As they signed the final document, Mr. Aldridge placed his hand over the papers and smiled warmly at the boys. “Congratulations, Edwin, Ernest,” he said. “The Duke and Duchess are now legally your parents.”
“Does this mean we can call you Mother and Father now?” Edwin asked, grinning from ear to ear.
Frances’s heart swelled at his words. She knelt down before him. “Yes, it does. You’re our sons now, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks, but they were tears of joy. She had never been this happy before in her life.
They were a real family now, and no one could take the twins from her. From them.
Soon, the lawyer left, and the governess took the children away for their lessons.
Christopher and Frances were left alone again. Christopher snuck up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“So, any regrets? Second thoughts? Do I need to be worried about you having cold feet now?”
She playfully slapped him on the shoulder. “Do not be silly. I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life. This is exactly where I’m meant to be—with you and our boys.”
Our boys.
It felt amazing to say that.
“Our boys,” Christopher repeated softly. He seemed to have read her mind.
Frances nodded, her smile widening. “They’ve brought so much joy into our lives.”
“And a fair bit of chaos too.” Christopher chuckled.
God, that they did.
“I cannot believe your mother is in jail now.” Frances frowned. “This feels like an unfortunate end to her already lonely existence.”
“She deserves it.” Christopher rolled his eyes. “She went too far, and you know that.”
Frances sighed. “I know. But I do wish…” She paused, gathering her thoughts.
Christopher rubbed her arm softly, telling her that he was there for her. It was something he did every time he felt that she was struggling with her emotions, and she felt quite loved whenever he did it.
“I just sometimes wish that things went differently, you know? It would be good for them to have their grandmother in their life.”
“My God, Frances. Your heart is too kind,” Christopher muttered. “Even for those who do not deserve it.”
“In a twisted way,” she asked, “aren’t the people who are the cruelest who need our kindness the most?”
He blinked, confused. “You have lost me there.”
She bit her lip. “Well, I just think that… people who are cruel are like that for a reason, right? Maybe no one has ever shown them kindness, and that is why they cannot give it to others.”
Christopher tightened his arms around her, pulling her close to him. “Never change, Frances. You are a rare one.”
She blushed, and he kissed the top of her head. She loved little moments like this.
“I love you,” she murmured.
“I love you more.”
* * *
The family was due to pay a visit today and Frances was excited to meet them. She had not shared the news of the adoption with anyone yet and was eager to let her family know.
