A few seconds of staring into his silver eyes and she nodded. “I want to be your wife...” She took another step until his face was only inches away. “...for real.”

And with that, she leaned forward and kissed him, the warmth of his lips washing over her until she trembled with it.

Still, he stood, unresponsive to her kiss.

Tilting her head to the side, her hands settled on his shoulders as her lips urged him to return her kiss. Silently, she begged him to love her; to pull her close and shower the same affection he had so recklessly spent on her in the past.

It seemed like an eternity, but she finally felt it; his arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her further into him. His lips parted, welcoming her into the warmth of his mouth, as his hand slowly traveled up her arm. He touched her neck, tilting her head to the side, so that his tongue explored her mouth with more passion.

Wrapping her arms around his neck for fear her knees would give way beneath her, she leaned further into the strength of his arms.

His lips released hers briefly enough to tilt her neck to the side and kiss it. He nibbled on her collarbone for several seconds, soft sighs of pleasure drifting from her lips as she tightened her grip on his shoulders.

“I shall bring her home,” she heard his breathless whisper as his lips brushed her ear lobe. “I shall bring her home, Gretchen,” he pulled away slightly, his eyes searching hers. “I promise.”

A tear ran down her cheek as she nodded briefly and watched as his lips took captive of hers once more, drawing her into his love.

Chapter Thirty One

A soft yawn escaped Gretchen's lips as her eyelids lifted. For a brief second, she was confused by the unfamiliarity of the room, but as soon as the thought of confusion entered her mind, she was immediately reminded of Ethan and how he had carried her into this room last night.

A small smile spread across her face as she allowed herself relive being with him for a few seconds. She remembered the warmth of his lips trailing every inch of her body and setting it on fire. She remembered the feeling of safety being in his arms provided, and she was glad to be his wife.

Turning to the side in search of him, her eyes settled on an empty bed. She turned toward the window and while the gold patterned curtains hung from it, blinding the sunrays, she could tell the day had broken long ago; she slept in.

She pushed the covers aside, the cool air of the room immediately washing over her unclad body. Her eyes began scanning the room for any trace of her night gown from last night but found nothing. A frown settled on her face when she considered her predicament; she was practically stuck here without her clothes. Would she have to wear his clothes in order to sneak into the nursery for her own clothes? Would she have to call for a maid to help her get dressed?