“It’s them. I’m sure it is,” Penelope murmured with unconcealed excitement where she stood by the window. James, standing beside her, grinned.

“Shall we go downstairs to see?” he asked softly.

Penelope drew in a breath and nodded. “Shall I go upstairs first?” she asked, indicating with an inclination of her head towards the hallway.

“Yes. I’ll go downstairs to the entrance,” James replied. He rested a hand briefly on Penelope’s shoulder, looking intensely into her eyes.

Penelope’s cheeks heated with a flush. Even after ten years, James made her pulse race just as much as he had when she had met him. Possibly more, since she had known him for so long and every inflexion and mannerism of his was written on her heart with love.

She waited until he had headed out into the hallway before going upstairs. Her footsteps took her along the hallway towards three bedchambers next to one another. The house had been entirely rebuilt following the blaze, and this wing was the newest part; not one piece of it being left over from the old house. She went up to the third door in the row and knocked softly.

“Henry?” she called.

The door opened, and a blond head of hair peered out. Her eldest son, ten years of age, looked up at her, his blue eyes just slightly paler than those of James. He smiled up at her.

“Yes, Mama? Are they here?” 

“Yes, they are here,” Penelope said with a smile. “Come down and greet them?” she asked.

Henry nodded, a grin of delight spreading across his face.

“Of course!” he replied at once. He went past the next two doors. “Where are William and Amelia?”

“We have to tell them first,” Penelope remarked with a grin. She tapped on the door beside the one she had just tapped on, and a head of brown curls popped out. William, eight years old and identical in every respect to James except for his slightly narrower face and green eyes, raced out.

“Where are they? Are they here?” he asked his mother and older brother excitedly.

“They are downstairs,” Penelope said with a smile.

William turned to hurry towards the stairs, then frowned. “Where’s Melia?” he asked.

“We need to fetch her too,” Penelope said.

They went and knocked on the third door, and a girl with auburn hair like Penelope’s and her mother’s green eyes—more hazel than green, in her case—hurried out. She gazed up at Penelope. Her face was the slim, angular face of James; so very like his that it twisted Penelope’s heart every time she gazed at her nine-year-old daughter.

“They’re here, aren’t they, Mama?” she asked Penelope, gazing up at her. “We should go down.” She paused, glancing down at the red velvet she wore as if to check its suitability.

“You look beautiful,” Penelope assured Amelia gently. Her daughter inclined her head gravely.

“It is suitable,” she murmured. Penelope grinned. In some respects, Amelia was like her own mother—more solemn and self-possessed, even, than Mama had ever been. Her daughter’s natural poise never failed to delight her. In many ways, Amelia seemed much older than either of her brothers.

“Papa is downstairs. Let us go and join them,” she said, and Amelia grinned, hurrying to the stairs.

All three children poured down ahead of Penelope, and she laughed, walking slowly, the skirt of her green brocaded gown lifted slightly in one hand. It was an autumn evening, not cold but cool, the sun already setting despite the hour of the day. The children wore long-sleeved shirts—in the case of the boys—and Amelia’s gown had long sleeves, while Penelope wore a colourful shawl.

They reached the downstairs entrance just as the door opened and James walked in, Thomas and Lucy with him. Behind them, whooping and yelling, ran Thomas and Lucy’s two children, Lucas and Kate.

“Sister! How grand to see you. Nephew!” Thomas yelled, lifting little Henry up off his feet. Henry, at ten, chuckled and yelled in delight, then looked down a little awkwardly, as if remembering that he was supposed to be the venerable age of ten; in his mind, at least, beyond the age of screaming with joy when someone lifted him up.

“Uncle Thomas,” Henry greeted him as Thomas set him down on his feet. “Where have you been?”

Thomas grinned. “Nowhere special,” he said, then tilted his head, still smiling. “I was in Holland for a while, and then France. I haven’t been to India yet,” he added to the little boy, who chuckled.

“When, Uncle? Can I come too?” His eyes shone.

“Mayhap your parents can be persuaded to come with us?” Thomas grinned, eyes sparkling. “I am so happy to see you, sister,” he added to Penelope, who ignored the need for any sort of formality and hugged him so hard she almost knocked him over.

“It is wonderful to see you,” she said to Thomas with a grin. “And you too, Lucy,” she added, hugging her friend with only a little less force. Lucy chuckled.

“Grand to see you. And Amelia! And William! How fare my dears?” she asked them.

