Godric had never been so anxious to return home.

He rode his gelding so hard that twice Ashton shouted out to him over the thunder of hooves to slow down or his horse would throw a shoe. Then they would really be delayed. The trip had taken longer than they planned and they wouldn't arrive at the estate until an hour past midnight.

Emily's gifts were tucked away in his riding coat pocket, and he was desperate to see her, to hold her in his arms, to kiss her, to tickle ...