Page 110 of Engaging Lord Charles

Their three-year-old son, Timothy, came running up to them and tugged on Henrietta’s skirt.

Henrietta crouched down. “What is it, Timothy?” she asked.

“I found a seashell,” he revealed, proudly holding it up.

“That you did,” Henrietta replied. “Should we take it home with us and add it to your collection?”

Timothy bobbed his head. “Yes, please,” he said before running back towards his brothers.

Henrietta slipped the seashell into the pocket of her gown and rose. “Our boys will be thrilled when we tell them that they will be traveling on a ship to India.”

“I hope that is the case.”

“I have no doubt,” she replied.

Charles watched his boys as they played with one another, his heart swelling with love. “Look at what you have created,” he said. “You have given me three healthy boys.”

“I believe you did help with that,” she teased.

He turned towards her and placed his hand on her sleeve. “I do hope you know how much I love you.”

“I do, but only because you tell me constantly.”

“It is not enough, if you ask me.”

Henrietta gave him a tender smile. “You are a good man, and an even better father,” she said. “How could I not love you with all of my heart?”

Charles stepped closer to her so there was no distance between them. “Out of all the accomplishments in my life, you are my greatest one.”

“I fear you are only saying that because I share your love for antiquities,” she said, her smile growing playful.

“I would love you even if you didn’t love antiquities.”

She gasped. “Heaven forbid!”

Leaning closer, he rested his forehead onto hers. “You are my favorite person in the whole world, love,” he murmured.

“You are saying such sweet things to me today,” she said.

As he pressed his lips against hers, he felt someone touch his arm. “Tag, you’re it!”

He chuckled as he leaned back. “It appears that the boys want me to play with them.”

“Go,” Henrietta encouraged. “I am much too slow to play that game with them.”

“We shall finish this later,” he said, stepping back.

“I hope so.”

The End