Page 57 of His One and Only Lady

Not anymore. She had him now—would always have him if he could persuade her to marry him.

He laughed, the unfettered laughter of pure joy.

He loved Purity with a love that defied human definition.

That very first day, when his eyes met hers for the first time, his soul had recognized what it had taken his mind much longer to acknowledge.

Theran had loved Imogene. Very much. She’d been his first love. Theran hadn’t believed he could ever love so profoundly again. But despite his anger toward the Almighty and that he didn’t deserve it, God had granted him a deep, pure, abiding love.

It was a glorious sensation that rejuvenated his soul, invigorated his spirit, and gave him hope for his future. A future with Purity and Bernadine. Hopefully, a future with more children.

Theran pressed the latch and entered the shadowy cottage. It must be close to half-past five, and with the trees shading it, little sunlight filtered into the building. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim interior.

“Purity?”

A slight movement near the fireplace drew his attention.

She looked around the side of the chair, her magnificent hair framing her face and looking so vulnerable, his heart ached for her. “I just needed a little time by myself.” Her gaze sank to her hand resting on the chair’s arm. “I’m sorry, Theran.”

In an instant, he was before her. Dropping to a knee, Theran cradled her cheek in his palm. “You’ve absolutely nothing to be sorry for. Nothing.”

She’d been crying. Pools of fern-green framed by spiky, sooty lashes peered back at him.

“I should have stayed—braved it out.” She glanced away for a moment. “I never thought of myself as a coward, but when they said…”

“Shh, darling.” Theran kissed her temple as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “You and I know it’s not true. That’s what matters.”

“Your family…” She pushed her hair over her shoulder.

“Will believe what I tell them. Besides, my mother and brother know Athena’s and Albertina’s characters well. They were perpetually unkind to my wife.”

Purity searched his eyes, hers soft at the edges with unnamed emotion. “We should go back. The children…”

“They are well taken care of.” It was Theran’s turn to hesitate. “Purity…?”

What if she didn’t feel the same way?

Other than the time he’d almost kissed her after Ceddes’ attack, he’d never hinted at his budding feelings. He’d presumed it was too soon. But now…Theran didn’t know how he’d keep from telling her how she’d enchanted him. Had stolen bits and pieces of his heart until he’d not been able to keep from falling in love with her.

Well, there was no rush.

He could be patient.

Theran would simply woo her and, in time, convince Purity to marry him.

Lips slightly parted, Purity angled her head. “Yes?”

He dropped his focus to her mouth, and as if sensing his intent, her tongue darted out and dampened the plump pillows.

“I’m going to kiss you,” he whispered when his mouth was a fraction from hers.

“You are?”

“I am. If you allow it.”

“I…I do.”

Grazing his mouth over hers, Theran tasted the velvety, honeyed sweetness of her lips.