Glancing around, she is shocked to realize they are alone! Gently lapping waves creep towards the shore drenching the sand and changing its color. It's her first time visiting a beach or seeing the ocean, but it all fades away when she looks at Declan.
Bathed in a golden light, she wonders how he can possibly be real? As she reaches the end of the path, she smiles and is shocked when he wipes away a tear streaking down her cheek. “This is amazing, Declan,” she says.
“I’m glad you think so,” he tugs her forward, kissing her softly and offers her the flowers.
“You didn’t have to do this,” she whispers, but hugs the flowers close, taking a deep breath.
“What would you like to do first?” he asks softly.
“Take off my shoes!” she says without any hesitation.
His eyes raise, “Really?”
“I want to feel the sand, is that strange?” she blushes and glances around him towards the shore.
“Absolutely not,” he grins and kicks off his own dress shoes. “I’ll join you.”
London laughs as he pulls her forward, and she sits down to take off her boots. “I've dreamt of the ocean, but never seen it.”
“This is a sound. Actually, that's why we can be here. The energy of the wind off the ocean would be much more forceful.” Declan watches as she kicks off her shoes and draws off her stockings. He grabs her foot, causing her to gasp.
“How's your leg healing?” he drops to his knee in front of her, and she pulls up her skirt, revealing a pale calf.
“Better every day,” she shivers as he runs a hand over the faded bruises and rippled skin. “It will scar.”
“A reminder of your bravery,” he murmurs and pushes back to his feet, offering a hand to help her rise up. “Ready?”
“Yes,” she grins and allows him to pull her along behind him. The sand is cold and shifts beneath her feet. “It's so cold!” she pulls away from him and walks towards the water. London lifts her skirts and runs while he watches laughing.
“Come on, Declan!” she calls, his smile fades, and he wishes that he could freeze time. Instead, he takes a mental picture, memorizing the way she looks so carefree and happy.
London runs forward and stops, watching the sea. Bathed in the rose gold rays of the sunset, she looks to him like a goddess. Lost in the musical rhythm of the waves ebbing and flowing, she smiles.
Declan moves close enough that she feels him behind her, yet he remains quiet, gifting her the moment to savor. “God is amazing, isn’t he Declan, that he would create this.”
“I was just thinking the same thing,” his deep voice causes her to turn to face him. He tugs her foreword, and she goes without hesitation.
A soft kiss, an unspoken promise passes between them, and she rests her head on his chest, allowing him to shelter her from the wind and salty ocean air. “Dinner?”
“Yes, please,” they walk back slowly hand in hand, and she glances at him. “I will never forget this night, thank you Declan.”
“You’re welcome,” he replies and guides her back to the picnic.
The night is spent laughing, eating, and taking long walks along the shore. When she starts shivering, Declan promises to return with her and pulls her towards the carriage. “I'd like to come back for summer and take you on a boat tour of the inlet if you're interested?” he asks.
“I'd love too. What about the ocean, can we go to the shore before we leave?” she asks as she snuggles into his embrace inside the carriage. Chilled, she seeks his heat, and he wraps a blanket around her shoulders, drawing her into his side.
“Absolutely, though, I’m not sure you’re fair skin can handle the sun,” he frowns and touches her nose.
She wrinkles her nose and smiles at him. “I’ll wear a hat,” she leans up and kisses him, capturing his next words. When he pulls back, she frowns, “I think you’ve bewitched me, Declan, I’ve never spent so much time thinking about kissing…”
“London,” he groans and stops her with his mouth.
The carriage stops, and they pull apart, breathing hard and looking at each other with surprise. London climbs down, allowing the driver to help her and walks inside without looking back, afraid that if she does, she won't be able to leave him.
Declan watches her go and smiles softly. He owes his grandfather. Finding a wife was something he didn’t want. Now it’s all he can think about. London is everything he could’ve wished for, if he was bold enough to hope for a woman like her. He sighs and runs a hand through his hair raining sand on the ground.
“I’m through waiting,” he murmurs as he goes to clean up. Tomorrow they will discuss the future.
Chapter 28
“Lady Sheridan, are you sure you don't wish to wait for Lord Sheridan?” Mary asks.
“No, he's finishing a project today. I've informed him that I'm going to town,” London smiles at her. “I promise it's just a quick trip to the bank, and I'll be back in time for lunch.”
“If you're certain,” she murmurs and leaves.
London smiles and wonders if Mary would go back to New York with them. Grabbing her ledger, she grins as she goes over her numbers again. “I can't wait to surprise him,” she thinks as she closes the book and hastens to the waiting carriage.
Her first stop is the post office to pick up her messages and mail. She doesn’t bother to read it, there’s already a line at the bank.
Wells Fargo is busy, but judging by the
