Page 21 of The Twelve Days of Love

Luke explained to Boyd, “There are twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany. This year, I have spoiled my wife and have given her a present each day. You will be her gift tomorrow.”

“What if she doesn’t like me?” the boy asked, his voice barely a whisper.

“You’ve watched her with the other children. And Lucy. Does she treat Lucy any differently?”

“No, my lord. From the beginning, Lucy seemed to be loved and a part of the family.”

He smoothed the boy’s hair. “Because she was. And I am Papa.”

“Papa,” Boyd echoed.

“I’m leaving you in good hands now with Simms. Do whatever he says. It may take a while to get you clean and the scrubbing will be painful, I’m sure. But you want to look your best for your family.”

“Yes, Papa.”

Luke thrilled hearing Boyd call him that.

*

Luke awoke toCaroline’s touch. She stroked his forearm, which was draped around her belly as they spooned together.

“I have something to tell you.”

He kissed her nape. “What is it?”

“I think I may be carrying twins, Luke.” She turned in his arms. “I spoke to Catherine about it because I was worried that I am increasing in size much more quickly than ever before. I have seen both my midwife and the doctor and they believe it is a strong possibility.”

“Are you worried about this?” He gently smoothed her hair. “I will be with you at the birth. I won’t let anything happen to you. Or the babes if there are one or two of them.”

“I am a bit worried. It means I will need to rest in bed. The midwife suggested that I start soon. The longer I can continue carrying them, the better the chances of their survival.”

“Do you want to start bedrest today?” he asked, thinking how he might have to rearrange Boyd’s introduction.

“No. The midwife suggested two weeks from now. That means no more going to London to check on Evie’s. The roads are too rough and jarring, especially at this time of year.”

“I can send the carriage for Stinch and Walton. They can come to Fairhaven and make their reports directly to you.” He bent and brushed his lips against hers. “I will not leave you, my sweet. You are stuck with me and the children.”

“Thank you, Luke. I just want to take every precaution.”

“I understand. We have always been careful and will continue to be. We will cease making love for now. I will still get to sleep with you, though. You’ll have to make do with snuggling and hours of kissing and touching.”

“Thank you,” she told him, her eyes bright with tears.

“I seem to remember that you have one more day in which you’ll receive a present. It is the twelfth day of Christmas. I am eager for you to see your final gift.”

She bit her lip. “I am afraid I already know what it is.”

Disappointment filled him, knowing someone had given away the surprise. Yet he wondered why Caroline would not have mentioned Boyd to him.

Curious, he asked, “What do you think of it?”

“Oh, I know I wasn’t supposed to see the delivery. I was upstairs napping when you had the new pianoforte brought inside. But I had awakened and went to sit by the window when I saw the wagon pull up.”

Luke had forgotten that the original, last gift was the new instrument. He had spent a good deal of his day in his study and Welch had not informed him of the pianoforte’s arrival. At least Caroline hadn’t learned of Boyd.

He kissed her. “You will simply have to act surprised when you see it.”

“I will,” she promised. “Oh, Luke, you have spoiled me this Christmas. Twelve amazing gifts, starting with the book Aunt Evie cherished and the children chanting The Twelve Days of Christmas rhyme.”

---