The Duke’s Abandoned Bride Bonus Epilogue

Bonus Epilogue

Five Years Later

“Darling, stop,” Alexandra giggled, pretending to shoo Dominic away. “You must behave. Our guests will be here any moment!”

Dominic smiled at her wolfishly as he pulled her into his arms. His kiss sent her head swimming and her veins coursing with fire. Just as it had for the last five years.

“Serena and Wesley can greet the guests with their nannies,” he whispered against her lips.

Alexandra smiled into his kiss and felt herself be pulled toward the steps. They were already dressed for their tenth anniversary party, both adorned in their finest for the celebration. It had taken hours to get ready, but as they hurried up the stairs, Alexandra thought of all the quick ways she could fix her appearance after their little tumble.

“What has gotten into you?” Alexandra giggled as they stowed into their room.

Their room. No more separate rooms. They had not slept apart since the night they had left for Kensington when the horrors of their past were finally laid to rest.

“I cannot help it,” Dominic moaned, freeing her breasts from her gown.

Alexandra moaned softly as his mouth enveloped her right nipple, and she felt her body melt into the pleasure of his touch as she always did. It was as if they were trying to make up for their first five years lost to the distance and fear, and neither of them could ever get enough.

Even with two children, their passion for one another had not died. In fact, she was sure that their existence had somehow created a stronger bond between them. Dominic wanted a third; she was sure of it, but she was insistent on waiting until Wesley turned two.

“Are you sure we have to attend the party?” Dominic asked after they finished.

He was still coating her throat in kisses.

“We could celebrate our anniversary more intimately. I have quite a few ideas that would be just as good as the fireworks you have planned.”

“It is not just our anniversary party,” Alexandra said, feeling relaxed and satisfied as she stroked her fingers through her husband’s hair. “We are celebrating many things. Kensington has had a most productive year. Gemma will be visiting after all this time. And Asher finally announced that he is getting married.”

Dominic grumbled against her neck, but when he pulled away, he was smiling.

“Very well, my love,” he sighed dramatically, helping her adjust her gown back into place.

“I shall let our guests have you. But once this is over, you are mine again.”

“I am yours, always,” Alexandra assured him, going to the mirror–a real, glass mirror that she would always appreciate, and tidying up her hair. It had taken over a year, but Dominic’s fear of having glass in the house eventually subsided.

He appeared in the reflection behind her, once more kissing her neck before looking up to meet her gaze.

“And I am yours,” he said, his tone solemn.

He lifted his hands, and Alexandra gasped as she saw the necklace he was holding. It was a diamond choker with three larger, tear-shaped diamonds dangling from it. The one in the middle was the largest, so much so that it would easily nestle atop the hollow in the center of her throat, and on either side of it hung two smaller ones.

“Dominic,” she whispered as he carefully fastened it to her neck. It was a perfect fit.

“It is a token of appreciation and a symbol,” he explained, delicately running his hands over the ornate piece. “For your patience and forgiveness for all those years lost.”

Alexandra felt her throat tighten with emotion as he breached the uncomfortable subject. Their beginning seemed so long ago now, but now and then, the remainder of it surfaced for both of them. They did not discuss it much, but when they attacked one another in a certain carnal way, they both knew why.

“And the symbol?” She asked, wanting him to go on.

He pointed toward the center diamond.

“This is me,” he explained, then moved to the diamond on the left. “This is Serena.” He then moved to the one on the right. “And this is Wesley. And when we do have any more children, they will be added to the necklace.”

Overflowing with joy, Alexandra turned in her seat and embraced Dominic tightly, not caring if it messed up her hair again.

“I love it,” she whispered, “I love you. Thank you for making all my dreams come true.”

“I love you so very much. Thank you for teaching me to love again,” Dominic whispered emphatically and then captured her lips in another ground-moving kiss.

“Now come along,” he said, smirking as he took her hand and helped her stand. “As you said before, we have much to celebrate.”

The End.