It was the one dream he'd never permitted himself to consider.

In his heart, she’d been smiling for him. But now she was smiling at Colin Bridgerton, he of the famous charm and sparkling green eyes.

People will think you're courting me.' 'Nonsense, everyone knows I don't court respectable women.

Love was the best present of all.

She'd met Colin on a Monday. She'd kissed him on a Friday. Twelve years later. She sighed. It seemed fairly pathetic.

You have a mother?" He quirked a brow. "Did you think mine was some sort of divine birth? My father was a remarkable man, but even he was not that talented.

Love works in mysterious ways.