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“I do believe I would enjoy seeing such a spectacle!”

Unable to suppress the need, he pushed her to her feet, took her into his arms in a silent and intiantly and gracefully “Soe of your own and endless dresses,” he vowed softly, for she deserved that and far more

“I do not need any of that,” she whispered achingly, wrapping her ar heart “I only need you”

And he wished to God he could believe their love would be enough He ran a fingertip gently over her lower lip I’ll take care of you, he vowed silently He touched her cheek, amazed at her, just as he had been from the first moment he had seen her “Merry Christmas, Primrose Markham”

“And a jolly Christmas to you, Gabriel Northcote”

Then he held her and danced, putting aside all thoughts to drea with her

Prie of four rooms—two bedroo rooly modern kitchen—surrounded by one of the ardens It was neat, tidy, well-furnished, and more than she’d ever dreah the trees, carrying through the open s the scent of evergreen and pinecones

The cottage was lit with several laiven the state of their econolow The fireplace crackled reen tree for their hos, and ribbons

It had been five days since they departed Sancrest Manor with their belongings, and five days since they'd been living in glorious sin and h

appiness, while they waited to e folks hadn't yet realized they spent ether, for Gabriel had rented a room above the local assembly room to keep up the proper appearances But every day he slipped away to be with her and was always cautious in his cos Only one more day and all would be well For they were to wed to by the local vicar, on the first day of the new year Gabriel had just returned fro all his influence and a sizeable chunk of their money to procure a special license

Gabriel had hired ato serve as a cook and housekeeper, entleht, cae, prepared dinner, baked loaves of bread and cakes for the following day, and then left theht Pri as she cooked and she explained what needed to be done regularly to maintain their comfort Several times Gabriel had promised Primrose a finer life as soon as he sold his novels, a horse where she could learn to ride, elegant dresses, hats, and all sorts of fripperies she’d never had And each time she’d reassured him, he was all that she needed

In the corner by the s, a desk was set flush against the wall, and her husband to be was seated before the desk, his dark head bent, his shirt rolled to his elbows, and his fingertips sed with ink as he lost himself in the world he'd created

Drawn up before the fire, a sofa invited repose, but Pri story unfolding on the sheaf of papers carefully clutched in her hands Her love was thewriter, and she believed in his vision However, he had atrocious pen his juant drafts

Gabriel had fiercely opposed the idea of her working when she had suggested seeking a teaching post to assist with their living expenses Primrose suspected she'd offended his pride Their partnership worked out quite well, and he often rees had elevated her to the status of his co-author She quite liked the sound of it and loved working with hiht has left dinner for us We should dine before our food grows cold"

He did not glance up fro “One more—”