The late duke.
His reputation as a rake was well-known, and it had cast a long shadow over Tobias’s and Simon’s life.
“All my life, I’ve believed that love doesn’t last,” Tobias continued, his voice cracking. “I thought that the only way to be with a woman was for one night, because anything more wouldjust end in heartbreak and betrayal. That’s what I saw growing up. That’s what I believed.”
Emma’s expression softened, though she was still guarded.
“Tobias, why are you telling me these things now?”
“Because…” Tobias stepped forward. “I have barely been able to sleep since that dinner, since I saw you with that man. Truthfully, I have been trying to forget you for months now… but I am learning that it is impossible to do.”
Emma’s breath caught in her throat.
“But I was too scared to admit it — to you or to myself….”
Tears welled in Emma’s eyes, but she didn’t speak just yet.
Everyone in the room could see the vulnerability in Tobias, the raw honesty that he was baring in front of everyone.
It was touching.
“Is that why you never wrote to me?” Emma finally spoke, her breath shaky.
“I was a coward,” Tobias admitted, his voice filled with regret. “I ran because I was terrified of loving you. Terrified that I would hurt you the way my father hurt my mother. But if the last fewdays have taught me anything….. I was wrong, Emma. I was so wrong.”
Harriet and Simon exchanged a look.
He had finally realized it.
He took a step closer, reaching out to take her hands in his. “I love you, Emma. I think I understand this now…. I… I want not to be absent anymore. From your life, or Catherine’s.”
Emma’s breath hitched.
“I know that I am far too late, and that you are set to be married. I seem to be late for everything in my life — but I have finally realized what I need to do…”
Tobias stepped forward, his voice barely above a whisper. “Marry me, Emma. Let me prove to you that I can be the man you deserve — the father Catherine deserves. I know I don’t deserve it, but I’m asking you to give me a chance.”
For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of Tobias’s confession hanging in the air.
Then, Emma let out a choked sob, her emotions overwhelming her as she threw her arms around Tobias, burying her face in his chest.
“Yes,” she whispered through her tears, her voice thick with emotion. “Yes, Tobias, I’ll marry you.”
Tobias let out a breath as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her.
Harriet and Simon watched the scene unfold. They exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them.
This was the moment they had hoped for — the moment when Tobias finally stepped up and embraced the love he had been so afraid to accept.
“Perhaps the both of you should go and see baby Catherine,” Harriet suggested. “She surely must miss her parents.”
Tobias nodded. All four of them entered the nursery, and it was Emma who picked up her daughter.
“Here she is…”
Tobias looked at his daughter and then reached out to gently stroke Catherine’s cheek, his hands trembling.
“This is what matters…” Tobias whispered.
