Page 60 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
Seth nodded, his eyes showing just how earnest his words were.
“There is nothing I want more in this world than a life with you and Nicholas. I am a flawed man, with many mistakes and weaknesses. But if you will have me, I swear on my life to make you the happiest woman on the planet.”
Marjorie was perfectly still for a moment, and then she nodded, a small jerk of her head. Seth jumped up to his feet and lifted her into his arms, twirling her around for a moment, before he set her on her feet and kissed her.
“I love you. With all that I am.” Seth whispered to her softly.
Marjorie laughed, tears streaming down her face.
“And I love you too.”
She left his side momentarily to take her son from Anna, before returning to her husband’s arms. Silently, Anna tapped Julian’s shoulder and then pointed in the direction of the door. Julian nodded and together, they walked away, leaving the new family alone to celebrate the start of their new life.
Once they had granted them some privacy, Anna wiped the tears off her cheeks and stiffened her spine before she turned to her husband.
“Julian, I have given it some thought,” she began, hoping to God that her voice did not sound as shaky as it felt. “And I accept your offer. I will be in your room tonight, since I suppose you would like to return to your life as soon as possible, seeing as things worked out the way you hoped they would.”
The Duke looked as though he wished to say something, but after a moment, he nodded and stated, “Very well. I will see you tonight.”
Anna gave him a curt nod and walked away, pretending that she couldn’t feel the pain of her heart shattering with every step she took.
“I truly cannot believe it.”
“Neither can I, if I am being honest. I was not aware you had matured this much.”
Seth glared at Julian for a moment and then he shrugged, his grin returning.
“I will not allow you to spoil my good mood. I am getting married. Oh dear, there is so much to prepare. Brother, I know that I have not proven myself as the most reliable person lately —”
“Or ever,” Julian pointed out with a nod.
“But I have so much to live for now. So many responsibilities to handle, along with a beautiful wife and a handsome child to look after. And for that, I will need resources to properly care for them. Will you consider allowing me to work with you in the family business?” Seth requested earnestly.
Julian was surprised, smiling at his brother,
“I thought you’d never ask. I’d be pleased to work alongside you. There is a lot to learn, so prepare yourself.”
Seth nodded eagerly. “Thank you, Julian. I wish to apologize to you. I understand that it might have been a tad challenging to look after me –”
“A tad?”
“Do you want the sodding apology or not?”
Julian grinned, his eyes alight with mischief he hadn’t felt since he was a boy.
“Sorry. Do go on.”
Seth glared at him, then cleared his throat.
“It was hard for you. I knew that. And I knew it was partly due to the gap between us – one I had contributed to because I have realized what kept me from loving Marjorie held you at arms length. I know that we have not gotten along in the past, but I have always appreciated your consistency. You never gave up on me and that means more than I can say. And I would like us to be closer – like proper brothers, moving forward.”
Guilt ran through Julian and he patted his brother’s shoulder, admitting,
“I am not the saint you believe me to be. I could have done more for you, offered more consolation and understanding. Our childhood was difficult for us both, but I carried my cross, and left you to bear yours, all alone, rather than share your burdenlike a true older brother. I doubted you, many times. I had no faith in you but you have proven me wrong and I couldn’t be prouder. I know that a lot of things need to be put in place for your new life, so please know that you will have whatever you need at this time. I will pay for your wedding and you have my permission to move into the townhouse with your wife and child after your wedding.”
“Are you being serious?” Seth asked, clearly touched.
Julian nodded, feeling a part of the odd weight on his chest dissipate.
