Page 180 of The Duke Who Saved Christmas
“And she can stop on her way back here,” he replied. “Are you done for the day?”
I sighed. “Just a bit of paperwork, but not a lot.”
“Good. You look tired.” He gently brushed some hair from my eyes. “How are you feeling?”
“A bit better,” I said slowly, then held up the bag. “These are really good.”
He grinned, resting his hand on my small bump. “Are your parents coming for Christmas this year, by the way?”
I shook my head. “They’re on a cruise. Hazel had a hissy fit because it’s Jake’s first Christmas, but it’s non-refundable or some bullshit.”
“Some bullshit,” he mused. “I know which one I’m going with.”
“Mm. Well, not all parents are meant to be grandparents.” I paused. “Or parents.”
“At least the wedding opened your sister’s eyes a bit.”
“Hers or ours?” I said dryly.
He laughed, sagging back into the sofa. “Both? Especially ours. That one definitely opened a lot of people’s eyes.”
“Mm. I don’t want to think about all that. As far as I’m concerned, they can cruise off into the sunset and leave us to enjoy our lives.” I rested my hand on my bump, just above his, and closed my eyes. “Oh, I wish I could take a nap.”
“Why don’t you? Just half an hour.”
“No, I can’t. I’m still behind on some things from a few weeks ago. I really need to get it under control.” I sighed, forcing my eyes open again. “I’ll rest after. Wait, where did you put the baby?”
“Jack? He’s on the doorstep.”
“Tom…”
He laughed and got up. “He’s with Lizzie, don’t worry. She’s watching him while I check on you.” He leant down over me and kissed my forehead. “Are you sure you’re fine?”
“Yeah, it’s nothing I can’t handle. Don’t forget we promised Danny we’d go to the Christmas markets with him tonight. He wants to buy Beth and Zara their Christmas presents. I think he wants something for Lily, too.”
“I know. He’s only reminded me every day this week.” He grinned and kissed me again. “Rest now, okay? I’ll come and wake you in half an hour.”
“You promise? Only half an hour. No longer. I have to work.” I yawned and repositioned the sofa cushions as I lay down.
“Yes, I promise.” He gently laid a blanket over me and tucked me in. “I’ll handle everything, don’t worry.”
“Mm. Famous last words,” I murmured, snuggling in under my little blanket. “Can you throw another log on the fire, please?”
“Of course.”
The air filled with crackling, and I smiled into my blanket.
“Is that better, Your Grace?”
I opened my eyes to his face right in front of mine and laughed. “Yes, thank you. Remember, half an hour.”
“Yes, yes, yes. Thirty minutes only.” Tom dipped his head and kissed me softly. “Sleep. Do not pick up your phone. In fact, I’m putting it out of your reach.”
“But I—”
“No.”
“Okay,” I muttered, watching as he put my phone on the shelf on the other side of the room. “You know me too well.”
