A Duke in Time--The Widow Rules by Janna MacGregor

Author:Janna MacGregor
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

* * *

Christian studied her hand. So small compared to his, but hers had the strength to comfort. When she’d said she was happy he was home, he might have fallen a little bit in love with her.

He shook his head slightly to clear the sickly-sweet cobwebs he was experiencing.

It was all nonsense. He’d never fallen in love with anyone before, but somehow, someway, she had invoked all these wants and desires to come rushing to the surface, begging for viability.

For God’s sake, her words were simple and pure. Nothing more. She was happy he’d returned home.

Yet they held power over him. Even if his immediate family had been alive, there wasn’t much chance they would have been happy to see him return. Not that they’d wish him gone, but they probably wouldn’t have even noticed.

He huffed silently. To spend any more time on such notions proved he was a nodcock loon. Christian vowed to put away all those ridiculous thoughts and concentrate on the task at hand, then finish cataloguing Meri’s correspondence. That’s what he was here for. Not to fall in love.

He chanced a discreet glance Katherine’s way. Her skin glowed, and she held herself at ease. He’d always found he preferred people who were comfortable with their own company. And with her, he was relaxed without the need of formality. They could even sit and enjoy each other’s company without conversation.

He cleared his throat and continued to gently rub her hand. He hadn’t stopped since he’d taken her hand in his.

To touch her nurtured something deep inside that he’d always wanted but never dared hoped to find. Contentment. Acceptance. Someone who saw him as a human and not just their heir, or their guarantor in Meri’s case.

What it all boiled down to was that he wanted someone to put him first in their life. Because with that person, he’d do the same.

“Your friend Lady Woodhaven mentioned a few things about your marriage to my half brother … but I’d like to hear it from you.”

She shrugged. “There’s not much to tell. Your brother came into my shop one day, and we were married three weeks later. It was a whirlwind courtship.”

“Did you love him?” The words trailed to nothing, and for a moment, Christian didn’t think she’d answer. He stared, waiting for her to say something. Eventually, the silence grew tenuous.

She schooled her features into a pleasant expression. Yet her hazel eyes briefly flashed as if portending storms. Perhaps it was too painful for her to discuss.

“I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s all right.” She leaned away from the table, creating distance between them. Her gaze grew cloudy, her expression wistful. “Did I fall in love with him?”

His chest tightened waiting for the answer.

“No. I think we both fell in love with the idea of falling in love. At least, I did.” She glanced out the window.

Katherine let go of his hand, and immediately he wanted to take it. Instead, he smiled and said, “You’re a remarkable person, Katherine. Meri was lucky to have you, however briefly, in his life.

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