Kate leaned back against Christian as they watched Tom hoist the sign for Canley Investigations. Christian’s dream was soon to be a reality. Inside, Sally and Benji were straightening the storefront for tomorrow’s grand opening.

Shortly after they were married, Christian had announced to the ton that he was opening a personal investigations service. Tongues wagged for a few weeks, but society decided to embrace the idea in their own way, tutting about the eccentricity of the handsome earl, his lovely wife, and their “club.”

Kate hadn’t thought she would like the higher ton circles at all, but was pleasantly surprised to find aspects she actually enjoyed. Watching her brother Teddy scurry out of their path whenever they met at a function also proved amusing. Christian had dealt quite effectively with the rat. Christian and Anthony held enough influence to pave a smooth path for her, and while things continued to be rocky in regard to her father-in-law, ever since Christian’s proclamation, they had discovered a way to at least be civil.

And Kate had observed more than a few measured looks of respect on the marquess’s face when Christian wasn’t looking. She figured that as long as the man never hurt her husband again, she would let him live.

Christian stroked her round stomach and she leaned farther into him. The marquess was hoping to have some influence over their children. She and Christian privately joked about their cold dead bodies rotting in the ground before allowing anything of the sort.

Lucky for them their marriage was about as far from cold as it was possible to get. Christian was a passionate and attentive friend and lover, and she liked to think that she gave as good as she got.

They had their fair share of disagreements; with two such strong-willed people, that was bound to happen. But none of the arguments lasted long, and Kate cherished every one of them (after the fact, of course). Each day, each moment, uncovered new layers for both of them, and made their bond stronger.

The past year had been full of warmth, love, and laughter. Kate couldn’t be happier.

She looked up at her husband, and he smiled down.

“Did you know that you are every woman’s dream earl?”

He gave her a light squeeze and brushed his lips against the fading scars on her ear.

“As long as I’m the earl of your dreams.”