“Well, Aunt. Thank you,” Amelia informed Lucy formally. Lucy grinned.

“You have such poise, my dear. You are an example to us unruly adults.” She grinned at Penelope, giving her a playful shove on the shoulder.

James came over to join them, Lucas and Kate running with him. Lucas was nine, and Kate the same age as Henry. Lucas had his father’s colouring, and Kate had Thomas’s blonde hair too, while she had inherited her mother’s chestnut eyes.

“Auntie!” Lucas greeted her, running to her so that she could see what he had. “Look!”

“Did uncle give you those?” she asked, glancing at James. The children had paper packets of toffees. James shrugged.

“I think there might be some in the drawing room, too. If Henry, Amelia and William would like some?”

“Papa! Hooray!” William yelled. He raced off up the stairs, Henry and Amelia tearing after him; Lucas and Kate not too far behind.

Penelope smiled fondly at James, his blue eyes seeming to sparkle even more where they contrasted so strongly with his golden-brown tailcoat.

“They will have plenty of time to run around before dinner,” he said gently.

Penelope chuckled. “I am certain they will,” she agreed softly.

They all walked upstairs to the drawing room.

The children had already settled down at the big round table. The other table held tea and cake, and Penelope, James, Thomas and Lucy went to sit there. The contented sound of children eating toffee and chattering excitedly together came from the other table, while the adults were quiet for a moment, taking the time to relax while they sipped their tea.

“Did you have a pleasant journey?” Penelope asked Lucy and Thomas conversationally. Lucy and Thomas lived very happily on part of her family’s estate, in a house her brother had gifted her as a wedding present, some fifty miles away. The house allowed them to remain in close proximity both to nature and to London.

“It was very pleasant. Surprisingly fast,” Lucy said with a smile. 

“Good,” Penelope murmured. She glanced across at the table where the children sat, talking happily among themselves. It was so good to see them talking so easily and readily, the five cousins having grown up seeing each other at regular intervals.

“The road to London is in bad need of repair, I hear?” James asked conversationally.

“It’s better,” Thomas replied, inclining his head. “Not marvellous, but the worst damage has been mended in the last few months.”

“I am glad to hear it,” James said, sounding pleased. Penelope smiled to herself. Thomas and Lucy still travelled to London quite often; Thomas attending meetings of the Royal Society regularly, sometimes presenting findings on rare plants that he and Lucy collected on their trips to the Continent. 

Lucy welcomed the opportunity to visit London and remain connected to high society, though she limited her attendance to once a year, preferring instead to spend her time at home with Lucas and Kate.

Conversation turned to the latest trip to Holland, and Penelope listened with rapt interest as Thomas described fields of flowers—tulips, irises and daffodils filling whole fields. She could barely imagine it. She gazed at James, who smiled.

“We would like some of those bulbs for our collection, I think,” he said with a grin. Penelope inclined her head. 

“Only if you can spare some, Thomas…” she began, but her brother chuckled.

“Of course, we can,” he said with a big smile. “I brought some extra, and, as it happens, they have taken to the sandy soil at Harwell Park, and I fully expect that by next springtime they will have doubled.”

Penelope clapped her hands delightedly, making Thomas chuckle. The children were chuckling too, clearly pleased by the light-hearted atmosphere at the adults’ table. They had moved over to the fireplace, where they had found some things to play with. Henry and Lucas had found some cards with which they were playing what looked like a simplified version of Whist, while Amelia and Kate played with a ball, rolling it across the hearth rug from one to the other. Little William had been preoccupied with his toy horse, but he came to join in the girls’ ballgame, chuckling with delight.

“It’s growing dark early,” Penelope commented, glancing through the window, where the sunset painted the trees’ leaves in fiery gold, casting shadows over the dew-damp lawn where it shone like burnished metal.

“Yes, it is,” James murmured softly. 

Penelope glanced out again, her heart twisting with apprehension, but before she could say anything to James, the butler appeared, making her sigh in swift relief.

“Visitors have just arrived downstairs, my lord. My lady. Should I show them in?” he asked, bowing low. “I apologise for the intrusion,” he added politely.

Penelope glanced at James, heart soaring. James inclined his head. 

“I will come down to greet them. He turned to Penelope with an expectant smile. She nodded.

“I will come down too,” she replied. “Excuse us for a moment,” she added to Thomas and Lucy. Thomas chuckled.

“We’ll keep an eye on these five rascals,” he promised. The five rascals, as he said, played sedately at the hearth, giving no apparent disturbance to anyone. Penelope smiled at him warmly.

