“I don't know, perhaps he tried,” she yawns, and her eyes drift shut. “I didn't have time to worry about it. I had enough money stashed away to stay at the boarding house, which is where I met Dillon.” Her voice fades, and he covers her with a blanket and watches her sleep before leaving.
Chapter 33
Matthew is sitting in the library, reading his bible near the fireplace when Declan enters. “Shouldn't you be in bed, Grandfather. You've been busy.”
“Who could sleep after this day?” he replies. “How is she?” Matthew asks.
“Exhausted, hurt, confused, but resting for now.” He glances at the door, wondering if he should've left her. “I needed some time to process this day.” His voice is hoarse when he sits next to him on the large couch.
“I owe you an apology, Grandfather. I never understood the loss you and my father experienced until today. I almost lost her,” he stops speaking, and Matthew grips his hand.
“You didn't lose her son,” Matthew says gruffly. “Now, the real work begins. You have to cherish her, show her what it's like to be loved by a Sheridan, and the Lord will bless your union.”
“Thank you for everything. You've never stopped working to protect me. You brought London to me, and I'll never forget it,” he hugs him, surprising Matthew and causing a rush of emotion. He squeezes him back, and they break apart.
“I can’t take credit for that. Only the Lord could have orchestrated such a gift.” Matthew laughs and shakes his head in wonder.
“I’m glad you didn’t question his prodding.” Declan runs a hand over his bearded face. “I’m never going to let her go.”
“It was my hope for you to find a partner to love and share this life. A man isn't meant to outlive his children. It was the cruelest blow after losing my bride,” he stares at his grandson, “but I had the Lord, and he gave me you. I've learned that nothing we go through is wasted. The Lord's plan is always perfect, we just have to trust it.”
“I see that,” Declan yawns.
“Did you know that Thanksgiving is in three days?” Matthew asks.
“I forgot! I’ve been so focused on everything here. We must make it memorable. Are you staying?”
“Of course. Don’t worry about a thing. I’ve got it handled. You just take care of your wife and rest.”
“Thank you. I'd like to spend Thanksgiving here. If London is up to it, I want to go home in a week. I promised my bride a trip to the ocean. She's never seen it,” he grins, thinking about it.
“What about your business?” Matthew asks.
“I’ve found a new investor, and I’m hoping she’ll agree to be my business partner,” he laughs at the look of surprise on his grandfather’s face. “You’re in for some amazing revelations, but not tonight. I’m exhausted.”
“Rest well,” Matthew says with a smile.
Chapter 34
London wakes in the middle of the night and feels him beside her. She rolls over and runs a hand over his muscled chest, reveling in the feel of him. Pressing a kiss to his chest, she allows herself the luxury of exploring his body. Chills erupt, and he grins in the dark.
“What a beautiful dream I’m having…”
“Reality is much better than a dream,” she whispers and lays her head on his chest, listening to the beat of his heart, strong and true. London drapes a leg over his, and he slides a hand up into her long hair.
“London,” he gasps when her hand continues exploring his body, and she giggles.
“Declan, I’ve decided to exercise my right to kiss you whenever I want,” she leans up on her elbow and trails her mouth along his lips.
A shout of surprise erupts when he rolls over, gripping her hands over her head and stares down at her. “That contract is void, remember wife,” he kisses her deeply, taking his time, tasting, and building the passion between them. When he releases her hands, she grips him to keep him from moving.
“I suppose we shall need a new one?” she whimpers when he pushes up and glares down at her. “Just kidding, husband. You may kiss me whenever you wish.”
“I plan on it, Lady Sheridan. I am going to spend every moment of the rest of our lives, showing you what it means to be loved.”
Fresh tears threaten, but London refuses to ruin this moment. “I will hold you to that, Lord Sheridan.”
London smiles as he leaves her to stoke the fire, and when he turns around, she is standing by the bed. Slowly she draws her nightgown up over her head, dropping it onto the floor. He gasps as he stares at his wife.
“Declan, I need you,” she holds out a hand, and he stalks over, lifting her from her feet and carries her back to their bed.
“You have me, now and forevermore.”
Chapter 35
“I’m going to town,” Matthew announces after the doctor leaves. “I have business to attend to.” London’s eyes fly open wide with shock.
“Oh, I forgot!” she runs from the room, leaving both men staring after her.
“What happened to resting?” Matthew grumbles.
“This is resting for her,” Declan laughs.
London flies back into the room, waving a paper. “Declan, I forgot!” she runs over to him, and he grips her by her upper arms, gently stilling her.
“London,” he whispers, and her eyes drop to his mouth. All rational thought fades away replaced by images of them in the middle of the night. His mouth curves, and she blushes. “I need you to heed the doctor's advice. You were lucky she didn't break your collar bone. Sit down.”
“In a minute,” she grips his shirt to get
