Page 90 of A Temporary Bride for the Duke

The Earl blinked, utterly stunned by the timeline. “A month? Your Grace, the preparations?—”

“I will take care of everything,” Edmund countered smoothly, rising to his full, towering height and pulling Daisy up gracefully along with him. His grip on her hand did not loosen by a fraction. “I intend to make Daisy my wife without any further delay.”

Daisy’s breath hitched at the sheer, commanding certainty in his voice.

My wife.

The words sent a thrilling tremor straight down her spine.

Edmund turned back to Daisy, his gaze lingering on her mouth for a heavy, scorching second before he lifted her hand to his lips. He pressed a warm, lingering kiss directly against her knuckles, his eyes never leaving hers.

“I shall leave you to rest,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a low tone that was meant only for her. “I have matters to secure for us. But I will return for you soon.”

Daisy nodded, her heart hammering in her chest, entirely incredulous at the swift, beautiful storm her life had become. “Thank you, Edmund. For everything.”

“You are very welcome, my dear,” he whispered.

With a final, sharp nod to the Earl, Edmund swept from the room. Daisy stood entirely still, staring at the empty doorway in his wake.

Her heart overflowed with breathless joy as she realized she was finally, beautifully safe.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Edmund rode home, feeling better than he had in ages. The feeling of restlessness that had assailed him since he’d broken off with Daisy was completely gone.

He looked forward to seeing his son if only to tell him that he would see Daisy again. He knew he wasn’t the only one suffering from her absence. The carriage came to a stop, and he jumped out, not waiting for the coachman to open the door for him. He took the stairs two at a time and opened the door on his own.

Stepping into the house, he noted how well lighted it was as compared to Daisy’s home.

I cannot wait to get her out of there.

“Papa!”

He looked up and saw Harry standing on the stairs, looking at him in surprise. He began to descend slowly, supporting himself on the banister. “Where have you been?”

“I’m sorry I went out without telling you. I had something urgent to do.”

“Oh.” Harry walked up and hugged him. “I looked for you in your study, but you weren’t there.”

“I was out.”

Harry nodded. “I wanted you to read to me before bed.”

Edmund smiled. “Of course.” He bent down and picked up his son. “Let us adjourn to your nursery.”

Harry put his hand around Edmund’s neck, smiling widely. His cheeks were rosy with happiness. Edmund watched him with regret. It had been almost a month since he’d read to Harry.

I’ve really been negligent.

He tightened his hold on Harry as they ascended all three floors to his nursery. It took the entire length of the third floor. There was his bed chamber, which was divided into his bedroom, bathing space, school room and then a roomful of toys where he could play to his heart’s content.

Edmund wondered if he and Daisy would have more children and how that might change things with Harry. He lowered his son to his feet and then squatted down so they were the same height.

“Harry? I have something to tell you.”

Harry looked intently at him. “What is it?”

“Well, you remember Daisy?”