An Uncertain Choice

Instead of punishing James, I’d finally persuaded Derrick to release him with the condition that he would move far away and never return.

The banging on the front doors grew more insistent until through the hallway, I could see the new porter opening doors. My breath snagged in my chest at the sight of Derrick striding into the castle, his face having grown more attractive with each passing day. He spoke tersely to the porter and then bounded toward the staircase.

“My lord,” I called from the center of the Great Hall.

My call stopped him. And when he turned and caught sight of me, he started toward me with quick, firm steps that echoed with determination.

As he drew nearer, my heart pounded louder, especially when the intensity of his gaze found me. His footsteps didn’t lessen. He stared directly at my lips with such purpose that I trembled with the desire rising within me.

When he reached me, he swiftly captured me, dragged me against his body, and crushed me in his arms. His lips descended upon mine with a fierceness that sent heat curling through down to my toes.

For a long moment, I lost myself in his kiss and his embrace, until finally he broke away, sucked in a deep breath, and whispered against my ear hoarsely. “I missed you today.”

I smiled. “I missed you too.”

“Not nearly as much as I did, I’m sure.”

He brushed a soft trail of kisses across my ear, making me nearly forget reason. “I thought about you every minute of the day,” I whispered.

“Just promise you won’t ever do this to me again. Promise that you’ll come with me every time from now on.” His hands wove into my hair, combing the long strands. His lips followed, and he buried his face in my hair, drawing in a deep breath. “The people expect you. They love you.”

“They love you too.”

“Not as much as you.”

I was grateful that when I’d assumed full leadership of my lands the people had transferred their allegiance to me eagerly. I’d already proven to them my devotion and compassion, and thankfully they respected me for it.

“I hated spending the day away from you,” he whispered, pulling me closer. “Please promise I won’t have to do it again.”

“I can’t promise that, my lord,” I said coyly.

He froze.

“Although I shall be loathe to let you ride alone,” I hurried, “I cannot promise to be with you every time . . .”

He drew back and studied my face, his gray eyes suddenly darkening.

“At least not for the next seven months.”

His eyes met mine, alight with questions and searching deeply for answers.

I slipped a hand to my abdomen, splaying it with reverence.

His gaze dropped to my hand, and when it rose again his face was alive, the weariness of the day gone. “Then you are — ??”

“We are having a baby,” I whispered.

He broke into a grin.

After kissing me again, twirling me around, and shouting the news for all the servants to hear, he finally pulled me into his arms.

I’d known how much he wanted a family. After so many years of grieving the one he’d lost as a boy, he was ready to move forward and to start building a legacy of his own. And I was more than a little relieved to know that I wouldn’t have the same problem as my mother in conceiving.

“Thank you,” he whispered, holding me tightly.

“Let’s thank the One who deserves it most.”

With a happy smile, he led me to the chapel, where we offered prayers of thankfulness to God for all that he’d given us. Every day, I offered him thanks for the opportunity to serve him alongside my husband, that I had the blessing of experiencing true love. I was more than grateful for the duke and his wisdom, his love, and his guidance. And I was grateful that my loneliness was truly gone, that I’d gained not only a lifelong companion, but also his friends as mine.

After praying and feasting together, we ended our day as we usually did, in front of the hearth with the chess game between us.

“Pup’s behaving strangely tonight,” Derrick said after one of his rash moves. Pup only lifted his head, lolled his tongue in a semblance of a smile, and then rested his head on his paws again.

I reached down and scratched the dog on his furry white head. He was lying by my side for the first time in weeks. In fact, he hadn’t lain by my side since Derrick had become lord of the castle. He’d taken to his new master with a loyalty and love that mirrored mine.

Derrick grinned at the dog. “You don’t suppose he knows . . .”

I studied Pup, the alertness of his ears, the restlessness of his posture. “Do you think he senses we’re having a baby?”

“I believe so.” Derrick bent forward and gave the dog a loving pat on his back. “I think he knows how much I want to protect you and the baby and so he’s just doing my bidding.”

“Well, if this is what it takes to win the affection of my dog again, then I shall have to do this more often.”