Her husband gulped nervously but took his son from her arms with the skill of a man used to such tasks. She leaned back against the headrest, admiring the man she’d married and the warmth of his smile. She’d chosen well the night she’d stolen him for her own pleasure. He treated her gently and allowed her the liberty she craved in most things, but most of all she just liked to be near him
He looked up. “What will you call him?”
She grinned. “I thought you might claim that privilege.”
Constantine bit his lip as he gazed upon his son. “James, of course, after your father. Peter, after mine. James Peter Hunt. Do you like it?”
Tears filled her eyes. “That was exactly what I would have chosen.”
Constantine glanced around at the sound of a giggle. “Are our daughters here?”
Rosemary nodded and crooked her fingers toward the bed. “They wanted to see your reaction to meeting their baby brother. Come out, my little darlings.”
Three pretty faces appeared from beneath the tassels of the master bed and hurried across the room. They crowded their father and new brother, their little fingers caressing James Peter Hunt’s dark head of hair gently as she’d shown them.
“He cries a lot, Papa,” Willow confessed with a sad shake of her head.
“See, he’s looking at you.” Maisy giggled. “He gets cross.”
Constantine rocked James a little until he settled again, his smile proving him utterly besotted with their son. “If that’s the case, he must have inherited a good portion of Randall blood.”
Rosemary met Constantine’s gaze over the heads of their children and her heart filled. The girl’s fascination with their new brother was simply adorable. After a moment, the girls drifted back to her side, and to her delight Willow climbed into her lap and lay against her shoulder. Rosemary brushed the girl’s hair from her eyes and cuddled her close. “What do you think of him?”
“He’s perfect.”
Rosemary touched the girl’s cheek and then Maisy’s and Poppy’s too. “You are all perfect, and all mine. Never ever forget that.”
Willow kissed her cheek and scrambled off, leaving her arms free. Poppy climbed onto her lap next and when Constantine placed James into her other arm she juggled the two together.
With luck, this wouldn’t be the end but only the beginning.
THE END
~ * ~
Thank you so much for reading Hunting the Hero. I hope you enjoyed it! Please consider leaving a review—either positive or negative. Reviews help others find a book that’s right for them.
Hunting the Hero is book 4 in the Wild Randalls Series. If you’d like to read the books in order, they are as follows:
Engaging the Enemy
Forsaking the Prize
Guarding the Spoils
Hunting the Hero
Find out what’s next, or sign up for my mailing list to hear about new releases at http://heather-boyd.com.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Each book I write begins as a single idea that won’t leave me alone, taking months to craft until I’m prepared and willing to share the story with others. This series has been a labor of love and determination and I’m so pleased my wild Randalls have found their way home.
For my extraordinary editor Anne Victory, my deepest sympathies for the burden you carry in correcting my mistakes. I do not know what I’d do without you. No really, I’ve no idea. Don’t go anywhere, ok?
The amazingly insightful and talented Laurie Schnebly saved me when faced with what seemed like an insurmountable problem in promoting this last book. Bless you for your rockin publicity skills and the generosity of your time.
The Wild Randalls series began over two years ago now and I’d like to thank the people who have brainstormed with me, shared their expertise and generally held my hand when I couldn’t find my way: Julie, Melissa, Michelle, Tamara, Suzi, Sandra, Tammy, Amy and Angieleigh. You’re all incredible ladies. Thank you so much for being in my corner when I needed you.
And last but in no way least I want to thank my awesome husband and our sons for allowing me time alone to write, edit and promote my stories, for eating cheesecakes to celebrate my milestones (that one was a burden), for understanding that ‘mum needs to write’ isn’t a joke but her career, and for delivering endless cups of coffee while I’m working. I love you so very much.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bestselling historical author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she weaves sizzling English set love stories that push the boundaries of regency era propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Brimming with new ideas, she frequently wishes she could type as fast as she conjures new storylines. While writing full time north of Sydney, Australia, Heather collects dust bunnies in all corners of the house and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family into submission.
For more information visit
www.heather-boyd.com
ALSO BY HEATHER BOYD
The Wild Randalls Series:
Engaging the Enemy
Forsaking the Prize
Guarding the Spoils
Hunting the Hero
The Distinguished Rogues Series:
Chills
Broken
Charity
The Hunt Club Chronicles:
Almost an Equal
Hardly a Stranger
Novella/Short stories:
One Wicked Night
In the Widow’s Bed
Love Me Tender
Wicked Mourning
The Almack’s Alternative
Love Me True
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Also by Heather Boyd