Authors: Stephanie Maddux
“She is probably at
the
Viscount
’s country home. It is where she went when her parents died and to get over you
,
”
s
he told Jake.
Jake tried not to let his
jealousy
color his feelings. “Where is his home?” Greg
ory
had several and it was hard to tell which one she would be at.
“Let me go ask my mum
,
”
s
he said to bide time. The
Countess
came and told him that his closest estate was located in
Dorset
. Damn,
Dorset
was a day’s ride. Jake said his thanks and goodbyes and headed home to grab some necessities before his trip.
He rode on horseback, not
taking the time to have his carriage readied. He rode straight through without stopping. After help with directions from some of the locals, he found the estate he was looking for. He took in the grand home and lush land. The
Viscount
was clearly well off
. Jake brushed
aside the thought, not caring either way. He was here for one purpose
,
and
that
was to fetch Ana home.
The
Viscount
himself met him at the entranceway as soon as he pulled the horse to a halt.
“Is Ana here?” He said out of breath from the hard drive.
“Why are you here?” Gregory
asked instead of answering.
“I am going to take her home where she belongs
,
”
h
e said. Why did he think he was here?
Greg
ory
studied him for a moment. “And where is home?” He finally asked.
“Her home is with me, as my wife, the mother of our children
,
”
h
e said. Jake knew that Greg
ory
was sizing him up before coming up with his decision.
“She is on the second floor, third room on the right. Don’t hurt her again
,
”
h
e warned unnecessarily letting him in the front door.
Jake went up to where he was directed and
tapped softly on the door
. He heard her soft voice bidding him to enter. He eased the door open and saw her sitting at a writing desk
with
her back toward him.
“Hello
,
Ana, my love
,
”
h
e said. He watched her stand up and
she
faced him regally.
“Jake, how did you find me and what are you doing here?” She asked.
“Eliza helped and I came to take you home.”
“Jake. I’m moving and making a new life. There is nothing left
there,
”
s
he said brokenly.
Jake’s love grew tenfold. “I
l
ove you. I'm here." He couldn’t stand there anymore and not hold her in his arms. “You’re making your home with me and starting your new life with me.” He crushed her to him.
Ana pulled back. “What are we going to do about children?”
Jake sighed and massaged the back of his neck. “
There are a lot of children who need homes,
”
Jake
said.
“You would do that for me
?
” Ana’s eyes misted.
Jake smiled and hauled her into his arms. “I love you
,
Ana. I would do anything for you. I just needed time
,
S
weetheart. Everything is okay now, I promise you
that
.” He sealed his promise with a kiss. “I love you just as you are. I wouldn’t change you. We will make it work, just don’t ever leave me again
,
” Jake said
while holding her close
.
While everyone was jumping in and helping to plan the wedding, Ana and Jake were working on healing their relationship. While it wasn't broken, some issues still needed
discussing
. They were happily married at his estate in the country. It was a small private affair with friends and family.
Jordan
was the best man and was ribbing Jake the whole day
.
Eliza was
Ana’s
maid of honor who was keeping Ana calm enough not to make a fool of herself.
Greg
ory
offered his congratulations to them both
,
personally. Jake and the
Viscount
had become very close friends in the last two months since they left his estate. It was one of the happiest moments in Ana’s life. She truly never would have believed this day would have ever come. It was thanks to Katherine and her schemes.
They went on their honeymoon, where they spent three weeks in
Scotland
,
where Jake lived for the two years he was gone. It was a peaceful place and
she
could easily envision Jake here. They both decided to live in his Ashbury estate and make trips to
London
when needed, keeping both townhomes as well.
Sarah was found guilty, but Jake decided it would be better for her to spend time in personal care getting help, rather than go
ing
to prison. He pulled some strings and made it happen. Ana truly believed Sarah needed
someone to take her where
she could be cared for
. Everyone was in the agreement
that
she be moved to the Continent
, so she could
start a new life.
Jake, true to his word, put fillers out, trying to find children in need and they had already visited several orphanages. They had completely fallen in love with two darling twin children. One boy an
d one girl about 3 years of age, t
hey were perfect.
Ana woke up
that
morning gloriously happy
that they wo
uld finally be able to bring her
children home.
The whole family had a welcome party for the new addition to the family.
Later in the evening, Katherine gave Ana a personal gift.
Ana took the box, opened
it
up and
a
parchment fell out. "Read it out loud, I want everyone to know
,
" Katherine whispered softly.
Ana looked at everyone she loved dearly and in a calm loud voice she started to read:
Ana my love,
The last letter I sent you was
unforgivable
of me and I promised
myself
if given the chance, I would make it right. You are a wonderful woman who fulfills everything I could ever want in a daughter. My son is the luckiest man
in the world
. Your courage, strength and love outshine all expectations I have of you. You are a wonderful wife and will be a loving mother. Please never forget the little moments and
the
little things that make a happy life with the ones that you love.
Love the Dower Duchess
It was the best present Katherine could have ever given her. So different from the letter she
had written
two years ago. Ana knew her voice started to crack at the end, but she made it through the letter. Katherine pulled her into a motherly hug and she was ever grateful this woman took
a
chance on her. She truly had changed.
"I love you
, Mother,
" Ana whispered in her
ear
and knew that Katherine was crying right along with her.
"Can we still adopt some more little ones?" Ana asked
Jake
impishly. She wanted a big family and the more children, the better.
"
Whatever
you want my love
, whatever you want.”
The answer
d
rifted softly to her
ears
.
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2011
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Viscount
's P
redicament
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Available
February
2012
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