When a Lady Deceives (Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service) (33 page)

Epilogue

Cloistered within the carriage conveying them to their town house after an evening’s excursion to the theater, Matthew drew his bride close. Jennie rested her head against his shoulder, jolting against him as Bertram drove the carriage at his typical breakneck pace.

They couldn’t get home fast enough to suit Matthew. At times like these, when happiness breached the shell he’d erected so many years ago, he wanted Jennie in his arms.

His wife. His lover. The woman he adored.

She was his now. And forever.

Jennie’s eccentric, loving brood had taken to him, every last one, welcoming him as the newest member of their family. He’d felt the warmth in her father’s firm handshake as he gave his blessing to their union and witnessed her mother’s joy when Jennie became his bride one snowy evening, nine weeks after she had quite literally fallen into his arms.

The children they’d brought into their home, their lives, and their hearts, brightened each day. Douglas was rapidly developing his quick, vibrant wit and had acquired a voracious appetite for the written word, while Sally had blossomed into a bright-eyed, mischievous imp of a girl who emulated Jennie’s every move.

Jennie had brought love and happiness and an unflagging sense of courage to his life. His bride’s touch and smile brought him pleasure, joy he’d long believed he would never deserve. When she looked at him, love lit her sparkling emerald eyes. And her laughter—ah, the sweet sound warmed his heart.

Christ, he wanted to get her alone. She’d be fortunate to make it through the bedroom door before he tore her clothes from her luscious body.

He dipped his head, cupped her chin and kissed her. “I love you, Jennie Colton. Once I get you behind closed doors, I’m going to show you exactly how much.”

“Promise?” The single word held a hopeful lilt.

He kissed her again. Hungrily. Thoroughly. Until her cheeks were flushed and her eyes went as wide as the first time he’d claimed her lips.

“Perhaps I’ll run you a bath. I may need to thoroughly convince you.”

“Most wicked. And utterly tempting.” Her eyes flashed a blend of desire and mischief. “I’ve decided I do need convincing. I trust your arguments will be most persuasive.”

Framing her face in his hands, he savored the taste of her lips. The finest delicacy could not compare. Blood surged to his groin. It would be a miracle if they made it to their bed before he stripped her bare.

“So that’s how it is. You require me to be wicked.”

The love in her eyes melded with the heat of desire. Her sweet lips curved, luring him like a siren’s song. “Extremely wicked, darling. Tonight, and every night.”

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Acknowledgments

First, I’d like to express my admiration for pioneering female journalists like Nellie Bly and Ida Tarbell. Years before women had the right to vote, their crusading spirit, intelligence, and guts paved the way for women in investigative journalism. Their work is an enduring inspiration.

Thank you to my wonderful husband, Greg. Your support, encouragement, and willingness to pick up a pizza when I’m in my writing cave mean the world to me.

Heartfelt thanks to authors Barbara Bettis, Tracey Devlyn, Eliza Knight, Ashlyn Macnamara, Lane McFarland, Renee Ann Miller, Averil Reisman, Kathleen Bittner Roth, and Tess St. John for your perceptive feedback and encouragement through the years. I truly value your keen insights, dedication to the craft of writing, and friendship.

A special, hug-filled thank you to author Kathleen Bittner Roth. Your honesty, encouragement, friendship, and wisdom have been true blessings in my life.

Thanks and appreciation to my wonderful editor, Erin Molta. Your terrific insights and suggestions have helped me bring Jennie and Matthew to their happily-ever-after.

To the Entangled staff and fellow Entangled authors, thank you for the warm welcome I have received. Much appreciated!

And last, but certainly not least, a very special thank you to my readers. I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me on Facebook, Twitter, or through my website at
www.tarakingston.com
.

About the Author

Award-winning author
Tara Kingston
writes historical romance laced with intrigue, danger, and adventures of the heart. A Southern-belle-out-of-water in a quaint Pennsylvania town, she lives her own love story with her real-life hero in a cozy Victorian. The mother of two sons, Tara’s a former librarian whose love of books is evident in her popping-at-the-seams bookcases. It goes without saying that Tara’s husband is thankful for the invention of digital books, thereby eliminating the need for yet another set of shelves. When she’s not writing, reading, or burning dinner, Tara enjoys cycling, hiking, and cheering on her favorite football team.

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