She paused. “I want to say yes.”
“Then say it,” he pressed.
Her eyes filled with tears as she watched him. “What about Lady Emma?”
“I spoke to her yesterday and ended things with her,” he replied.
“And Lady Isabella?”
“I informed my father that I only intended to marry you,” he said, then hesitated, “assuming you will have me.”
“What if you change your mind?”
“I won’t.” He tightened his hold on her hand. “You are my best friend, and I never intend to let you go.”
“Martin—” she started.
“I need to say something,” he said. “Just one more thing.”
“Which is?”
His voice became hoarse, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I am absolutely, maddeningly, irrevocably in love with you, Hannah. You must believe me.”
“I do, but—”
“Then please, marry me,” he said, interrupting her again. “I promise I will spend the rest of my days ensuring that you never regret your decision.”
Hannah felt a smile spread across her face. She felt as though her heart might burst from happiness. “Yes, I will marry you.”
Martin’s lips curled into a boyish grin. “You have no idea how happy you have made me, my dear.”
“I just can’t believe you are here with me.”
He kept hold of her hand as he rose. “There is no place that I would rather be.” He took a step closer. “May I kiss you now?”
“If I say yes, will you promptly tell me it was a mistake?” she asked cheekily.
He chuckled. “I deserved that.”
Hannah went on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his. She could feel him smiling against her lips.
“What is it?” she asked, leaning back.
“I like the fact that you kissed me.”
“You do?” she asked.
He nodded. “But it was much too short for my taste.” He leaned closer and pressed his mouth to hers, softly but firmly, then moved one arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. With his touch, she felt all the barriers around her heart begin to fall away, making it whole once more.
The sound of someone loudly clearing their throat caused her to jump away from Martin. She turned around and saw the duke watching them sternly.
“I daresay that is enough of that,” Edmund ordered. “I do hope you two are engaged, or else I will have no choice but to challenge Lord Egleton to a duel.”
Martin gave her a private smile. “Hannah did accept my offer of marriage, but only after I groveled a little.”
“Excellent,” the duke replied, his lips twitching. “I knew you were a smart man.”
Amelia rushed over to Hannah and embraced her. “I am so happy for you.” She leaned back and looked over at Martin. “For both of you.”
Sybil interjected, “Did your wish come true, Aunt Hannah?”
Hannan nodded. “It did,” she replied. “It most definitely did.”
“I knew it would,” Sybil said, smiling up at her.
Turning her attention towards Martin, Hannah admitted, “I had my doubts, but I am so pleased that I was wrong.”
Martin reached for her hand, then said, “You will never have to question my feelings for you ever again. I promise you that.”
Hannah tightened her hold on his hand. “If I am dreaming, I truly hope that I never wake up.”
“This is very real, my love,” Martin replied, smiling, “and we will never be apart from this day forth.”
“That sounds perfect,” she breathed as she leaned in to kiss him.
Epilogue
Six years later
The sun had already set as Martin sat in his study and reviewed the ledgers. It was a task that he had come to enjoy over the years, as he’d discovered that he had developed a real knack for it. He knew that one day he would become the Marquess of Darby, and these properties and investments would all belong to him. That thought was both sobering and exciting at the same time.
He leaned back in his chair and realized how truly blessed he was. The estates were prospering, and they had nearly doubled their profits this past year. But the thing that brought him the most joy was his family. His love for Hannah only continued to grow, and he’d never imagined that someone could be in possession of such great happiness. Every morning, he woke up grateful that she had agreed to become his wife.
His five-year-old daughter’s voice drew his attention. “Father!” Alice shouted as she ran into the room. “I have to go to bed now.”
“You do?”
Alice bobbed her head enthusiastically as she came to a stop next to him. “I do,” she replied. “Mother said so.”
“If Mother said so, then it must be right.” He held out his arms. “I will need a hug before you head off to the nursery.”
As she stepped into his arms, he picked her up and placed her on his lap. “Have you had a pleasant day today?”
“I have.”
“I am glad to hear that,” he said. “What occupied your time today?”
Alice made a face. “Mother made me practice the pianoforte,” she informed him. “I’m awful at it.”
“You must be patient with yourself, especially since you only just started playing.”
“It’s hard, though.”
“Anything worth doing usually is,” Martin counseled as he admired her blonde curls. They were so similar to Hannah’s.
Alice shifted in his lap to meet his gaze. “Will you take me riding tomorrow?”
Martin glanced over at all the ledgers on his desk. “I’m afraid I am unable to tomorrow. I have meetings that I must attend to, but perhaps another day.”
“That’s all right,” she said. “I’ll have Grandfather take me on a ride.”
“Do you enjoy spending time with your grandfather?”
“I do,” she responded. “He’s silly sometimes.”
Martin’s brow lifted. “He is?”
Alice giggled. “He always tells me the funniest stories.”
“Now I know you aren’t telling me the truth.” He smiled to let her know that he was teasing.
“But I am,” she declared.
Hannah’s voice came from the doorway. “It’s time for bed, Alice,” she said, stepping further into the room. “Martha is here to take you.”
Alice looked up at Martin with pleading eyes. “Will you read me a story after Martha tucks me in?”
“I
