Page 90 of The English Queen

Paul was upset over the family changes.

“I know it’s different, buddy. You have big feelings about it. However, he’s now part of our family. He likes you, Paul. Just like Auntie Beth does.”

“Why does he get to marry auntie?”

“Oh, well, you’ll understand some day,” Robbie said.

Paul was jealous. The poor little guy was being a tad possessive.

“I don’t like it.”

Robbie hugged his son. “Oh, buddy. It’s okay. Your auntie loves you very, very much and nothing will change that, don’t you?”

“She’s going to have babies and forget about me. Natalie says people have babies when they get married. She must have babies and then she will forget about me because babies make you tired and stuff. She says Auntie Beth has to have babies. I told her no, but she said she has to.”

“Well, they do make you tired, but I cannot imagine Bethany would ever forget you. And no one is forcing anyone to have babies, okay?”

“You don’t know she won’t forget me?” Paul burst into tears.

“Oh, sweetheart, I do. I am sure your aunt felt the same when I married Mummy. But did I forget her? No. And when they have children, you will have baby cousins and you can visit them and play with them. It will be great fun. I promise you, Paul, it will okay.”

Paul cried for a little bit more. Robbie held his son and let him get out his feelings.

Paul asked, “You are not lying?”

Robbie shook his head. “No. Buddy, I know growing up is hard. It is difficult for all of us to watch your aunt move to another country. She was my baby sister like Kiersten is yours. It is hard to let go. It can be frightening. All of this is normal. But you still must wear trousers.”

“Oh-kay. I shall put on shorts. But please don’t tell Mummy I am scared to lose Auntie.”

“Why?”

“Because then Mummy may think I love her less. I don’t. I love Mummy so very much, but sometimes I want to spend time with Auntie Beth.”

“Of course,” Robbie said, stifling a laugh.

He left Paul to finish and returned downstairs.

“What on Earth was his deal?” Vanna asked.

Robbie snickered. “He’s upset about the King of Bacon taking his best girl away. But don’t worry, he still loves you. He didn’t want me to tell you because he thought you’d feel slighted.”

“Oh, that is adorable.”

“It is. He was so upset. Natalie claims Beth must have babies—per Paul.”

“She’s on a historical fiction kick. All these girls are basically sold off and forced to produce heirs. I mean, honestly, what is the damn difference? What is my life? What is Beth’s?” Vanna murmured.

Robbie knew she joked. “You have given me four mostly-okay children. Your duty is done, my love.”

“Was he honestly wearing pants on his head?”

Robbie nodded. “I wish I could have taken a picture. It was quite a scene. Poor kid. Growing up is hard.”

“Isn’t it just?” Vanna asked as Georgie and Natalie came out with Kiersten.

“Two bottles, Mummy. In the nappy bag,” Natalie said.

“And one baby.” George handed his little sister to Robbie.

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