Spanish Lullaby Read Online Free PDF Page B

overcome her resistance just as easily again. And again.
    She still loved him, she realized with painful insight. If she didn't, she wouldn't be so angry with him for leaving
    While she was admitting a few things, she might as well acknowledge that becoming his wife might be the thing she wanted most in the world.
    On the other hand, she didn't have to concede that to him, though she had the feeling he knew anyway.
    Juliet lifted her chin. “My first request is obvious enough, Carlos. No more wars. No more leaving, period. If we are blessed with children, I want them to have a father. Agreed?"
    "Agreed.” The reply was quick and without equivocation.
    "I get to choose their names. I am thinking Bathsheba for a girl and Septimus if it's a boy.” She lowered her lashes a fraction and gave him an innocent look.
    He hesitated, and then his lips twitched in amusement as he realized she was teasing. The tight line of his mouth eased. “Fine choices, both of them. Agreed."
    "You have a pleasing voice. A lovely song like the one from last night would be nice once in a while."
    He inclined his head. “A Spanish lullaby whenever you wish to hear one, my lady. Agreed."

    There was a pause. Her throat felt constricted. “I want you to tell me you love me every single day. At least once, maybe more if the occasion warrants it."
    The request would have been more effective if her voice hadn't wavered, betraying her emotion.
    He straightened away from the wall, the stark reaction in his dark eyes sudden and palpable. “I'll start now."
    In two long strides he was across the room and she was swept into his arms, up against his tall body, his mouth hovering over hers. “I love you,” he whispered. “I loved you when I got on that ship, during every cold night, during every miserable day. I loved you when cannons fired around me, when I was hungry, when men lay dying everywhere. I loved you when we lost ground, when we won battles, when we thought it would never end. Juliet, please understand, that never stopped, never faltered, never faded. It saw me through hell and it brought me home."
    In answer she wound her arms around his neck and pulled him the fraction closer needed to kiss him, her heart pounding.
    In tune with his, the steady thud a reminder he was very much alive and had come back.
    To her.
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Epilogue
    Lady Wilhelmina Woodhull waved her fan in long, languid sweeps. “Such a brilliant party, my dear Duchess. You have outdone yourself, if I do say."
    "It is going rather well,” Mary agreed, her champagne flute dangling from her fingers, her watchful eye gauging the fullness of the buffet table and the efficiency of the staff as they carried trays of drinks around. However, she couldn't help it, her attention was drawn back time and again to the dance floor and a smug smile hovered on her lips.
    The celebration was a splendid success, it was true, but her greatest triumph was currently waltzing to a popular tune. Even amidst the milling crowd the couple was striking, Carlos’ height and dark coloring a contrast to his wife's delicate blond beauty. They were both smiling, and as Mary watched, he leaned down and whispered something in Juliet's ear and she laughed.
    Dear God, to see them both happy was definitely something to celebrate.
    "Are you tearing up on me, your Grace?"

    "A bit,” Mary admitted, plucking a handkerchief out of her sleeve to dab her eyes. “I am so delighted to have my son back."
    Lady Woodhull shrewdly followed her gaze. “You are not the only one, it seems. They make a dazzling pair. Word has it Lord Drake is a bit put out over losing his perspective bride, but it won't last, I'm sure. When one is handsome, titled and rich, there is no reason to be unhappy for long, now is there?"
    "Juliet has always loved Carlos. His absence was very difficult."
    "Such a romantic story.” Wilhelmina sighed, still working her fan so small sausage curls moved on either side of her plump