Epilogue
A few weeks later
“It’s a good thing you dress in a different room, or I might never let you get dressed again,” Jude said, leaning against the doorway to the dressing room in the marchioness’ chamber, watching her dress.
Juliana adored how her husband never seemed to get enough of her, since she would never get her fill of him.
Since he’d been back in the country and assisting with manual labor for their tenants, his muscles were even more defined.
The sight of her husband without a shirt was enough to leave her knees weak.
Unfortunately for her, he was fully clothed. “Is that so?” she asked while wearing only her chemise. “Will you ring for Bonnie? I am ready for her to assist me.”
He did as she asked and then focused his attention back on her. “I am far better at taking off your clothes than putting them on.”
After they married, they spent three full days without leaving their suite.
Mrs. Jones kept Rose entertained so that they could have a bit of time together as newlyweds.
Those days were among the best of Juliana’s life.
It wasn’t just the pleasure they experienced together, but also the constant laughs and conversation.
It was the closeness they shared, and the deep expression of love they had for each other.
And Jude didn’t have a fitful night of sleep even once.
Since then, Juliana settled into managing their home and spending time with Rose. The three of them became a perfect little family. Juliana touched her stomach, imagining what it would be like when they added to their joy.
Jude rushed to her side. “Do you think you might be?” he asked, putting his hand over hers.
“I don’t know, my love,” she said. “My courses should have arrived a few days ago, but it’s early. We’ll just have to see.” She hadn’t planned to tell him until she was sure, not wanting to get either of their hopes up.
He kissed her temple. “Well, if not, I am more than willing to do my part to keep trying.”
She smirked and swatted his chest. “Good to know.”
“In fact,” he started, shifting her chemise to the side and placing kisses on her neck and collarbone.
“Jude, Bonnie will be here any second,” she reminded him, “and we promised to take Rose on a picnic.”
He groaned and righted the strap of her garment. “Fine. But I’m going to whisper wicked things in your ear until you agree to return upstairs with me.”
She licked her lips. “Promise?”
“I’m a man of my word,” he said, before placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
“Good morning, my lady,” Bonnie said. “Oh, and my lord.”
“Good morning, Bonnie,” Jude said, before focusing his attention on Juliana. “Rose and I shall wait for you in the nursery.”
Juliana smiled at him before watching him take his leave. Bonnie made quick work of dressing her for the day and styled her hair in a simple chignon.
Once she was ready, she found Jude and Rose, who threw her arms around Juliana when she entered the nursery. They had an enjoyable picnic, just the three of them, with Rose running around and playing by the stream.
“Mama, watch me,” she called to Juliana.
And Juliana beamed with pride that she got to be a mother to such a sweet little girl.
Rose recently started referring to Juliana as her mama, all on her own.
The first time she did so, Juliana cried happy tears while Jude rubbed her back and pulled both of his girls into a big hug.
“I’m watching, poppet,” she called after her. Rose held two dandelions and danced in a circle watching the white seeds float around her. She glanced at Jude, who was wiping a tear from his eye. Clasping his hand, she leaned closer to him. “Are you all right, my love?”
He nodded. “I just never imagined such a life for myself, and now that I have it, I can’t imagine being anywhere other than right here with you.”
“And to think, it all started because I propositioned you,” she laughed and winked at him.
He stared into her eyes, and her heart stopped. He had the power to consume every ounce of her awareness. “You wish to know something?” he asked.
She nodded.
“I agreed to that arrangement because I couldn’t stand the idea of one of the bacon-brained men of the ton taking advantage of you. Even before I knew I loved you, I knew I must be the one to protect you.”
She kissed his cheek. “I’m so very glad you did.”
He leaned close to her and brushed his lips against his ear. “And later I’m going to watch you touch yourself, just like I taught you that very first time,” he whispered.
Her cheeks reddened, and she pressed her thighs together, trying to ease the heat that was building within her from his words.
“Papa,” Rose called over to them, “can we go back now? I want to show Nanny this flower I picked.”
“Of course, poppet.” Jude helped Juliana stand, and they packed up their picnic. Jude draped the blanket over the arm which held the basket and extended his other to Juliana. Rose ran up and clasped Juliana’s free hand and the trio returned home.
Mrs. Jones was waiting for them and led Rose upstairs to the nursery. Juliana picked up their correspondence from the tray and looked through it.
“Wife, do I need to whisper more things in your ear, or are you going to accompany me upstairs?” Jude asked, wrapping his arms around her from behind, placing a kiss just behind her ear.
She tilted her head to the side to give him better access to her neck while she read the names on the missives.
“I shall be more than willing to accompany you in a moment. I just want to read through these to ensure nothing is amiss.”
He sighed, and she rolled her eyes at him. Although in truth, she adored how much her husband desired her, and wouldn’t change a thing about him.
“Here is one from Nate,” she said. She had written to him a week ago to tell him of her marriage.
She opened the missive and scanned it to herself.
“How did the poor chap take it when you declined his proposal?” Jude asked, his tone full of mirth. Juliana had told him about what Nate offered her and how she almost accepted, not wishing to have any secrets between them. She wanted to keep Nate as a friend, which Jude understood and supported.
“He’s happy for us,” she said. “He will call on us the next time we are in town.”
“Anything else, or can I whisk you upstairs now?” he asked. “I have plans for you.”
“Do lead the way, Husband.”
The End