“We will come up shortly,” she replied, her stomach twisting with excitement. She hurried downstairs with James.

They arrived just as the butler opened the door for their guests, and Penelope’s heart soared in delight as she saw who stood there. 

“Mama! Papa!” she exclaimed.

Her father was stamping his booted feet on the doorstep, his tall, thin frame clad in a grey greatcoat. Beside him, Mama wore a dark blue pelisse over her brown velvet gown, her face lighting up with a grin as she spotted Penelope and James.

“My dear!” she called out, opening her arms so that they could embrace. Penelope went to her, wrapping her arms tight around her mother.

Mama held her tightly, and Penelope breathed in her familiar scent and hugged her close.

She turned to her father, who had shrugged off his big greatcoat and was handing it to the butler with a polite nod. He beamed at her and, without further ceremony, Penelope wrapped him in a big hug. He chuckled and squeezed her tight, then stepped back.

“Penelope. A delight to see you, my dear. Good to see you, James,” he greeted James, shaking his hand. He glanced at the stairs. “Are my grandchildren…” he began, but Mama, who had removed her pelisse and bonnet, interrupted.

“Where are my grandchildren?” she demanded, grinning at James and Penelope. 

Penelope chuckled.

“They are upstairs,” James answered. “We shall proceed there with due speed.”

Mama chuckled. “Oh, James,” she said with a big grin, pretending impatience. 

James laughed, and they all went upstairs to find the children.

“Grandmama! Grandpapa!” 

Five small, eager presences threw themselves at their grandparents, running to be the first to embrace. Papa, laughing, lifted little William, his namesake, and held him high in the air, making him shriek with delight.

“Grandson!” Papa greeted him, hugging him and setting him down carefully on his feet. “Granddaughter!”

He lifted Amelia into the air, tossing her up and making her yell. Mama turned disapprovingly, but Papa had already put her carefully on her feet. He shook Henry’s hand respectfully, making the older boy blush with pride.

Lucas and Kate were next, clamouring for a hug. He threw them into the air one by one, caught them and set them down carefully on their feet again. William followed him to the table as he went to take a seat. Amelia and Kate had run to their grandmother, who had bent down to hug them both. Amelia nestled close to her. She and her grandmother were especially close; Amelia’s serious nature matching her mother’s observant one.

The children followed them over to the tea-table, remaining to listen for a while as the adults drank tea, ate scones and chatted about their journeys. After a few minutes of such relatively tedious talk, the five children wandered back to the hearth rug to resume their playing.

Penelope listened to her mother talking about their journey. She tensed, recalling that her mother would doubtless have heard some gossip about Lady Langley. As far as Penelope was aware, Lady Langley had been sent into exile for her part in the crime, while Lord Harwood—who would doubtless have been transported to the colonies for attempted murder, for blackmailing Lady Langley and for his very real threat on the lives of Penelope and James—had fled the country. The same rumour persisted, even now: that he had gone voluntarily to a remote colony, where many hoped, he had succumbed to some horrid fever. Penelope shuddered. All that mattered was that those who had once threatened her life were gone, and that she need never see them again. She had no wish to spare them another thought.

“Lord Harlington is in France, I believe,” Mama commented as Penelope’s attention returned to the moment. She inclined her head, not much wishing to hear about him, either. He had survived the poisoning, but her understanding that he, too, had been blackmailing Lady Langley with the stolen chalice made Penelope have limited sympathy for him. She was glad that he had recovered, but she was just as glad to hear that he, too, had fled the country.

All that mattered to her was that none of them could harm anyone else—especially not anyone she cared about. The chalice had been returned to the Langley family, where the current heir would inherit it when he came of age.

James made a non-committal reply, and Thomas interrupted swiftly.

“Have the tulips we brought back for your garden taken to it well?” he asked Mama.

Mama beamed. Though she did not have the same kind of interest in plants as the rest of her family, she loved flowers and spent hours in the garden, planning new flowerbeds or simply enjoying the colour and fragrance of the abundant blossoms in the estate grounds.

“They have taken very well to it,” she replied. “I had Mr Stratford plant them in that sunny patch under the big oak tree, where the soil is sandy, as you recommend.”

“Good,” Thomas replied, smiling. “I hope you have a fine show of blooms in springtime.”

Conversation turned to the botanical gardens that Thomas had visited in London, and everyone joined in with interest. Papa smiled knowingly at Penelope when mention of the Royal Society came up, and she bit her lip shyly. She had not yet mentioned her secret to Lucy, Thomas, or Mama, though they would know shortly.

