disappoint you if I failed.”
“Jack … the only thing that disappointed me—that terrified me—was that you no longer wanted me.”
“Impossible. I’ve wanted you since I first laid eyes on you, and nothing could ever change that.”
“Except my marriage to the duke.” Sophie’s expression sobered at the reminder that Jack had saved her from a bleak future. “If not for you, I likely would be married to Dunmore by now.”
She shuddered at the thought. Her life would have been so gray and dreary and colorless without Jack. He was brilliant shades of color, bursting with life, with flavor. He had challenged and provoked and seduced her, not just physically but emotionally. He’d led her to confront her parents, and most importantly, he’d made her realize that she had to fulfill her own dreams, not anyone else’s, no matter how laudable they might be.
Seeing Jack’s gaze darken at the mention of the duke, Sophie hastened to add, “But that is all in the past. I love you, Jack, and I want you for my husband.”
“And I want you for my wife, darling Sophie. I’ve been searching for you all my life.”
At his incredible admission, Sophie reached up to thread her arms around his neck. It was impossible to express the joy she was feeling just now. The joy, the wonder, the gratitude. Jack was an amazing man, a true kindred spirit, and she loved him dearly.
Yet he still made no move to kiss her again, much to her regret. Instead, he seemed bent on discussing their immediate plans. “I trust you don’t want a large wedding, since I mean for us to wed by special license. Tomorrow if possible.”
“So soon?”
“I would like for Prince Raoul to attend the ceremony. His surgery is arranged for the day after tomorrow, and it would mean a great deal to him to see us marry.”
“I am glad you have forgiven your father,” Sophie said softly.
“Amazingly enough, I am also.” Jack slowly shook his head. “I never in my life thought I would say this, but I am eager to fulfill his fondest wish.”
“And what is that?”
“Prince Raoul wants grandchildren.”
Her heart warming, she smiled at Jack’s desire to begin their own family. “You won’t regret not ruling his country?” she asked.
Jack’s reply was unequivocal. “Never. The titles of prince and princess will only be honorary. Even so, you will always be a princess to me. If I recall, you were dressed as one that first night I saw you.”
“And you were the pirate who stole my heart.”
“It was the other way around, I assure you.” His chuckle held a husky note. “Skye and Kate predicted my downfall that night, but the odds against it were not
very long. My ancestors were famous for their amorous affairs, including my great-uncle Philip, who started this entire bloody clash with the Fortins. And you know about my mother. What you may not know is that Skye and Quinn’s parents caused a great scandal in their day. My Uncle Lionel stole my Aunt Angelique from the arms of a rival.”
“I didn’t realize that.”
“It’s true. And when we Wildes succumb, we love passionately and for life.” Reaching up, Jack cupped her cheek in his palm. “My capitulation wasn’t dependent on a legend or a Shakespearean play, however. You were the reason I fell in love, sweet, precious Sophie.” His gazed softened. “How could I help but love you? I feel joy just being with you. I feel pleasure at the sound of your voice …”
Her heart filled to overflowing, Sophie tightened her arms around his neck. “I think you should suit action to words and show me how much you love me.”
Surprisingly, Jack declined. “Not until we are safely wed.”
“Must we really wait?”
“I fear so. Access to your aunt’s London house is not as convenient as her country estate.” Jack’s eyes lit with a provocative glint, giving her a glimpse of the charming rogue again. There was a devil simmering in his eyes, the same wicked gleam that had attracted her from the very first.
“If I tried to climb up to your bedroom window here,” he explained, “I would run the risk of getting caught. And your father would no doubt object vehemently, which could lead to a new feud for another three generations.”
“Heaven forbid.”