Page 83 of An Honorable Love

“Yes.” She gave a decisive nod. “I have a loving, handsome, tender husband—”

“—tender?” Leonard interjected, his eyebrows raising nearly to his hairline. “I cannot say anyone has ever used that word to describe me. Nor am I sure how I feel about you using it.” It was that dratted comment about her stealing his heart. He was sure of it.

“Well,” Honora continued, leaning closer to him. “You only show that side to me. Which is what I love.”

He stared flatly at her. “Surely there is another word you can use.”

She briefly flicked her eyes to the ceiling, then looked back down at him. “No. Tender is the word.”

He grimaced before he could stop himself, which only made Honora’s smile widen as she laughed. “You are also very strong.”

“Yes, that’s better,” he said with a nod.

“And dashing.”

“Eh—”

“And you gave me a chance.” Her flirtatious countenance dropped, her mouth softening. “And now, I have a husband. A family. And a house full of people I am blessed to call friends.”

He reached his free arm out and ran his fingers along her plait. “I told you they would love you.”

“You did. I cannot believe I did not trust you.” She leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. His hand wove around her neck to clasp the back of her head in response.

“You know,” she said, leaning back. “I had a thought while we were touring the schoolrooms today.”

Leonard swiped his thumb across her cheek. “Oh?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “I thought I could come over here once or twice a week and assist in some way.”

A smile stole across his lips. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

He placed a finger beneath her chin, bringing her face back to his and kissing her again.

Leonard wasn’t sure why he hadn’t thought of Honora coming to help with the students. She would be splendid at it. Energetic and engaged and willing to help in whatever way was needed. He himself had learned so much from Honora. How to love. How to forgive. How to open up even when it was hard. And he was still learning from her every single day—even in the realization at how blessed he had been all these years to have such a group of friends. She had opened his eyes to the small wonders that one takes for granted every day. And he couldn’t believe how much fuller his life was for it.

For that was the thing about Honora.

The end