“My ladies? My lords?” the butler interrupted them, appearing at the door again. “I beg your pardon for interrupting, but there is another coach approaching. And dinner is ready to be set out whenever it is required.”

“I’ll come down directly,” James replied, already pushing back his chair. “Dinner should be delayed by ten minutes so that our guests can settle down first,” he added. The butler inclined his head.

“Of course, my lord. Very good.”

Penelope stood, but James gestured to her to be seated with a big smile.

“I’ll go down, dearest. You stay.”

Penelope smiled gratefully at him and sank back into her chair. After a day spent outdoors with the children, she was already feeling weary and looking forward to a long, pleasant dinner with her beloved family.

“Penelope! Thomas! Lucy! Lord and Lady Albury,” a voice greeted cheerfully from the door. Edward stood there, Adeline beside him. Both looked happy and contented, if a little weary. Penelope stood and went over to greet them. Henry approached them, the other children hanging back a little. William, Amelia, Lucas and Kate were all a little reserved with Edward and Adeline, whom they saw less often. Edward crouched down, shaking hands with Henry, who blushed at the acknowledgement.

“Henry! Greetings,” Edward said warmly. He repeated the gesture with William and Lucas, then stood and bowed to the two girls, making them giggle with delight.

Adeline greeted the children warmly and was instantly invited to view the castle they had been building out of blocks over at the hearth. She went to have a look, smiling and talking as they chattered happily to her.

“James! It is grand to be here,” Edward said to James, clapping him on the shoulder. He bowed low to Penelope and Lucy, then grinned at Thomas. “Thomas! I wish to hear all about your latest adventures. Good evening, my lord. My lady,” he added, bowing low to Mama and Papa in turn.

When Edward was seated and drinking tea, Penelope went over to the fireplace to see what the children were doing. They had built an impressive fortress with their wooden blocks—a gift from their grandparents, who showered them in presents on their frequent visits. Henry was explaining excitedly to Adeline about the defence towers that he had created at each corner.

“And so, the archers can defend the castle from here, and here…” he said, looking earnestly at Adeline.

Penelope smiled, crouching down by the impressive castle to have a closer look. Amelia and Kate were already moving some small dolls from their dollhouse to reside in the castle, Penelope noted, grinning. 

“It’s splendid,” Adeline said, and Penelope nodded seriously.

“It is,” she agreed.

James stood up from the table, indicating that everyone was ready to go down to dinner. Penelope glanced at Adeline, who had not had any tea, but Adeline grinned.

“We stopped at an inn to rest not more than an hour ago. I am quite ready now to make my way to the dinner.”

Penelope smiled fondly at her, appreciating how relaxed and undemanding she always was. They fell into step as they went downstairs, the children doing their best to remain behind and not rush ahead to the table. They had already washed and dressed in their dinner clothes before tea and were very excited to be allowed to take a meal with the adults. While Penelope and James often dined with them informally in the drawing room, it was rare that they attended a formal dinner. William was still rather young, but he generally conducted himself with such quiet decorum that they were confident he would enjoy the occasion and not be daunted by the expectations of sitting still and eating properly.

They all took their seats, and when the butler had filled everyone’s glasses, Edward stood to toast them, surprising Penelope.

“To our happy hosts! A toast to ten years of shared journey.”

Everyone joined in with smiles and kind words, and Penelope flushed, touched by the unexpected tribute. 

“Thank you,” she murmured, looking down.

James, in turn, toasted Thomas and Lucy, who had also been married ten years. Penelope knew they planned to host a gathering in celebration once the guest wing at their estate was finished. For now, the evening simply stood as a joyful recognition of the years they had all shared—full of trials, triumphs, and enduring affection.

The soup was ready and waiting, a delicious watercress soup that Penelope always enjoyed. She ate with relish, glancing down the table to where James sat at the head, opposite her. Henry and William sat close by, with Amelia, Lucas and Kate closer to Penelope. The adults sat in between, Thomas on Penelope’s left beside their parents. Lucy sat on her right next to Amelia.

The children ate demurely, and Penelope smiled proudly at them. William was practically asleep in his food, the result of a long day running and playing in the garden. James smiled fondly at him, then glanced lovingly down the table at Penelope, who smiled back. 

