Page 92 of The Duke's Spinster Bride
“I know, but it does not change the fact that women die in childbirth all the time. It does not make the thought of it any less terrifying.” Andrea swallowed and took a step towards him. “But if you can be brave, then so can I.”
“What are you saying?” He canted his head towards her.
Andrea’s heart flipped over in her chest and she forced herself to look up into Frederick’s dark blue eyes. “I… I am terrified of childbirth, to the point that I convinced myself that I never wanted children. Yet… I keep thinking about baby with your blue eyes, a son who makes the world brighter with his laughter, just as you do.”
Andrea could feel her heart hammering against her chest, feel tears forming at the corner of her eyes. “I imagine the kindness you would teach our children, I can almost see the generous men and women they would grow into. And that terrifies me, even as I long for that future. But I… I am tired of being frightened. I want a family with you, Frederick though… it may take some time to get over my fear. That is, if you still want me.”
He pulled her to him, catching her chin in his fingers and tilting her head towards him. “Andrea, have you not listened to a word I have just said? I love you. What will it take to make you believe me?”
“Perhaps if you said it one more time.” She smiled at him, her eyes going to his lips.
They quirked into a smile. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Frederick.” She stroked a hand along his cheek, the stubble of his beard prickling against her skin. “Now kiss me.”
“With pleasure.” He laughed and closed the distance between them.
As soon as his lips touched hers, the world around them dropped away. He lifted her into the air, and she wrapped her fingers in his wet hair. She did not care that his clothes were dripping. She did not care that his beard was scratchy. All she wanted was to be in his arms and to kiss him.
She surrendered to the kiss. The blood in her veins turned to fire. Her heart tugged at her chest as though desperate to be with his. The warmth of him spread through her, the smell of his cologne filled her nose.
She could not tell if they had been kissing moments or hours when they finally broke apart. She pressed a kiss to his neck as she buried her face in his chest.
He stroked a hand through her hair, and she felt her shoulders unknot themselves at his touch.
“We really should get you out of these wet clothes.” She grinned up at him mischievously.
“I am sure that can be arranged. After all, we might as well practice before deciding to make a baby.” He grinned at her and she laughed, shaking her head as she playfully pushed him away.
“If you want to practice, then you will need to shave first. I do not care for your beard.” She wrinkled her nose as she ran a finger through the coarse hair on his face.
“Grandmother did tell me to shave.”
“A pity you did not listen to her.” Andrea laughed.
“Apparently.” Frederick chuckled. “I guess it is just more proof that I am a fool.”
“You are, but you are my fool.” She leaned against him.
“I like the sound of that.” He tilted her chin towards his face and kissed her again.
The rain stopped, and moonlight filled the room as Andrea lost herself in the warmth of her husband.
EPILOGUE
“Again, again!” a little boy with curly brown hair and startling green eyes cried, holding his hands out.
Andrea watched as Frederick gave a theatrical sigh, before scooping his little cousin into the air and throwing him. They were in the gardens of Caverton Castle, throwing the Dowager Duchess’s annual family party.
The grounds were full of the excited yells of children and adults alike. The smell of freshly cooked food drifted towards Andrea as she inhaled deeply.
She felt a tug on her skirt and looked down to see a small girl with blonde hair and blue eyes looking up at her. Andrea recognised her as one of the children of some of Frederick’s extended cousins, though as she glanced around, she could see no sign of the child’s parents.
“Will you play with me?” The girl’s bottom lip trembled. “The others say I cannot play with them.”
“Of course I will, but why do the others say you cannot play with them?” Andrea frowned around them, a protective urge stealing over her that she fought to hide lest she scare the child.
“Because I am too little. But Tommy is littler than me and John is even littler than Tommy.” The girl pouted and then added in a whisper that was just as loud as her normal speech. “I think it is because I am a girl.”
