“I would like that,” Edwina said.
Her uncle chimed in, “Shall we adjourn to the dining room?”
Everyone murmured their agreement and they filed out of the study. While they made their way to breakfast, Edwina met Miles’ gaze and smiled. “Just so you know, I am yours, now and forevermore.”
“Forever. With you. I quite like the sound of that,” Miles said.
Epilogue
One year later
Miles cradled his newborn baby boy in his arms and his heart overflowed with a sense of gratitude. He couldn’t quite believe the immense love that he already held for this little one. He was a father now, and he would do anything in his power to protect his son.
Edwina, still recovering from the labor, turned to face him on the bed. Her hair was tousled, and her appearance was a bit disheveled, but to him, she looked more beautiful than ever. How he loved this woman. She had given him a gift that he could never repay.
Glancing down at their baby, she said, “You have your son- your heir.”
“It is true, but I would have been just as pleased if it were a daughter,” Miles stated. And it was the truth. All he wanted was a healthy child.
“Well, there is always next time,” Edwina quipped lightly.
Miles leaned in to press a gentle kiss to her lips. “You didwell, my love. I do not think I could have gone through what you just did.”
A small smile played on Edwina’s lips. “I will admit that it was not exactly pleasant, but the reward was worth it. We have a son.”
“Yes, we do,” Miles said proudly.
The sound of someone clearing their throat drew Miles’ attention. Dr. Mecham stood at the foot of the bed, holding his bag in his hand.
“Will that be all, my lord?” Dr. Mecham asked.
Adjusting the baby in his arms, Miles replied, “I would like for you to stay on for a few more days to ensure that my wife and child are both healthy.”
Dr. Mecham tipped his head in understanding. “Of course,” he said before he departed from the room.
Edwina eyed him curiously. “Must he really stay? He has patients in London that require his attention.”
“It is wholly necessary,” Miles replied. “I can’t risk anything happening to you or our son.”
“But he has already been with us for weeks,” Edwina remarked.
Miles nodded. “And it was worth every penny. I wanted to ensure that you had the best care possible, and Dr. Mecham is one of the most respected doctors in England.”
Edwina shook her head in amusement. “Our village doctor would have been just fine.”
“Perhaps, but I couldn’t take any chances with your well-being,” Miles said. “You are my whole world.”
“And now our world is expanding,” Edwina remarked, shifting her gaze towards their son. “We need to come up with a name for him.”
“I had thought once I saw our child, a name would come easily, but now that I hold him in my arms, I am at a loss,” Miles admitted. “He looks like a baby.”
Edwina laughed. “I tried to warn you.”
Miles held the baby up. “Are you a Michael? An Adam? A William?” he asked. “I do not think I have a knack for naming babies.”
“What about John?” Edwina suggested.
He sobered. “Are you sure?”