One course followed another, conversation flowing easily. William fell asleep before dessert arrived, his small, dark-haired head nodding forward to rest on the table in front of him, where the butler had left some space after moving his plate. James bent down to lift him and carry him upstairs.

“What about William’s dessert, Papa?” Henry asked caringly. “He would be so sad to miss it.”

James grinned. “I will have it sent up for him. You are a grand big brother,” he added, making Henry grin and blush.

The dessert arrived, much to the excitement of the children. Syllabub was a firm favourite with the whole family, and Penelope tucked in with almost as much enjoyment as Amelia and Kate, who sat beside her. It was truly delicious; fruity and creamy, and just right after the delicious roast.

After dinner, the family proceeded first to the drawing room, where the children rested for a few minutes and then went off to bed. Penelope kissed them all fondly. She and James had eschewed the tradition of having their children raised by nannies, and they spent almost the whole day together; their nanny, Mrs Whitley, looking after them only when James and Penelope went riding or when they had urgent business to attend to. Henry and Amelia were already old enough to ride out with them on their usual rides, but William was a little young, and if he came with them, they had to content themselves with short excursions.

James stood, and Penelope’s heart thudded as she knew what he was about to say.

His gaze moved to hers, his thin lips moving into a big grin.

“Shall we?” he asked.

Penelope nodded. James invited the guests to follow them, and they all proceeded downstairs to the main door.

Outside, the garden was dark, but a soft glow flickered in the glass windows across the lawn. James led the way towards the construction that had been built on their land for the best part of a year. Light showed warmly in the big windows as they approached. The gardeners had taken James’s orders very seriously and lit lamps throughout. Penelope smiled to herself. The two youths who had helped them that night to apprehend the criminals had both elected to come and work for James—Benjie was head gardener, and his brother Alfred was the stable-master. Penelope was grateful to them for their faithful and devoted service, and she was always pleased to see them. Benjie had done a grand job preparing the greenhouse for visitors, and she smiled as she stepped inside the warm, well-lit space.

“So,” James announced as all their guests went inside. “This is our new addition to the garden. We are so happy to invite you to have a look at the new collection,” he added, sounding quite pleased.

Penelope grinned. Papa applauded, and the rest of the guests joined in. Thomas came over to join her, his hazel eyes sparkling.

“You got these from Kew Gardens?” he asked. He was staring at the bench that displayed their new magnificent collection of orchids. Penelope smiled warmly.

“Not all of them. Some, Edward and Adeline gave to us. One of them was from you—the rarest one, as I understand.” She grinned.

Thomas laughed. “The botanical gardens in France have some things to offer,” he said with evident modesty.

They were both chuckling as they went to look at the new collection.

“It is splendid, daughter,” Papa said, coming to stand with them. He was grinning warmly. “I can see that someone with a good eye picked these specimens. It is the most comprehensive collection I have seen.”

Penelope blushed. “I am fortunate to have friends who can provide the species I asked for,” she replied, indicating Edward and Thomas by inclining her head. Papa nodded.

“I know. But you were the one who decided what should go into the collection, daughter—and it is as carefully considered as anything the Royal Society might present.”

Penelope looked down for a moment, glowing in the warmth of his praise. 

“Thank you, Papa,” she said simply.

“Penelope!” Mama wandered over, her face a picture of excitement. “Is that a clematis on that wall? I must ask you for a piece to see if we can grow it in our garden. It is beautiful.”

Penelope smiled to herself, heading over to the wall that her mother had indicated. 

“Yes. I would be pleased to furnish you with a piece,” she replied warmly. “I will ask Benjie tomorrow if he might arrange it. Perhaps there are some younger plants growing already,” she suggested.

“Splendid,” Mama said eagerly.

Their guests were wandering around the greenhouse, eagerly admiring the collection. Penelope watched, quietly pleased at their happy delight in the place. She looked up to find James watching her from across the space. Her heart melted, and she grinned back, love flaring in her chest as it always did when she looked at him.

He waited a moment, nodding politely to Edward and Adeline, who were remarking on some of the orchids. Then he crossed the room and came to stand beside her.

“Everyone seems pleased,” he murmured.

“It is beautiful,” Penelope said softly. Seeing the guests enjoying the space so much made her see it as a stranger would, noticing the riot of colourful flowers and scents, and the excellent organisation. She tipped her head back, staring up at the glass roof, where the inky black sky showed through the panels.

“It really is,” James murmured. He stood beside her, watching their guests walk down the rows of benches, stopping to admire different flowers. Penelope smiled as, slowly, their guests came to stand beside them again. Papa cleared his throat.

