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"Then you will need all my knowledge," he said huskily, shifting, so she splayed atop his chest, dragging her up for another kiss.
And with shock and delight, Fanny realized he was starting the madness all over again.
Epilogue
Two years later...
Selbourne Manor, Derbyshire
Fanny laughed in delight as her nine-month-old son, the honorable Nathan Rutledge, gripped onto his father’s finger and took another wobbly step, then another. Nathan was such an adorable cherub with wayward dark brown curls that she loved playing with. She was so proud of him. Fanny pushed up to her knees on the thick blanket on which they picnicked, a hand pressed to her chest, silently cheering him on. Pride burst into her heart when he released his father's finger and took several steps unassisted. Sebastian cheered, which startled their son who paused, then dropped down onto his backside. His angelic face scrunched into a frown, but when he perceived his parents were pleased, he bestowed upon them a toothy smile.
“How outrageous,” her mother whispered, glaring at the scandal sheet as she read. "People are buying this...this...book!"
Fanny pinkened as Sebastian looked up at her and winked.
The dowager countess huffed, narrowing her eyes. “A lady’s guide to love, happiness, and pleasure? I will certainly not be reading this bit of depravity.” She slapped the papers onto the grass her eyes filled with outrage. If it were ever revealed her daughter was the author of the scandalous book that was taking society by storm she would expire from apoplexy.
“I believe I shall take a walk with my precious grandson by the lake.”
“Yes, madam,” Sebastian said laughing, handing over their son.
The second he was in her mother’s hand, her querulous expression vanished, and a look of pure loved suffused her face. She walked away, telling him stories of a grandfather he would never meet, but would one day respect.
Fanny tipped her head to the sun valiantly peeking from behind the clouds.
“A shilling for your thoughts,” Sebastian murmured, tugging her scandalously to rest against his chest so they both stared into the clouds.
“Only a shilling?”
“Greedy wench. A pound then.” Then he kissed her, uncaring that her mother might see, or Darcy and Colin who strolled with their daughter in the distance.
"I'm so blissfully happy, Sebastian, I cannot believe how blessed we've been," she said with a happy sigh resting her hand on her stomach lovingly.
Her husband seemed to understand the gesture, for he stiffened, and rested a trembling hand atop hers.
“You are already with child again?”
Joy burst inside her. “Yes. Isn’t it wonderful?”
They shifted onto the blanket, so they faced each other. Powerful emotions darkened his eyes. “I love you, Fanny. Each day you complete me.”
“And I love you,” she murmured, kissing him, and silently thanking God for her beautiful family.
The End
