Once Upon an Achingly Beautiful Kiss (Book 5)
What readers say:
❄️“Best series ever about Recency England so be prepared to be unavailable until you finish all because you won't be able to stop until you have read them!”
❄️“This story had me laughing and weeping - it was just so emotionally touching!” ❄️“I loved all the secrets brought out so tenderly and respectful.”Juliet’s eyes glanced down at the cup in her hands before she brought it up to her lips, taking a tentative sip. “What about you?” she asked, finally releasing the cup and setting it down on the table. “Will you return to Ireland? Will you return…home?”
Christopher wondered why she would not ask for more details. He could see that she was curious, that there were questions. He had told her that he had gone to Ireland, that he had found a home there, but had not told her more. And she had not asked. She was not asking. Did she not care to know? Was she perhaps afraid of the answer?
Christopher nodded. “I will.” The crestfallen look that came to her face made his heart soar.
“When?” The word fell from her lips in no more than a whisper, her eyes downcast, not daring to look at him.
“I have not decided yet.” She looked up as he pushed to his feet and then stepped toward her. “Are we still friends?” he was surprised to hear himself asking.
Juliet swallowed, then rose as well, her green eyes blinking with tears. “I…I’ve always hoped so.” She held his gaze. “Are we?”
Christopher inhaled a deep breath, then reached out and grasped her hands. “Friends until the world stops turning,” he whispered, reciting the vow they had made up as children. “Friends until the end of time. Friends for now and always. I shall be yours—”
“And you shall be mine,” Juliet finished for him, her smile widening in such a heartwarming way that Christopher was tempted to pull her into his arms then and there.
“You remember,” Juliet whispered, tears glistening in her eyes as her hands grasped his more tightly. “I never thought you would. I…”
“Of course, I do,” Christopher assured her, knowing he had recited their vow countless times in his head whenever his longing for her had nearly brought him to his knees.
And now she was right here. Her hands in his, and anything was possible.
Dimly, Christopher heard the soft drumming of rain upon the windowpanes, the soft whooshing of wind as it swirled around outside. “Do you remember,” he whispered, “that night of All Hallows’ Eve?”
Instantly, Juliet’s eyes widened before they swept to the windows, taking in the downpour outside with a look of utter disbelief. “No, you cannot possibly…” Her voice trailed off, and she stared at him. “Christopher, we were children then. We cannot—”
Clasping her hands within his own, Christopher tugged her after him as he rushed to the terrace doors and threw them open. Instantly, the rushing sound of wind and rain filled his ears and the fresh smell of wet ground drifted to his nose. The sky was dark as though night had already fallen, and he blinked out into a dim world.
“Christopher, we cannot. We—”
With a swift tug, he pulled Juliet over the threshold and out into the pouring rain. He felt the small droplets like pinpricks upon his skin, his clothes soaked through within moments. Yet he kept going, a wide grin upon his face as he looked back at Juliet, her steps slower, but no longer hesitant.
A wide smile stood upon her face as she closed her eyes and lifted her face to the sky. Never had she looked more beautiful.
She once loved him—and stayed silent, afraid he didn’t feel the same. Lady Juliet Beaumont carries the memory of a love that never had a chance to grow. Years ago, she gave her heart to a man she believed didn’t want it—and kept her feelings buried, safe and quiet. Now companion to her lively grandmother and cherished by her unruly, wonderful family, Juliet lives with grace and purpose. But the ache never truly left.
He loved her too—and left believing she deserved better. Christopher Hurst, Earl of Lockhart, walked away from England—and Juliet—hoping distance would dull what he couldn't say aloud. He feared she saw him only as a friend, and he couldn't bear the risk of being found wanting. But now, summoned home by Grandma Edie, he returns with a heart still full of her.
They both loved. They both feared. And now—perhaps—they can hope. As Juliet and Christopher cross paths once more, the past resurfaces in gentle glances and cautious conversation. And in the quiet between them, love waits—not in grand declarations, but in small, brave moments. Because sometimes the only way forward is to speak the words you once swallowed... and see what’s still possible.
If you’ve walked through heartbreak and still believe in joy, even quietly, this story is here to walk beside you.
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