Page 60 of To Heal a Broken Earl
“Katie’s letter was all about how much she missed Finn. It’ll be a big surprise when we gift her one of Finn’s puppies,” she continued. “She will love it. And Martin and Evie will help her train the puppy. They’ve already approved her having it.”
“It’ll be nice to see the puppies when they are finally born. Finn is acting like an anxious father—and he struts around here now,” Michael said. “Simms said Finn’s been very protective of the mother. Not to change the subject, but I’m glad that Simms and his wife and daughter now live on the estate. I understood his not wanting to live in the gamekeeper’s cottage. The man’s areal talent. The quaint cottage he built near the stables showed masterful carpentry.”
“I’m very happy about that,” Emma said, “given that Simms was as much a victim of Morgrave’s treachery as others were.”
“When the puppies are the right age, we’ll make a trip to London to bring one to Katie ourselves,” he said.
“Yes! I’d enjoy a trip to London. I miss my sister so much. And Katie. I’ll be glad to see them for the party.”
“I always enjoyed having Katie here. I was never sure how I would react around children, having only been around adults, but a child is fun company,” Michael said, exhaling a big breath as he balanced on the ladder, setting the hammer down on the step. “But I think I’ll make a jolly good father one day. What do you think, darling?”
Emma smiled a secret smile. “I think you’ll be the best father ever.”
“Well, maybe not the best.” He grinned. “Certainly, in the top three, though.”
She giggled as she folded the letter and placed it on the table.
“Darling, are you certain you want these green curtains taken down? We’ve tried the gold-and-white ones.”
“I miss the blue ones. I think they might look better than the gold and white or the green. And besides, blue is your favorite color,” Emma said, studying the window. “I think I like those the best,” she said with a nod.
“Once I finish hanging these blue curtains, I hope we can both enjoy them for at least a month before you change your mind again,” Michael teased, driving a nail into the wall and attaching the drapery rod. “There’s only one other thing we need in this room.” He hopped down from the ladder, reached behindthe settee, and pulled out a brown, wrapped package. “I’d like to hang this over the fireplace, if you agree.”
Emma opened it and stared. “This is beautiful! When did you have it painted?”
“I visited Mr. Burns a few months ago and took him up on his offer to paint it. It’s an excellent likeness of you and Katie and Finn. I thought you’d enjoy it in your parlor.”
“I love it, Lord Wilton!” she said, hugging him around his neck.
“And I love you, Lady Wilton,” he said, kissing her.
“You are the best husband in the world.”
“Well,thatI won’t argue with.” He grinned. “So…when are you planning to tell me?” he asked, leaning in and kissing her softly.
“Tell you what?” she replied, her voice dripping with feigned innocence, a playful smile dancing on her lips.Her heart raced as she turned to face him.
“I know every inch of your beautiful body. And I’ve watched it change,” he said, his gaze shrewd yet tender.
She couldn’t help but smile wider, the warmth of his words enveloping her. “I should have known you were too observant,” she teased, her cheeks flushing with pride and sudden shyness. “I was hoping to tell you tomorrow after the party as my own special private gift to you. I’m three months pregnant,” she added softly.
He whooped as he picked her up and twirled her around the room.
“I take it you’re happy?” she said, giggling.
“Honey, you made me the happiest man in the world when you said yes to my marriage proposal, and now you’ve made me happier, if that’s even possible. I knew I couldn’t be seeing things,” he added. “And I was so hoping it was true.”
“Good, because I’m happy too. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself at how happy I am.”
“Have you seen all the pinch marks onmyarms, love? Every day is a wonder, because of you.”
“Darling, you’re going to be a wonderful father.”
“And you are going to be the best mother.”
“But now, my surprise gift is ruined.”
“Well, you can make it up to me.”
