She gave him a look of mock reproach. “That may be true, but it is still rather sad. If you were to vanish for months on end, I should be thoroughly cross with you.”
Richard stepped closer and wrapped his arms gently around her waist, careful of her rounded belly. “And why would I ever wish to leave you, even for a moment?”
“Perhaps you might seek refuge from my swollen ankles and irritable moods?”
He leaned down and kissed her lightly. “Your ankles are a delight to rub. And you forget, I find you beautiful. Always and forever.”
A grin tugged at her lips. “You say that now. But wait until the final month when I resemble a waddling hippopotamus.”
“A most elegant hippopotamus,” he murmured with a twinkle in his eyes.
Before she could reply, Lady Wilton appeared at the threshold, looking pleasantly flustered. “I’ve just come from the nursery. Your boys are requesting your presence most urgently. Apparently, there’s been a disagreement over a toy elephant and who shall be its rightful keeper.”
Richard let out a chuckle and stepped back. “Then we must intervene at once. Come, my dear. We’ll settle the great elephant dispute before your well-earned nap.”
Theodosia arched a brow. “And how, pray tell, did you know I needed a nap?”
Richard offered his hand again, his smile mischievous. “Because you always need a nap. Or two. Or three.”
“I make no apologies,” she said with a shrug as they walked out together, her hand tucked safely in his. “Growing your children is exhausting work.”
As they made their way down the corridor, Theodosia’s arm rested lightly in the crook of Richard’s, their pace unhurried as they strolled side by side.
“I must say,” Richard remarked, “I’m rather relieved that Tessa didn’t inherit my woeful grasp of numbers. I can only hope our sons are equally fortunate.”
“It hardly matters to me whether they have a talent for arithmetic or not. All I wish is that we raise them to be kind, honorable gentlemen.” She turned to glance up at him. “Men like their father.”
He looked down at her. “You’re very generous with your praise, my love.”
“It’s not praise if it’s true.”
They walked a few more steps before Richard came to a halt, drawing her to a gentle stop beside him. He turned to faceher fully, his gaze warm and steady. “You know,” he said, his voice lower, more thoughtful, “abducting you all those years ago may have been the only truly brilliant decision I’ve ever made.”
A smile tugged at her lips. “And here I thought it was the beginning of your descent into madness.”
He chuckled. “I’m not sure what my life would be without you. I don’t care to imagine it.”
“I feel the same,” she murmured, her hand slipping into his.
He studied her for a long moment. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”
“Well,” she teased, lifting her chin playfully, “I’ve always had a soft spot for brooding lords with strong jaws and far too much pride.”
Laughing, Richard slid his arms around her waist, drawing her closer. “You don’t just love me—you see me. You’ve always seen past the title, the responsibilities, the façade. With you, I’ve never had to pretend. You make me feel safe, Dosia. You make me feel like I matter.”
Her heart gave a soft lurch at the raw honesty in his tone. “Then I am glad you finally came to your senses and offered for me.”
“I would propose to you a hundred times over,” he said, brushing his lips across hers. “Today, tomorrow, and every day after that.”
A laugh escaped her lips. “I daresay one marriage is sufficient, don’t you think?”
But Richard only shook his head, his eyes fixed on hers. “Loving you has been the most beautiful adventure of my life. You’ve taught me that love isn’t something to fear or avoid—it’s something to build a life on. You are my home. You always have been. And I will love you—fiercely and forever.”
Her breath caught at the reverence in his voice. “I daresay it is you who is being generous with your praise this morning.”
“And why shouldn’t I be?” he asked. “You’ve brought more joy into my life than I ever imagined possible. I’ll never stop being grateful for you.”
Rising on her toes, she kissed him softly before murmuring, “Would you care to join me for my nap?”
