page90 (1/2)

Alex broke the kiss when her knees were threatening to give way Tess sagged into his arainst his chest, the friction of the waistcoat edge a welco her that this was real and not a dream

‘I know you wanted a knight in ar to do this by logic and negotiation You needed sweeping off your feet’ His breath ar her close

‘I don’t want a knight I wantme does not ruin you’

‘Truly, Tess?’ Alex stepped back, let her go, his gaze fixed on her face ‘I love you I want to ht still be difficult—I can’t pretend it won’t, even with our families’ support I won’t be ruined, far froht not be received at court’

‘I don’t care I only want you, only need you’ Once she had dreaallant knight Now she had a family and a man she loved to build their oith

‘You showed ave h the ith the cold breeze The staff were singing carols ‘You gave me Christmas back’

Tess held out her hand, tugged hiet married?’

‘A month’

‘That long? Alex, I want to be yours the et a special licence’

‘And I want the biggest possible wedding’ He stopped at the head of the stairs and caught her in his arms, his smile a caress that , an announcement that I love you, that our families love you and we are proud of you I want you to have the pleasure of buying a trousseau and I want the pleasure of buying you jewels’

‘There’s still randfather’

‘Just kiss his cheek, let hiive himself’ Alex took her hand and led her downstairs, into the srandfather and the rest of the fa on what sounded like a desperately polite conversation

‘Teresa’ Her grandfather stood up ‘I cannot undo the past’