Darcy laughed. “I am quite certain every woman on down through the endless ages has prayed for that miracle. Alas, the Almighty had a different plan. Very well then, one at a time is adequate, especially if they are all as adorable as our Alexander.” He clasped one foot, toes automatically curling around the tip of Darcy's thumb where it pressed lightly the length of the sole. Alexander shoved against the pressure, causing his father to smile at his strength. The occupied infant opened one eye, shifted slightly, and momentarily lost his grip on the nipple. After a frantic search the nipple was found, Alexander casting a baleful glance at Darcy before attending to the serious business of eating.

“You of all people should know better than to disturb a Darcy while dining,” Lizzy teased.

“Point well taken. Forgive me, my son.” He bent to softly kiss the baby's downy cheek, planted a second kiss onto the beautiful flesh of his wife's breast followed by several others winding up her chest until reaching her lips.

The kiss was long, gentle, soothing, and loving rather than passionate. Darcy withdrew mere inches to gaze into Lizzy's sparkling eyes, hand and fingers stroking over her jaw and cheek. “I love you, Elizabeth, unbelievably so. You are beautiful and extraordinarily desirable to me. I know we cannot make love yet, but I do hope you understand my yearning for you is unabated. I will wait as patiently as you need, but when we can be together again, I will love you hard with all my soul pouring into yours. Nothing, not time or even Alexander, can usurp your place in my life. You are my heartbeat and breath, my beloved, precious wife.”

They kissed again. Tenderness transmuting to urgency; passion growing as the kiss deepened; waves of desire swept through them both leaving them breathless. Lizzy moaned, hands gripping Alexander tightly, the infant oblivious as he ate. Darcy pulled away, his arousal well advanced, meeting Lizzy's glazed eyes with his own.

“Fitzwilliam,” she whispered, as she always did when overcome by desire.

Darcy smiled beatifically. “Soon, my lover, soon. Anticipation is sweet, and believe me, my expectations are high so therefore it will be sweet indeed. I can promise you this, my soul.” He kissed her again, temperately as passion was cooled, lingering teasingly over her lips before traveling along her jaw to then bury his face with a contented sigh into the delicate angle where slender neck met dainty shoulder. 

Acknowledgments

This third novel of the Darcy Saga series is dedicated to my father, Edward Hudson, and my mother, Marge Shelly, who passed away in September. Naturally my existence is a reality due to their existence, but my thanks is for more than that. These two people have been a constant bedrock throughout my life no matter what tribulations troubled their own lives. Dad, I love you. Mom, I love you, miss you, and will never forget all you taught me. Next time I see you we will be free of all cares as we dance in Heaven!

Some special thanks: Deb Werksman for your patience, support, and friendship. Danielle Jackson for being utterly adorable and the best publicist on the planet. Simone van Lingen for your devoted friendship and for discovering Sourcebooks. Vee Stojcevski for your Aussie humor, proofreading skills, and being my #1 TSBO devotee. My husband and kids for loving me throughout the craziness. And above all, to my Lord and God for ceaseless inspiration.

Finally, and with all my heart, a huge thank you to my readers for taking this journey with me and the Darcys. The ride is just beginning! 

About the Author

Sharon Lathan is a native Californian currently residing amid the orchards, corn, cotton, and cows in the sunny San Joaquin Valley. She divides her time between being a homemaker nurturing her own Mr. Darcy and two teenage children and working as a registered nurse in a neonatal ICU. Throw in the cat, dog, and a ton of fish to complete the picture. When not at the hospital or attending to the often dreary tasks of homemaking, she is generally found reposing in her comfy recliner with her faithful laptop. For more information about Sharon and The Darcy Saga series, visit her website at: www.darcysaga.net.