Part 20 (2/2)

”In case you feel a little chilled up amongst the clouds.” He leaned in to whisper the words against her ear and did not miss her sweet s.h.i.+ver.

”Oh my, are we really doing this? Will you hold my hand the entire time, please?” She reached forward with gloved fingers and captured his in a tight squeeze.

”I shall never let you go.” He could not stop himself from dropping a quick kiss to the tip of her nose. ”You have my word.”

Then he promptly removed her gloves so he could do as he promised. The sunlight glinted off the betrothal ring he'd slipped upon her finger only days before. The band of gold featured a captivating green moonstone encircled with clear cut diamonds, and while he sought to match the twinkling hue of Penelope's eyes, he realized soon after visiting the jewelers, the task was impossible. Even in direct sunlight, her eyes glistened more beautifully than any gemstone created in heaven or earth. He laced his fingers with hers and clasped her hands, binding her to him and wis.h.i.+ng he could bring her closer.

The balloon lifted and as they rose into the air, the aeronaut busy at work modulating the ascent, he could not break the hold of their eyes or the enchantment of their embrace.

They'd only ascended a short distance when she went up on tippy-toe and pressed a soft slow kiss to his left cheek. ”Thank you, for causing every one of my dreams to come true.”

”You've no need to thank me, Penelope Rosebery, soon to be Penelope Betcham. You are the dream come true.”

Her face touched with the truest of smiles and his heart thudded a heavy beat. Then she cuddled even closer, her nose almost brushed his chin as she whispered up to him.

”I love you.”

He wrapped his arm around her to anchor her against the wall of his chest.

”I love us.” He brought her clasped fingers to his lips for a lingering kiss. ”And I always will.” His voice held a note of quiet seriousness that spoke directly from his heart, but there was no way to sustain the sentimental moment as the basket swayed and they eyed each other in surprise, the balloon ascending higher.

Their laughter intermingled with the suns.h.i.+ne and no two more joyful people could ever be found, not in London, or in the skies, or the heavens beyond.

CARINA.

ISBN: 9781474024600.

Also by Anabelle Bryant.

To Love a Wicked Scoundrel.

Duke of Darkness.

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