Page 55 of A Tempting Maid for the Beastly Duke
“You are right, Rose,” he smiled. “It was a new beginning for all of us.”
She smiled back, inhaling deeply. “Our lives have truly changed for the better. And seeing you so happy and engaged in something you love makes me very happy, too.”
Henry smiled, a bit shyly. “I really am grateful. Working here has given me a sense of purpose. And I’ve learned so much from the gardeners and from William himself. He has been like a mentor to me.”
Rose reached out and squeezed her brother’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Henry. You’ve grown so much these past few months. I know that this glasshouse will thrive under your care.”
Henry’s smile widened, and he stood a bit taller, clearly touched by her words. “Thank you, Rose. I’ll do my best to make sure it does.”
They stood together for a moment, taking in the sight of the young plants and the promise they held. The glasshouse was more than just a structure; it was a symbol of growth, hope, and the bright future that lay ahead for both of them.
“Are those for Aunt Cora?” Henry inquired, glancing at the basket. “I’m going home now. I could take them to her.”
“But you will be back for the picnic in the afternoon, won’t you?” she inquired, handing him the basket.
“Of course,” he nodded. “Aunt Cora and I shall come together.”
“Splendid,” Rose beamed. “I love having all of my favorite people under one roof.”
“Did someone say favorite people?” A voice was heard from the entrance to the glasshouse, and Rose immediately knew to whom it belonged.
“No, you’ve misheard,” she teased William as he entered the glasshouse, approaching them both. “This does not concern you.”
“It doesn’t?” he asked, with mock incredulity and eyes wide open as he stared at her. “And yet, here you are, my two favorite people in the entire world.”
He approached Rose, kissing her on the forehead. “Is your sister being impossible again, Henry?” William wondered playfully.
“Isn’t she always?” Henry joined in, and all three burst into an amused chuckle.
Once the onslaught of laughter died down, Henry excused himself. “I’d better go and get these herbs to Aunt Cora. She is going to be very happy for them.”
“I am sure she will,” Rose nodded.
“Goodbye,” Henry smiled, waving as he left them in the glasshouse.
William turned to her, caressing her cheek. She gazed deeply into his eyes, incredulous that this was her life now. Not in a million years could she ever have imagined it all. It almost felt like a wonderful dream, and she was afraid that she might wake up from it. But it wasn’t. William was there, and he was hers.
“How was your riding?” she inquired sweetly.
“It was so wonderful,” he replied pensively. “So… freeing.”
She smiled at him, eager to tell him what had been on her mind for the past several days. She kept waiting for the right moment, the perfect moment and now, that moment had come. “William, there is something I need to tell you.”
At first, his brow furrowed with concern. “What is it, dearest? Is everything all right?”
Rose bit her lip, then looked up into his eyes, unable to contain her joy any longer. “It is better than all right, my love. William, I… I am with child.”
For a moment, he seemed as if he couldn’t believe her words. Then, his face lit up with pure, unbridled joy. “With child? Truly?”
Rose nodded, tears of happiness welling in her eyes. “Yes, truly. We are going to have a baby.”
With a joyful laugh, he swept her into his arms, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around. “Oh, Rose, this is the most wonderful news!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with emotion.
As he set her down gently, Wiliam cupped her face in his hands, gazing at her with love and adoration. “You have made me the happiest man in the world,” he murmured, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.
Rose’s heart swelled with happiness as she nestled into his embrace, feeling the warmth and strength of his love. “And you have made me the happiest woman, William. I can’t wait to start this new chapter of our lives together.”
They stood like that for a long time, in silence, embraced, relishing the perfect moment of sheer joy.