“I have never seen a collection I admire so,” he said, loud enough for everyone to hear. “But then, what can I expect? My daughter is a published botanist.”

Penelope beamed. Pride and joy radiated through her warmly.

“Penelope was published years ago, dear,” Mama reminded him. “Under the name William Whiteside.”

“I know. But this time, she is published under the name Penelope Ridley.” Papa beamed at her with his hazel eyes full of warmth.

“What?” Mama clapped her hand to her mouth. Her blue eyes shone. Penelope had feared that Mama would find it a scandal, which was why she had hesitated to share the news, but she was delighted to find that she had misjudged her. Mama had shown hidden depths for years, and she felt a little guilty for expecting less than a positive response. “Penelope! That is staggering.”

Penelope beamed. Lucy hugged her, and Edward shook her hand gravely. Adeline hugged her too.

“Remarkable,” she murmured.

Penelope blushed. Her heart ached, and she looked up, knowing that she was about to cry. She felt so proud. She smiled at James, who beamed back.

“James did a great deal to persuade the academy…” she began, but he shook his head.

“It was the merit of your fine work that did it,” he told her firmly, his blue gaze holding hers in a look that quelled any argument. “All I had to do was to tell them that, not only did I allow it,” he paused. “I am prouder than anyone could be.”

Penelope blinked, tears running down her cheeks. She reached into her bodice for a handkerchief, sniffing in an attempt to control her crying. James grinned and came to stand beside her.

“Thank you, James,” she whispered.

“Thank you, my dearest,” he said softly.

The guests remained to chat and look at the collection a while longer, and then slowly began to excuse themselves. Edward and Adeline went upstairs, followed shortly by Mama and Papa. Rooms in the guest wing had been prepared for all of them; a special suite made up for Thomas and Lucy and their two children. 

Thomas and Lucy lingered, Thomas smiling warmly at his sister.

“You did a grand thing,” he told her firmly. “And this place is a grand thing. You are building something wonderful here.” He looked around the greenhouse in admiration.

“James had it built,” Penelope said with a grin. He had surprised her with the plans almost a year before, and they had watched the greenhouse be built and then slowly stocked it with plants. Several benches still stood unused in the large space, waiting for future collections to take root.

“I certainly didn’t stock it,” James said with a chuckle.

“A little, you did,” Penelope reminded him gently.

They both smiled fondly at each other. Thomas and Lucy excused themselves to retire to bed, and Penelope grinned, seeing them pause to kiss in the garden on their way.

“Shall we go indoors?” Penelope asked as they stood in silence in the beautiful, fragrant space. A soft breeze blew in from where the door remained open, casting dancing shadows on the walls. James nodded.

“Yes,” he said softly. “We need to send someone in here to douse the lamps,” he added, looking around.

“We’ll ask Mr Heathfield when we go in,” she said quietly. Mr Heathfield was their butler. James nodded.

“Of course,” he replied.

They walked slowly to the entrance, enjoying the scents and the quiet of the place. James stood back for Penelope in the doorway, then exited, shutting it behind them.

The air smelled of the cold, dew-soaked lawn, and Penelope breathed deeply, enjoying the calm and coolness outdoors. A very gentle breeze ruffled the leaves, making a soft whisper that relaxed and calmed her. She walked with James down the path. As they reached the spot under the oak tree where the light from the house windows stretched out in bright panels on the lawn, they stopped. James gazed into her eyes.

“It has been a grand day,” he murmured.

“Yes, it has,” Penelope said softly. She gazed up at him, her heart filling with love as she stared into those familiar blue depths.

James smiled, staring down at her. He lifted his hand and gently stroked her cheek, touching her so tenderly that her heart melted. Heat flooded through her, and she shut her eyes for a moment, then opened them as he bent forward, his lips pressing to hers.

Wrapping her arms around him, she closed her eyes again, revelling in the sensation of his lips, warm and firm and gentle, touching her own. He drew her close, heat flooding her as he held her against his firm, muscled body in a way that she loved.

He stepped back, his lips gently moving from hers, a gentle smile playing at his lips as he looked into her eyes.

“I love you, Penelope Ridley,” he said, his voice warm and full of love, making her heart ache.

“And I love you, James Ridley,” she said with a big smile, her heart flooding with intense warmth and joy. “I love you, too.”

He wrapped his arms around her, and in the rustling, cool nighttime garden, they shared a sweet kiss.

THE END