Matthew started to step forward but Cesca placed her hand on his chest. “It is what I want daddy, don’t make it difficult.” She smiled softly. “I do love him.”
“Then I’ll let you keep him.” He smiled. “Come give me a hug. It’s the least you owe me after denying me the right to give you away at your wedding.”
Cesca crossed over to him and hugged her father. “I love you, daddy.”
Matthew was choked up. They had a good relationship. It was nothing like the one he had with his own parents. He envied it a little bit, but he mostly felt glad she had them. It meant their own children would have wonderful grandparents through her. They certainly wouldn’t benefit from any warmth where his mother was concerned. Though the dowager duchess would be grateful to hear he’d finally married and began siring an heir.
It was perhaps wrong of him, but he hoped their first child was a girl. He smiled at the thought. Yes, a girl would be perfect.
“Are you happy?” Cesca asked.
“Yes,” he told her. “I am fortunate to have your love. Nothing could possibly make me happier than that.” He pressed his lips to hers. “And soon we’ll have a child to share that love with.” Matthew pressed his hand to her belly. “I don’t deserve you, but I’ll be damned if I’ll let you go. You’re stuck with me.”
She laughed. “You might come to regret that one day.”
“Never,” he promised. He didn’t know what love was until her. “Never,” he repeated, then kissed her again. Loving her forever was a privilege, and he’d do his best to live up to that.