The Duke's Temptation (32 page)

Epilogue

Elizabeth moved through the hall in search of Phoebe, resisting the urge to waddle. No matter what Gabe said, she would never believe one’s husband found it attractive when his wife possessed such a duck-like quality.

However, in her own defense, it wasn’t her that caused the uneven gait, but rather the sizable being who had seized her body.

She smiled—and if possible, would have skipped. Not even her lack of sensual appeal could destroy the satisfaction at carrying Gabe’s future son or daughter.

So much had changed in the last eight months. Once she had agreed to his proposal, Gabe had obtained a special license so fast it had been impossible for her to doubt his commitment to their future. From there it had taken only a fortnight to become the Duchess of Wesbrook.

Most of the time leading up to their nuptials had been spent convincing Marcus not to kill Gabe. Not counting the moments they’d come to blows, it had gone quite well and her brother had eventually realized being married to Gabe would make her life complete.

What I have dreamed of since I was nine.

Not only had she gained a husband, but she could finally claim Phoebe as a daughter. Something her sweet girl had supported wholeheartedly. Enough to dance up and down the aisle of the chapel.

Elizabeth finally maneuvered her rounded figure into Phoebe’s room. But the sight of her daughter’s visitor kept her from declaring her presence. For sitting on the rug across from their child was Gabe—playing with a doll.

She had to bite her lip to keep her laughter inside. Who would have guessed the ever rakish and slightly dangerous Duke of Wesbrook could do such a first-rate falsetto when pretending to be a doll?

A snicker burst from her, unable to be contained any longer.

Two pair of eyes—one a warm brown, the other a deep blue—landed on her. The flushed color that rose in Gabe’s cheek caused her snicker to spiral into a full-bodied laugh.

“Do you find something amusing, wife?”

She wrestled her laughter under control enough to speak. “Not at all. Just enjoying my good fortune.”

A sexy grin replaced his blush. “And what fortune is that? Having such a wonderful husband?”

“No. I was actually thinking of the new stable you’ll be building me.”

His brow furrowed. “Stable?”

She stepped into the room. “Yes, my stable. The very stable you swore you’d build me if you were to ever play with dolls. If I recall correctly, the largest stable in England filled with the best mounts.”

He vaulted to his feet, and moving faster than she’d ever seen, grabbed her around her extended waist to pull her flush with his body.

Well, as flush as her protruding tummy would allow.

“I’m glad to see becoming the Duchess of Wesbrook hasn’t made you lose your impish ways.”

She grinned at him. “Oh, don’t worry, husband. I’ll never cease finding ways to tempt you.”

He lowered his head and whispered against her lips, “I wouldn’t have it any other way, Minx.”