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Gwen choked back another sob, her breath catching as she turned, and found Aidan kneeling behind her. The glow of the moon-shaped lantern bathed him in golden light, and she could scarcely breathe for the ache in her chest.

Byron’s words still echoed in the air, but now she needed Aidan’s.

He reached for her hand, pressing it to his cheek.

“I am so sorry, my love,” he said, his voice steady but rich with emotion. “I am sorry I deceived you. But more than that, I am sorry I never said what was in my heart.”

He drew in a deep breath, his eyes never leaving hers. “From the moment you recited that verse of Manilius, I knew. I had found the other half of my soul. A woman who would challenge me, who would keep me honest, and whom I would cherish until my final breath. I could not walk away. That is why I kissed you in the moonlight. I love you, Gwen Abbott. With everything that I am.”

Tears slipped silently down her cheeks, tracing her chin and neck, but she did not brush them away.

“How can I know it is true?” she whispered.

Aidan stared pensively back up at her, biting his lip. “What if I told you a secret? An embarrassing secret that a man would only tell his beloved wife …” He hesitated. “And perhaps a very close friend.”

Gwen used her palms to wipe her cheeks, and nodded, intrigued to hear what he might tell her. Would she finally learn something tangible about her moonlight visitor?

Aidan rose up, peering over his shoulder before leaning down to whisper in her ear. “You are the only woman I have ever lain with, Gwen. The only one who ever tempted me.”

Gwen gasped, pulling back to gaze up into his face. “Is that true?”

Aidan peered about again, as if afraid of being overheard. “It is.”

“You mean the other night when we …”

Her husband’s brows shot up, and he swiftly raised a finger to press her lips shut. “Shh … and yes.”

Gwen pursed her lips while she thought about his confession. Slowly, a warmth began to spread through her body, sending shivers down her arms and legs. Even her head felt giddy. Pulling his hand away, she leaned in and whispered into his ear. “I was your first?”

He bobbed his head, murmuring close to tickle her hair with his warm breath. “I left that afternoon to receive lessons on what to do. I … did not want to disappoint you.”

It was not the sort of secret a gentleman would typically share, especially not with the woman he adored.

Gwen threw her arms around his neck, her heart overflowing at the trust he had shown her. “Oh, Aidan,” she whispered. “I love you, too!”

He drew her into his arms, and under the gentle glow of the moon-shaped lantern, their lips met. The kiss was tender and deep with meaning. A sealing of hearts laid bare with no more secrets to come between them. In his embrace, Gwen felt as though she had summoned a dream to life beneath the stars.

She barely noticed the soft creak of the terrace doors behind them, so absorbed was she in the moment. When they finally broke apart, breathless and smiling, Gwen glanced toward the sound.

A small crowd stood there, illuminated by the warm light spilling from the house.

At the front, Lily and Filminster beamed with delight, Lily’s impish smile positively glowing. Behind them stood the duke and duchess, arm in arm. The Earl and Countess of Saunton stood together in quiet happiness, and Aidan’s parents stood just beyond, their expressions carefully composed though their pride was evident.

Then, with quiet joy, Lily stepped forward and threw out her arms. “Welcome to the family, Gwen Abbott!”

Aidan gently urged her forward. One by one, each member of his family stepped close to greet her. Offering warm embraces, kisses to her cheek, and kind words that wrapped around her like a protective cloak.

Even the duke, typically more reserved, enveloped her in a brief but sincere hug. “Welcome, Gwen. I apologize for the deceptions that brought us here. But we are proud to have you join us. We shall do our best to make amends.”

Gwen was overcome by an incredible warmth. Outside of her own family, she had never known such open affection and certainly not from people of such stature. It felt overwhelming and tender all at once.

Tears welled again, spilling freely as her emotions overcame her.

Lord Moreland stepped forward with a handkerchief in hand. “I am so relieved to learn your father’s true plans, young lady,” he said kindly. “I look forward to a successful future with Frederick Smythe.”

She nodded, dabbing at her face, then gave a grateful blow into the cloth. She finally accepted the truth. Her father had been right. Aidan was the right man.

A sudden growl from her middle made her gasp in dismay. Her eyes widened, mortified. Papa, who had come up behind her to offer a quick hug, chuckled.

“I think it is time to eat, everyone. My daughter has been expecting her supper for quite some time but I had instructed the maid not to bring it.”

Lily immediately seized Gwen’s hand. “I am hungry, too! I have not eaten since breakfast. That was at eight o’clock, and Annabel and the duke are early risers, so now I am, too! But it is difficult, going such long hours without a meal.”

Gwen giggled, caught in the whirlwind of her sister-in-law’s chatter as they walked inside. She marveled at how wonderful it would be to build connections with each of Aidan’s family members. Her brother Gareth would surely adore them. He and little Ethan would get along famously, especially over a chessboard. She smiled, imagining the fierce and enthusiastic matches they were sure to enjoy.

As they crossed the threshold, Gwen glanced over her shoulder and found Aidan directly behind her.

“Are you going to tell me,” she asked lightly, “why you thought my father had murdered a man?”

He winced, clearly discomfited. “Must I?”

Gwen paused mid-step, and with the spark of courage she had been nurturing, she looked him squarely in the eye.

“Yes,” she said firmly. “You must.”