He took a breath and continued. “I thought that was just how fathers were… until I met yours. Lord Wilton treated me kindly, like I mattered, even though I was only the second son of an earl. It made me realize the kind of man I wanted to become.”
She stepped closer. “My father thought highly of you.”
Tears pricked his eyes, and he blinked them away. “You were lucky to have him.”
“I was,” she said, her voice tender. “He was the best of men.”
“I grieved his passing more than I ever expected to,” Evander admitted.
They stood close now, her hand still resting on his arm. It grounded him. Anchored him.
“I shouldn’t complain,” he murmured.
“You’re not,” Olivia responded. “And even if you were, you may always complain to me.”
He smiled faintly. “You’ve always been there for me—even when my family was not.”
“You’re an easy person to be kind to,” she said with a small smile. “Do you remember what we used to call your brother?”
A genuine laugh escaped him. “ViscountWeirdmere.”
“He absolutely loathed it.”
“He did. Which made it all the more enjoyable.”
Her smile faded slightly. “Have you made arrangements for the funeral?”
“It’s to be held tomorrow,” Evander said. “But I don’t expect you to attend. It isn’t customary.”
“I’d like to be there. For you.”
His lips twitched. “My father will despise that. He believes women are too emotional for funerals.”
“I don’t have to come?—”
“No, you misunderstood me,” he said quickly, cutting her off. “I want you to come.”
She nodded. “Then I will.”
His heart warmed. “Have I told you how happy I am that I married you?”
“Well,” she replied lightly, “give it time. You might come to regret it.”
Something in her tone gave him pause. There was strain beneath the jest.
Leaning closer, he asked, “Why would I ever regret marrying you?”
She dropped her gaze, but not before he caught the flicker of pain in her eyes. “You saved me, Evander. But what did you get in return?”
“I got you,” he said firmly. “You forget that it was my idea to marry. For my mother’s sake, yes, but also for my own.”
She tried to protest, but he pressed on.
“This marriage benefited us both. And I will never regret it. Because I married my best friend.”
Her eyes shimmered with emotion. “I hope you’re certain of that. Because you’re stuck with me.”
He grinned and offered his arm. “Good. Shall we go give my mother the happy news? I imagine she will be overjoyed.”
