“A while.” His voice reverberated in his chest. “In truth, a part of the reason I suggested the children all play together was because I wanted a moment alone with you.”
“Oh?” Andrea looked up at him, leaning back in his arms. “And are you so desperate for my company that it could not wait until we were home?”
He let out a chuckle but then his eyes became serious. “In truth, I wanted to see how you were doing. It was nice to see you playing with the girls, but I… I know that you do not always find such things easy and though you told me to stay away, I did not want you to be overwhelmed.”
“You are rambling.” Andrea shook her head. “But it is a rather sweet ramble. And I was not overwhelmed. It was actually… It is nice, it felt… Well it felt right. I have always marvelled at your way with children, you would be such a good father.”
Frederick stiffened at her words, his smile faltering slightly before he shook his head and shrugged. “I like being a fun uncle. All the perks of children and very little of the hard work.”
Andrea gently pushed him. “You promised to be honest with me, remember?”
Frederick swallowed and ran a hand through his hair, leaving it sticking up at odd angles. “I know, but… I do not want you to feel pressured.”
“Do you want to be a father?” Andrea tried to catch his eye but he was looking off into the distance.
He sighed and turned to her. “I do. But, it does not matter. It is more-”
She cut him off. “- I want that too… I… I think I am ready to start a family.”
“What?” Frederick gaped at her. But she could see the hope in his eyes.
Her heart sped up and she nodded. “I am still scared but… But the more time I spend with you, and the children in your family. The more my heart aches for us to have one of our own.”
“And you do not feel I have pressured you? I do not want you to do this for me, if it is not what you want as well.”
“You have been nothing but kind and patient. As you always are. You and I both know that if you had even tried to convince me to do something I did not want, I would have bitten your head off. Do you really think you could somehow convince me to carry your child if I did not want to?”
“Well, when you say it like that…”
“So… Are you ready to start a family?” She draped her arms around his neck, flashing him a mischievous smile.
His eyes darkened even as his cheeks flushed red. “We are at a family event, Duchess.”
Andrea rolled her eyes at him, feeling her own cheeks redden. “You know very well I did not mean this minute.”
“A pity.” He grinned, and laughed when she thumped him lightly on his shoulder.
“Be serious for one moment.” Andrea chided.
“Very well.” He cupped her chin in his hands. “I would like nothing more than to start a family with you, Andrea Felton.”
“Good.” She nodded. “Now kiss me.”
“With pleasure.” Frederick pressed his lips to hers, and lifted her into the air, spinning her wildly.
They broke apart, laughing and returned to the games, ready to start their next adventure.
The End?
Epilogue
“Again, again!” a little boy with curly brown hair and startling green eyes cried, holding his hands out.
Andrea watched as Frederick gave a theatrical sigh, before scooping his little cousin into the air and throwing him. They were in the gardens of Caverton Castle, throwing the Dowager Duchess’s annual family party.
The grounds were full of the excited yells of children and adults alike. The smell of freshly cooked food drifted towards Andrea as she inhaled deeply.
She felt a tug on her skirt and looked down to see a small girl with blonde hair and blue eyes looking up at her. Andrea recognised her as one of the children of some of Frederick’s extended cousins, though as she glanced around, she could see no sign of the child’s parents.
