A Duchess in the Dark(22)

“Oh?” His lips tilted up into a wicked smile. “What do you have for me?”

“It’s still early…” She took his hand and moved it to her still-flat belly.

Her courses were usually quite regular, but last month they’d failed to arrive altogether. She’d consulted a doctor, who’d confirmed what she’d already known in her heart. A babe was due to arrive in the spring.

Shock, joy, and disbelief flashed across his handsome face all at once. He stretched his large hand across her belly possessively. “Are you certain?”

“As certain as one can be about such things.”

With a whoop of joy, he dropped a quick kiss on her lips, then bent to feather several kisses across her belly. “I believe we shall be very happy, my duchess.”

“Yes.” She smiled, her fingers tangled in his hair. “Yes, I believe we shall.”