Page 72 of Pregnant With Their Babes

Her smile faded some. “He’s not well, Dagr. I’m unsure if he would understand who you were, in fact. He barely remembers who I am these days—and he’s gazed upon this old, tired face for more years than not.”

Dagr steeled himself. “I understand.”

“But you should go to him. And see for yourself. Who knows how much longer we’ll have him?” She smiled, pain in her eyes. “Do you remember the way to his room? I would go with you, but I try not to climb those stairs more than once each day.”

Dagr nodded. “I remember the way.”

“He has a nurse there with him.”

After another squeeze, he raced up the stairs, passing several of the maids on the way up. His footfalls were silent on the thick padded carpets covering the second story floors. He stopped at his grandfather’s door and waited a moment before knocking.

A nurse opened the door.

“I’m the duke’s grandson.”

The older woman nodded before letting him in. “He only awoke a few moments ago. He’s not been very clear minded today, I’m afraid—so be gentle with him, please.” She walked over to the bed. “Sir, your grandson is here to see you.”

Dagr sauntered closer and saw a gaunt man lying in the place of his larger than life grandfather. He bit his tongue to avoid showing his shock and surprise.

“My grandson?” the duke mumbled, frowning. “I have no grandson.”

The duke’s words stung Dagr, but he attempted to hide the shame of not being recognized. Why would the man remember him, when so many years had passed?

“Yes you do, sir. And he’s here to visit. Isn’t that nice of him?”

It was far from nice. Dagr should’ve come home long ago, before disease had ravaged his grandfather.

His grandfather stared down the bed at him, his vision appearing to go misty. “Christophe?”

Dagr stepped closer to the side of the bed. “No, grandfather. It’s Dagr.”

“Dagr?” The duke glanced up at him, confused. But then it was as if a light turned on. “Dagr… you’ve come home to us.”

Dagr’s chest ached. He sat down on the side of the bed. “I have.”

“I have so much to share with you. The days grow short, and soon you’ll have so many responsibilities. I have no idea where to begin. But we will figure it out.” He looked down at where he lay in the bed. “Why am I still abed? It’s late in the day, and we have much to do.” His grandfather struggled to sit. “We should go to my study.”

“You’ve been unwell,” the nurse said. “You need your rest, sir.”

“I feel perfectly fine,” his grandfather assured her. “And I have to tell my grandson about the new mines I wish to dig on the Larchmont crest.”

“We’ll have plenty of time for that… once you’re feeling stronger,” Dagr assured his grandfather. Though, from his grandmother’s comments, he was unsure that would happen. The duke had no need to hear negativity, though. Not in his final days.

His grandfather smiled. “I cannot believe you’ve finally come home. How we’ve missed you, my boy.”

Dagr smiled, attempting to mask his pain.

“We wasted so much time,” the Duke said. “We never told you how much we loved you when we had the chance… and we chased you away.”

Dagr glanced over his shoulder.

“I’ll give you two some time alone,” the nurse said. “I’ll be outside. Yell if you need me.”

“Thank you,” Dagr murmured and watched a moment as she headed for the door. Once it clicked closed, he spun to face his grandfather. “I know now. That’s all that matters.”

His grandfather clutched his arms. “I was so busy, struggling to recover the estate’s losses after losing that ship and its cargo. I focused on that instead of the pain of losing my son. I should’ve strived harder, especially as I recognized Catherine was in so much pain from Christophe’s loss, too. Both our hearts were broken. And you suffered because of that.”

“But it crafted me into the man I am today… and I refuse to imagine being anyone else.”

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