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And crying.
“Sweetheart, what’s wrong.” He stepped into the room and closed the door.
She threw herself into his arms. “I’m scared.”
He leaned back to see her face and wiped a tear with his finger. “So am I.”
She patted her cheeks with a soggy handkerchief. “Why should you be scared?”
He shrugged. “Because I’ve never been married before.”
“No, but you’ve…before.”
He leaned in, close to her ear, a small smile escaping. “I’ve what before?”
She waved her hand around. “You know.”
He placed his hands on her shoulders. “Yes, my love, I do know. I also know I love you so much the thought of not being with you every minute of my life is terrifying.” He tilted her chin up with his finger. “We are in this together. Whatever issues we have in our life we will face as one. No matter what they are. You are no longer alone.”
Lizbeth studied him for a minute and took in a deep breath. “I love you, too. And now I think it’s time for our wedding.” With a smirk she walked to the door, opened it, and waved him through. “The vicar awaits.”
Indeed, the vicar did await. As did the rest of their life.
Together.
Epilogue
Eight months later
“Rayne, I’m sorry, I know you are the doctor, but I am certain I am carrying twins. I still have three months to go and I’m big as a house.” Lizbeth rubbed her lower back as she settled into the chair in her drawing room, adjusting the necessary pillow against her back.
“As I told you, given all your signs, it is quite possible. However, I only feel one baby right now, but it’s possible that they are situated in such a way that the second one is—for lack of a better term—hiding.”
Marcus strolled into the drawing room. “Ah, good afternoon, Dr. Stevens. How is my wife doing?”
Lizbeth smiled brightly at her husband who walked right up to her and took her hand, giving it a gentle kiss. Dr. Stevens grinned when Lizbeth blushed. “I just finished her examination and she is doing just fine, Mr. Mallory. Healthy, and happy. The best kind of mothers-to-be.”
“Since you are on a first name basis with all the women in our group of friends, being their doctor, I suggest we drop the Mr. Mallory.”
“Yes. And we can drop the Dr. Stevens.”
“Will you be joining us for dinner?” He poured a brandy and joined the ladies in the chair across from where they sat on the settee. He didn’t bother to offer Rayne a drink since she never imbibed in any sort of spirits.
“I’m afraid not. I have a patient in my infirmary who needs looking after.” She tightened her lips and shook her head. “A gentleman who was in dismal condition when he was dropped by his idiot friends on my front doorstep last evening.”
Lizbeth’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, my goodness.”
“Yes. I understand the man has quite the reputation with dissipation, debauchery, and other unsavory habits.” She glanced over at Marcus. “In fact, according to Lottie, who I visited earlier since her little boy is suffering from an ague, he made life difficult for her until Carter paid him a visit and assured himself he would no longer harass his wife.” She paused. “I believe Carter made his request with his fists.”
“You aren’t referring to Lord Sterling, are you?” Marcus asked. Lord Sterling had learned that Lottie’s mother was a well-known courtesan in London and had made some insulting remarks to Lottie before Carter convinced him to stop.
“Yes. I’m afraid that’s who was dumped at my door.”
“Is he in bad shape?”
Rayne stood and began gathering her medical bag, gloves and hat. “Yes. Not life threatening, but his behavior and the way he abuses his body will be life-threatening in the future if he doesn’t stop.”
Marcus walked the doctor to the door. “Thank you again for taking such good care of my wife.”
