Page 61 of A Rogue to Reform

Grant held up his drink. “I am happy to say and admittedly jealous that one of us has the complete amount required for their portion.”

He looked at Evan and, in that moment, Evan considered that perhaps he’d explained his father paying his portion incorrectly. Had Grant misunderstood?

“Congratulations, Evan.” Grant held up his glass. “My father is excited at the prospect that you are putting my sister’s dowry to such good use.”

It took a moment for the information to sink in. “What?”

“My sister told Father about your plans, and he is eager to see what happens. According to him, he trusts that with the profits, Felicity will never want for anything.”

“Hear! Hear!” his friends exclaimed, toasting, and all seeming genuinely happy for him.

“I have to admit to not expecting to have my portion,” Evan said. “I had asked my father to be your partner in my absence if I could not come up with the entire amount in time.”

His heart felt light. Despite the fact that the dowry was rightfully his, Evan would pay back every single cent upon the return of the ship.

When Evan arrived home, he found Felicity in the newly finished sitting room. He walked in and looked around, appreciating the transformation of the space.

“Once the parlor is completed, you can invite your friends over here for drinks and whatever it is you usually did,” Felicity said, motioning for him to join her. A table had been set up for them to dine, and he expected it meant the dining room and parlor were next on the list to be updated.

Closing the distance, he pressed a kiss to her lips.

She caressed his jawline and deepened the kiss. His wife, ever so eager. They pulled apart when Rosalie walked in to ask if they wished for anything.

“Your study will be the first room upstairs to be redecorated,” Felicity said. “I suppose we will have to move to the other side of the house while all that takes place.”

Evan took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “What do you think of having a sitting room adjacent to our room?”

For some reason, he became nervous at showing her the room he had redecorated. What if she hated everything about it? With everything happening so soon, he’d not taken the time to get a woman’s opinion on it. Other than Grant, who declared it “suitable,” he’d been the only one to see it. He supposed he could have asked Rosalie.

“It would be lovely to have a room to spend time in,” Felicity said. “Especially when I wish to remain upstairs if you have business visitors or such.”

He considered it for a long moment. “I think I will have my study relocated downstairs. The empty sitting room on the opposite side of the entry. What do you think?”

A chuckle escaped. “It will be a perfect vantage point for when our children try to sneak in and out. You will be in your study and I in here.”

“Children?” Evan’s breath caught. Certainly it was too soon for her to be with child.

Felicity gave him a droll look. “Do not faint. I mean in the future when we decide to have children.”

Obviously, she did not understand that they had little say in when children were created. However, it was a conversation he’d allow her mother or his to have with Felicity. Instead, he pulled her to stand. “I wish to thank you. Today, Grant told us about your request that your father release your dowry. I will use it for the investment but will repay every cent back to your father.”

“My father does not need the money. He’s had it in a trust my whole life. It was specifically set aside for when I married.”

He wasn’t sure what to think or do. “What if I return it to you then?”

“It was not mine in the first place. Evan, it is my wedding gift to you. Please accept it. I have nothing else to offer.”

Pulling her close, he nuzzled her neck. “On the contrary, you minx. You are priceless to me.”

“Evan!” Felicity exclaimed, her hands flying to cup his face. “You spoil me with such beautiful words.”

“Come,” he said, pulling her to the stairwell.

When she giggled, he turned. “It is not what you think. I have something to show you.”

“Oh poo.” Felicity pouted. “Can you show me bereft of clothes?”

Norman cleared his throat and Felicity turned, her cheeks turning pink. “Sorry, Norman, I did not know you were there.”