The Long Road to Love by Lynn Collum Page A

Her heart began to race as she took in the tender look in his amber eyes. Dare she hope? “R-Richard, this is a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you again so soon. What brings you back to Bath?”
    “A lady, my dear.”
    Angelica’s heart plummeted. He’d found some new dalliance. Afraid she might cry, she nodded and looked away, fingering the small roses on the trellis, then bitterly said, “I am sure she will be delighted to be the object of your desire.”
    “She doesn’t appear to be.”
    Richard watched as Angel spun around in surprise, her lips trembling. He stepped closer and slid his arms around her waist, drawing her to him. “Are you delighted to be the object of my desire?”
    Angel, unable to speak, smiled up at him, and her eyes brimmed with unshed tears. Her dark curls bounced as she nodded her head vigorously.
    “It is truly more than mere desire, my love, for you are the lady who stole my heart.” Richard’s mouth closed over Angelica’s, and this time the lady surrendered with a sigh of pleasure.
    After several passion-filled moments, the earl drew back and said, “I love you, my dear. Will you marry me?”
    “Oh, Richard’, are you sure you can give up all the . . . others.”
    Tightening his arms around her waist, Richard grinned.“I’ve already forsaken that way of life, all I want is you, my very own Angel”
    “I do so love you, my very own Rake.” Angelica again surrendered to the pleasure of Richard’s kiss.
    From the upstairs window, the dowager and her sister briefly watched the scene in the garden; then, feeling they were intruding, they left the lovers to their joy.
    As they went down to tea, perhaps because she had not thought of it sooner, Augusta complained, “I should have known it would take an angel to reform a rake.”
The End