Easton couldn’t help but laugh. She was the most delightful woman he’d ever met. “That I do not know, but I’m sure once they find the one, they will protect their mate with all their might.”
Miss Parker turned to him. “Lord Easton, are we still talking about the swans?”
Easton picked up her hand. This was it. The moment of truth. His life going forward would either be glorious or miserable, depending on her answer. “My dear Miss Parker, I know you’ve said in the past that you don’t wish to marry, but—”
“My lord, sometimes people change their minds.”
Easton hadn’t expected that, and a small flame of hope burned in his chest. “Are you saying you have changed your mind?”
She nodded. “I have, although I never would have believed it was possible when I first came to London.”
“I see.”
“Lord Easton, is that all you have to say?”
He shook his head. “No. What I mean is…umm…What I want to say is…”
Miss Parker squeezed his hand. “My feelings have also changed, my lord, and I do hope it’s a good thing and not in vain.”
That flame in Easton’s chest burned brighter. “It is indeed a good thing. My darling, you must know how much I admire you.”
“Admire me?”
“Well, that’s not the right word at all.”
“Lord Easton, may we please speak plainly? I shall go first, as you seem to be having trouble finding the right words. When I came to London, all I could think about was having fun. It didn’t matter what I did as long as it was enjoyable. Weeks of fun and a few mishaps along the way have taught me one thing.”
“Oh, and what is that?”
“That having fun is all well and good, but the real joy comes from having a partner to share it with. You have become very special to me, my lord.”
“Could I dare to hope? Are you saying you love me?”
The smile that broke across her face told Easton everything he needed to know.
“I am,” she said. “My feelings started to change slowly, until I couldn’t imagine my days without seeing you as a part of them. You are a wonderful man, and I love you dearly.”
Easton picked her up and twirled her around. “My darling, I’m so happy. I have loved you since you were sixteen years old.”
“You have?”
“I have,” he said, putting her back on her feet. “I promise I shall love you with every fiber of my being for the rest of our lives.”
“Please call me Mia.”
Easton got down on one knee. “My darling Mia, would you make me the happiest man in all of England and consent to be my wife?”
“Yes. We shall be like my beloved swans. Mated for life.”
“We will,” he said, standing and looking around to make sure no one was watching them. He leaned toward her, and Mia lifted her chin. He was finally going to kiss the woman he loved.
When she caressed his cheek, he kissed her, gently at first, then with all the pent-up passion he’d been bottling up for years. When he finally stepped back, they were both breathless. “Do forgive me, my love. I was carried away by the moment,” he said, glancing around once more. No one was nearby but the maid, who was studiously pretending not to see anything, bless her.” He was relieved—he hadn’t wanted to create a scandal, but he could no longer wait to taste Mia’s sweet lips.
“That was truly magnificent, my lord.”
“Please call me Alex.”
“Alex. I like the sound of that.”