Steamy Winter Wishes by Callaway Grace

Author:Callaway, Grace
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781939537539
Publisher: Grace Callaway Books
Published: 2020-12-29T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Later that afternoon, Bea giggled, ducking away from her husband as he attempted to kiss her…again.

“Wickham, we’re supposed to be working,” she said severely. “Do not make me regret enlisting you to help.”

She tried for a stern expression, but it was difficult when her too-handsome husband looked at her with puppy dog eyes, a thick wave of gilded brown hair falling boyishly upon his brow.

He pointed up at the doorway under which they were standing. “It isn’t my fault that our assignment involves standing beneath the mistletoe.”

“Our job is to add these pieces of rowan tree to the sprigs of mistletoe to bring good luck in the new year.” Bea gestured to the basket of leafy branches on the ground. “If we stop to kiss at every doorway, we’ll be at it until next Hogmanay.”

“If one is going to do a job, one might as well do it thoroughly,” Wick said with a grin so charming she thought it ought to be illegal. “Even if it takes all year.”

Raised voices interrupted their banter. The din seemed to be coming from the antechamber.

“I wonder what is going on,” she said.

“Let’s find out.”

Wick took her hand, and they headed in the direction of the ruckus. They passed the sprawling marble antechamber, entering the drawing room. A crowd of guests had gathered, and Bea stopped short when she saw the cause of the uproar: her brother stood by the fire, and in his arms was little Lady Olivia McLeod. They were both soaking wet.

The Duke and Duchess of Strathaven rushed into the room, the guests parting to make way for the concerned parents.

“Dear heavens,” Emma exclaimed. “What has happened?”

Hadleigh looked uncomfortable, and Bea felt a sharp pang. Her little brother had worn that expression whenever he got into scrapes as a boy. Only now, he was a man with a blackened reputation…and he was holding the Strathavens’ beloved daughter in his arms.

“I solved the clues to the treasure hunt. I found the prize but fell into the pond trying to get it,” Lady Olivia said, her voice clear despite the chattering of her teeth.

A collective gasp went up as horror clamped around Bea’s heart.

“There was ice everywhere, and I couldn’t get out, but the Duke of Hadleigh saved me.” Despite her ordeal, Lady Olivia beamed at Hadleigh, adulation sparkling in her green eyes. “He jumped into the water and fished me out. He is a hero.”

“I do not know how to thank you, sir,” Emma said in a trembling voice.

“There is no need,” Hadleigh muttered. “I did what anyone would have.”

“We must get Livy dry and warm,” Emma fretted.

Strathaven took the little girl from Bea’s brother, pausing to say hoarsely, “I will not forget this favor you have done my family, Hadleigh. I am forever in your debt.”

Then the duke and duchess headed off with their daughter. Lady Olivia’s voice floated behind them, “I know I shouldn’t have climbed the tree, Mama, but I had to get the crown. I won

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