They were instantly surrounded by a sea of men and women in black, all bellowing questions, such as What about the comte? Has he threatened to kill himself? Or Captain McBride? But most of them looked happy, as though pleased to be able to report good news for a change.

They were equally happy to have the rest of the scandalous Mackenzies walk into the hotel past them—Ian, Cam, Mac, and Hart ignoring the journalists as they always did. Steven had no doubt the men and women of the press were busily making up things about the Mackenzie brothers and their wives, as they so enjoyed doing. All in all, a full day for London’s scribblers.

The hotel gave Steven another, larger suite, and the family helped Steven and Rose move into it.

Steven had the devil of a time getting them all to go after that. His leave lasted only until after Christmas, and he wanted every second with Rose.

But food and drink flowed, the Mackenzies and McBrides pleased to welcome the newest addition to their family. At last, after several hours of buoyant celebration, Sinclair and Cameron, perceptive men that they were, ushered the others out.

Now the pretty blue gown was in a puddle on the bedchamber’s floor, and Rose dozed next to Steven, her skin warm under his fingertips.

As though she felt his gaze, Rose opened her eyes, their green depths drawing him in.

She gave him a languid smile. “There’s something decadent about lying in bed together during the afternoon.”

“I like decadence,” Steven said, brushing the hair back from her face. “I always have.”

“Good,” Rose said decidedly. “If the newspapers are going to write about me, I want the fun of having done what they say I’ve done.”

Steven grinned down at her. “That’s my Rose.” He gave her a thorough kiss, one that had him hard and ready again.

“Speaking of decadence,” Rose said. “What shall I do with my cottage?”

Steven shrugged. “It’s yours. Collins has proved that. The trust means I can’t touch it. So you decide.”

“It’s very pretty,” Rose said. “I wouldn’t like to rush to sell it, but I don’t see the pair of us settling down in it anytime soon.” She caressed the back of his neck. “You promised to show me the world.”

“The world is what an army wife sees, every facet of it, the beautiful and the ugly. If you’re willing to see it with me.”

The sparkle in Rose’s eyes was eager. “I am. I don’t want to be left behind when you go.”

“And you won’t be.” Steven kissed the tip of her nose. “I won’t lie, Rosie. It’s a hard life. You now have the little jewel box to settle down in—a peaceful life with people to look after you.”

“I don’t want that,” Rose said quickly. “Not alone. I’d rather have hardship with you than ease without you.”

Steven’s heart was full. He’d make sure Rose was comfortable wherever she was with him, even if he had to bully his commanding officers to make it happen.

“We could let it,” Rose said. “The cottage I mean. To other couples. Have Mr. and Mrs. Winters stay on as caretakers, since they’ve done so well, if they’re willing. It could be a summer hideaway, or a bed and breakfast. Something of that sort.”

“Whatever you like,” Steven said. “Give you a nice little income. Collins can sort that out.”

“He’s very useful, is Mr. Collins,” Rose said. “I’m grateful to him.”

“He likes you.” Steven pulled her hand to him and kissed her palm. “I like you,” he added softly. Steven released her and rolled partway onto her. “I think you can tell.”

Rose flushed as pink as her name as his stiffness pressed her thigh. “My dear Captain McBride,” she said, her eyes shining. “I do believe you’re about to do something scandalous.”

“I hope so, Mrs. McBride.” Steven moved himself gently on top of her, looking down into her beautiful eyes—angel’s eyes—as he slid into her. “I hope so.”

His teasing dissolved in a rush of desire, and Rose’s smile faded. They came together in a thrust of passion, Steven clasping her wrists and pushing them down into the bed on either side of her.

Only one thought stood out in all the madness—in everything that had happened to him in the past few days.

“I love you, Rosie,” he said, his words a groan.

His angel smiled up at him, her body meeting his in perfect harmony. “I love you too, Steven. Always.”

“Damn right,” Steven said, and then words fled, no longer needed.