OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 5 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Lust and Love in High Society", and get 5 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Some years later, in the soft glow of a French sunset, the Raven Valley family stood at the threshold of a new adventure. The Channel’s waves had carried them safely across, and William, Charlotte, their son Henry, and the girls, Lily and Hazel, found themselves exploring the streets of Paris. France was a place of romance and wonder, its allure tangible in the cobblestone streets and the gentle wafting of freshly baked pastries. For the girls, it was a chance to know their roots; for the parents, a moment of rediscovery and romance.
Margaret, Charlotte’s mother, had declined to accompany them, choosing instead to stay close to Dr. Goodwin, the village doctor whose quiet charm had captivated her heart. They had been courting for a few months now. Despite missing her mother, Charlotte felt a surge of joy at the thought of her mother’s newfound happiness.
That evening, after the children were tucked into bed in the rented chateau, William and Charlotte found themselves alone on the balcony, the Parisian skyline spreading out before them.
“Can you believe we’re here, William?” Charlotte asked, her eyes dancing with excitement.
He smiled, pulling her close, his good leg planted firmly, while the one that sometimes troubled him was hidden from view. “It’s almost like a dream, isn’t it? Though I must admit, I’m looking forward to exploring the countryside as well.”
She looked up at him, her fingers playing with the lapel of his coat. “I knew you’d say that. The girls are enjoying the city, but I can see that longing in your eyes. You’ve always had a connection with the land.”
William chuckled. “And you, my love, have a connection with my heart.”
Charlotte blushed, and they shared a gentle kiss. They stood together in comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts, until a mischievous sparkle appeared in William’s eyes.
“Charlotte, my dear, do you recall our first night together?” he asked, his voice low and suggestive.
She met his gaze, feeling a familiar thrill. “How could I forget? It was the beginning of everything for us.”
His hand found hers, fingers entwining. “I remember how your eyes sparkled, even in the dim light. How your touch sent shivers down my spine. How I knew, even then, that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.”
She leaned against him, her heart swelling with love. “And here we are, all these years later, with our children, exploring new horizons. It’s more than I ever dared hope for.”
He turned to her, his eyes filled with passion. “And yet, there’s something more I want, something I need, something only you can give me.”
Her breath caught as she understood his meaning. She looked at him, her own desire reflecting in her eyes. “William, are you suggesting—”
“I am,” he interrupted, his voice husky. “The children are asleep, and we have the night to ourselves. Let’s make the most of it.”
She smiled, her heart racing. “I thought you’d never ask.”
With that, they retreated to their room, leaving behind the twinkling lights of Paris. The night was theirs, and they would make it one to remember. The door closed with a soft click, sealing them in their private world, where nothing mattered but the love they shared and the pleasure they would find in each other’s arms.
The days following were filled with laughter and exploration as the family journeyed through the French countryside. Lily and Hazel’s wide-eyed wonder at every new sight brought joy to their parents’ hearts, while young Henry’s inquisitive nature kept them all entertained.
One day, while William and the children were exploring a local market, Charlotte received a letter from her mother, Margaret. Seated in the drawing room of a rented country house, Charlotte’s hands trembled as she opened the envelope. Her relationship with her mother had mended beautifully over the last few years, and she found herself anticipating Margaret’s words.
My Dearest Charlotte,
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying your time in France. Dr. Goodwin has been an excellent companion these past weeks, and I must say, he has a way of making a woman feel seen and cherished. I feel like a young girl again, and for the first time in years, I am filled with hope.
It seems I have found happiness again. I would never have dreamt of it! Dr. Goodwin has asked for my hand, and I have accepted. I thought you should know first, my dear daughter. You have been a source of strength and inspiration, and I thank you for helping me find the courage to love again.
Please give my love to William, Lily, Hazel, and little Henry. Enjoy your time in France and know that you are always in my thoughts. When you get back, we’ll celebrate together.
With all my love,
Mother
Tears welled in Charlotte’s eyes as she finished reading. Her mother was getting married. A flood of emotions washed over her, but above all, she felt a profound happiness for Margaret. She knew that Dr. Goodwin would take good care of her, and she was thrilled that her mother had finally found love.
“Charlotte? What’s this?” William’s voice broke through her thoughts, and she looked up to find him standing in the doorway, curiosity dancing in his eyes.
“Come here, William,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I have wonderful news.”
He crossed the room and took the letter from her hand, reading it with growing amazement. When he looked up, his eyes were shining.
“Your mother is getting married!” he exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace. “This is marvelous!”
“It is,” she agreed, resting her head on his chest. “I’m so happy for her, William. After everything she’s been through, she deserves this happiness.”
They stood together, absorbing the news, until Charlotte broke the silence.
