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Surprise widened Aurora's eyes "That's the risk you were referring to? You want to keep the facts from Slayde and Courtney simply to ensure that my brother doesn't refuse his permission for us to wed?"

"No, I want to keep the facts fro you've always dreamed of, and to have those you love by your side" Julian's jaw set "I intend to iven —not even your brother—will stand in e and ride off to Gretna Green this very minute, after which you're welco However, I don't think that's what you want It would preclude your having the traditional wedding you just described and prevent your brother and sister-in-law fro Which would shatter your drea, tell e is in your drive We can leave posthaste, be married in days"

"No You're right That's not what I want" Aurora looked touched and puzzled all at once "For a man who's been a loner all his life, you're remarkably compassionate"

"At times"

"Then thank you forthis one of those times" She cleared her throat "Julian, I can't help but wonder—when you asked Slayde for my hand, you obviously omitted quite a bit of what pro for me?"

"Honest ones The saave you, other than the issue we just touched upon…" A wicked grin "…and an elaborate explanation of what happens when you're in my arms Somehow, I didn't think he'd appreciate that"

"No, I don't think he would" The mischief was back in her eyes "Very well The truth re day Then we tell Courtney and Slayde everything Not merely tell thereat deal more than I about the Huntley faly at Julian "And you needn't worry that Slayde will insert himself in our search Imminent fatherhood keeps hi from estate to estate would not appeal to him at this particular time So rest assured, information and advice is all we'll receive from my brother"

"I'll take your word for it In fact, I'll agree to everything you just said—with onethe day after our wedding I have plans for that evening and night—exciting, prolonged, tantalizing plans And they include neither visitors nor conversation"

"I see" An anticipatory flush stained Aurora's cheeks "In that case, I suppose the revelation can wait one extra day"

"I'lad you feel that way" With mock sobriety, Julian extended his hand to her, palreement, then?"

Aurora sers in his "We are"

"Good" Julian pressed a chaste kiss to her knuckles, his head snapping up as approaching footsteps reached his ears "And clearly not a moment too soon"

On cue the door swung open and Slayde reentered the study, acco woman as classically beautiful and extre woman who could be none other than the Countess of Pembourne

"Your half hour has passed," Slayde announced, glancing from Julian to Aurora to their still joined hands

"So it has," Julian concurred