Page 42 of Complete Me

“You know, I'm told that marriage isn't easy,” Edward said, “But I think it will be worth it if you are by my side.”

They had encountered rough waters before. There had been storms that nearly tore them apart, but somehow, they had clung together. That's how they survived.

“I couldn't live without you,” Edward whispered.

“I just want to live with you,” David said gently.

“You are my everything,” Edward promised. “And I'm going to give you the world.”

David brushed a kiss over his lips. Then he pulled back, grinning impishly, “Anything?”

“Anything,” Edward repeated, despite the alert bells ringing inside him. David grabbed his other hand and pulled him close. “Good, because I'd love to talk about a baby.”

20

I strode into Balmoral Castle like I owned the place, which in point of fact, I did. Unlike my other homes, Balmoral belonged to my family rather than being given to me in trust of my title. Norris met me at the door but he was too late to stop my entry.

“You're getting soft,” I informed him good-naturedly.

His head cocked to the side. “You—if you don't mind me saying so—are less paranoid.”

“It's a new day,” I informed him.

As a matter of fact, it was Christmas Eve. I had made good on my promise to Clara. I would spend Christmas with my wife and daughter. Now I just needed to find them.

Signs of Edward's penchant for decor were all around. The entire castle looked like a Christmas village had been blown up and its remnants scattered throughout. I didn't wait for Smith to follow behind me. We'd traveled together mostly in silence as we contemplated the events of the last day, but instead of tension, the atmosphere had been one of relief. We both knew we had our entire lives ahead of us and our wives waiting for us in Scotland.

Mrs. Watson met me as I passed the kitchen, wiping her hands on an apron, then throwing them around me. “I was wondering when you would get here, sir.”

“Do not call me sir,” I ordered her. I was fairly certain this woman had changed my nappies, but pride kept me from bringing that up.

“There's so much going on,” she explained. “But first, young Edward wants to speak with you.”

“And I to him,” I said absently. “But first, tell me where my wife is.”

“They'll be in the parlor with the wee one.”

I pulled away from the old housekeeper, kissing her on the cheek before I left. “Tell me she isn't the prettiest thing you've ever seen,” I called over my shoulder.

“The prettiest,” Watson confirmed.

I paused in the doorway and took in the scene before me. The Christmas tree was lit, crowded around the base with so many presents that I couldn't imagine where we would put them all—and I lived in a palace. The fire crackled in the hearth, warming the room and casting it in a heavenly glow. This was exactly where I needed to be.

I saw that now.

It had taken me far too long to get here. I had seen to my work and nothing would ever stand between me and my family again. Clara was in the middle of the chaos, her arms wrapped around Elizabeth as she held her up to everyone's delight.

“There aren't nearly enough babies in this scene,” I announced in a booming voice. The conversation died down.

Madeline Bishop looked up from her granddaughter. She was a gorgeous, older woman with wavy chestnut hair like her daughters. I imagined Clara would be like that someday. I only hoped she was less high-strung. She called over to me, “Whose fault is that?”

“No one’s but my own,” I admitted. Striding across the room, I stole my daughter from Clara's arms. Kissing her on the forehead, I passed her off to Belle, who took her with a natural ease. I paused, eying her momentarily. Later on, I'd have to study her for signs. She might be good for bringing more babies into the Christmas scene next year. Regardless, I had plans on filling that need on my own.

Bending down, I took Clara's hand and drew her quickly to her feet. “I think I’ll see to it now,” I said. Then I scooped her over my shoulder and carried her off. She was too surprised to protest, even as everyone around us began to laugh.

As soon as we hit the hallway, she began to pound on my back. “Put me down. This is undignified.”

“Want me to list all the undignified things we've done in our relationship? I can do that, or I can take you upstairs.”