“I heard from the village gossip that Jack, Matthew, and Allen have been released from jail,” she said, her voice thoughtful. “They seem to have turned a new leaf and are living quiet lives far away.”
William’s eyes narrowed, but his voice was calm. “Let them live their lives, Charlotte. They’ve paid for their mistakes. We must focus on our own happiness.”
She nodded, leaning into him. “You’re right, my love. Our past is behind us, and our future is bright.”
He kissed her forehead, a promise of more to come. “And tonight, I intend to show you just how bright.”
She smiled, anticipation building. “I look forward to it.”
That night, after the children were asleep, Charlotte and William found themselves alone once more. The air was charged with expectation, their connection as strong as ever. As she began to tend to his leg, her touch gentle yet firm, William’s eyes darkened with desire.
“Charlotte,” he whispered, his voice thick with need.
“Yes, William?” she replied, meeting his gaze.
“I want you,” he said, his voice raw. “Now.”
The intensity in his eyes left her breathless, and she knew that what was about to happen was something they would never forget.
That night, in the soft glow of the room’s candles, Charlotte and William’s love blossomed anew. Their connection had always been powerful, but here in France, far from their usual responsibilities, it took on a renewed intensity.
Charlotte’s hands, so skilled at healing and care, now explored William’s body with a different purpose. His leg, though still paining him at times, was stronger now, and he moved with a passion and hunger that matched her own.
“Charlotte, my love,” he murmured as she kissed her way down his chest, her fingers deftly unbuttoning his shirt. “I never tire of you, never.”
“Nor I of you, William,” she whispered back, her voice filled with emotion and desire.
As she reached his waist, she looked up at him, her eyes shining with love and want. He reached down, cupping her face, and brought her lips to his. The kiss was deep and hungry, a meeting of souls that had weathered much and come out stronger.
He helped her out of her gown, each piece of clothing that fell away deepening their connection. They stood together, naked and unashamed, their bodies testament to the life they had built.
“You are beautiful, Charlotte,” William breathed, his eyes roving over her.
“You make me feel beautiful,” she replied, her cheeks flushed with desire.
He led her to the bed, laying her down gently, his body covering hers. Their lips met again, a dance of tongues that left them both breathless.
“I want to make love to you,” he whispered in her ear, his voice trembling with need. “I want to show you how much I love you, every day, every night.”
“Yes, William,” she moaned, her body arching into his. “Show me.”
And he did.
He worshipped her with his mouth and hands, tasting and touching every inch of her until she was writhing beneath him, her cries of pleasure filling the room.
He knew her body as well as his own, knew exactly what she needed, what she craved. And she knew him, knew how to drive him to the brink and then bring him back, only to push him over the edge once more.
They moved together, a perfect dance of love and lust, two bodies becoming one in a way that transcended the physical. Their lovemaking was a celebration, a reaffirmation of their bond, a promise of all the days to come.
When they finally collapsed together, spent and satisfied, the world outside ceased to exist. They lay in each other’s arms, their hearts beating as one, knowing that they had something special, something that could withstand anything life threw at them.
“I love you, Charlotte,” William whispered, his breath warm against her ear.
“I love you too, William,” she replied, her voice filled with contentment.
They drifted to sleep in each other’s arms, two souls intertwined, knowing that no matter what the future held, they would face it together.
Readers who read this book also liked
 |
 |
 |
 |
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 5 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Lust and Love in High Society", and get 5 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello my dear readers. I hope you enjoyed the book and this Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments below. Thank you so much! 🙂
That was an interesting read! Falling in love with someone who abducts you is now a usual story line. It was a good read, though at times I wondered; with William’s leg so sore, how was he able to do some of the things he did? He tore up the letter from Jack, but when they arrived in London, he gave the letter to the housekeeper to read? Other than that, it was a good story.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Terry! I truly appreciate it!
I absolutely love all of your stories. All I do is hunt for Henrietta Harding’s books. lol. I’ve always believed I lived back in the Victorian era. My front living room was dedicated to that era with all the furniture, tea sets and dolls. Thank you for sharing your love of writing. I want to write my own story to help young women who have/are going through what I went through growing up.
I’m humbled, my dear Tammy!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support! So glad you enjoy my stories!
Another amazing love story! It is about goodness and love of family and passion and caring not just about passion but true love along with the passion and caring from true love. Again I am amazed at how the story evolves! Such creativity and imagination!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, dear Karen! I truly appreciate it!
So glad you enjoyed the story!
I have enjoyed reading “Taming the Beastly Duke’s desires” but it wasn’t the extended epilogue that I was wanting to read. It was “Starry nights scandals and a fiery lady” extended epilogue that I wish to read. I think they kind of got mixed up.