The Duke Meets His Match (The Infamous Somertons #3)(64)

The bag wiggled.

Emily’s eyes grew large. “What is it?”

“Go on,” he said. “Open it.”

Emily reached out and pushed the black cloth aside to reveal a tiny kitten with jewel-green eyes. The feline was entirely black, except for four white paws.

“Oh! He’s lovely. Is he for me?” Emily asked.

“It’s a she, and yes.” Michael removed the kitten from the bag and set the tiny creature on Emily’s lap.

“Thank you!” Emily stroke the kitten’s soft fur and was rewarded with a meow.

“What will you name her, darling?” Chloe asked.

“Stockings, for her white feet.”

“Stockings. I like it,” Michael said.

“May I play with her?” Emily asked.

“Of course,” Michael said. “Cook has some fish and water inside.”

Emily cradled the kitten in her arms and hurried into the house.

Chloe turned to Michael beside her. “That was very thoughtful of you.”

A devilish look came into his eyes. “You may not thank me for long. Emily also wants a puppy.”

“A wife, a child, a kitten, and a puppy,” Chloe said, counting on her fingers. “That’s four. You’d best be careful, Your Grace. Huntingdon and Vale will think you’re smitten.”

“Ah, I suppose I am. It’s all your fault, love.”

Her heart lurched madly. His vitality still captivated her, and she’d never grow tired of him or stop desiring him.

Thank goodness, Michael was doing better as well. His nightmares had almost ceased, and when he did suffer from a bad dream, he’d learned to wake her and together they would talk through his fears.

But there was one more thing he would need to overcome.

She cleared her throat. “Michael? There’s something I must tell you.”

He arched a dark eyebrow and stroked his fingers down her arm. “Is it another secret from your past? I assure you it won’t matter one whit.”

She slapped his hand away playfully. “It has nothing to do with my past, but our future.”

He stilled, and his gaze rose to hers. “Chloe?”

“By the look on your face, I assume you’ve already guessed. I’m with child.”

She held her breath. He’d broken his steadfast rule about marriage. He’d taken Emily into their home. But a baby? Would he be happy? Or would his old fears return?

Then he broke into a wide grin, and her nerves eased. “Truly?”

She nodded. “Yes. I’m certain, and Dr. Graves confirmed it.”

He gathered her into his arms and kissed her, his lips warm and sweet on hers.

She pulled back slightly. “You’re not afraid? Disappointed?”

“Disappointed? Never. Afraid? Yes. But also, joyous and thrilled. Thank you. I love you, Chloe, with all my heart.

Her heart welled with happiness. “I love you, too.”

His expression grew serious as he held her. “For the first time, I don’t regret my past. Without it, I would never have met you, the woman who has given me hope.”



Did you love this Scandalous? Check out more of our historical romance titles here!

Don’t miss more books by Tina Gabrielle! Sign up for our newsletter here!