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His chest rose and fell, his lungs tight. “What are you saying, Lark?”

She swallowed. “I am saying that I will wait for you, Henry. For years, if I must. No matter how long it takes for your dreams of traveling and writing to be realized, I will be here for you, supporting and encouraging you from afar until you are ready to come home.”

The words soared through Henry like a peregrine falcon in flight, diving straight to his heart and striking him with such power, such emotion, he nearly had to take a step back. “You would do that for me?”

“Yes. I made a mistake last night. But if it is too late…”

Her words trailed off, her chin quivering, but Henry could no longer keep himself from her. He closed the distance between them, removing his gloves, and cupping her face in his hands.

“My darling Lark,” he said softly, “with you and I, it is never too late.”

And that was the truth. For he had spent his entire life seeking lasting joy in places he could never find it. But with Lark, he knew he’d finally found home. And he would never let it go again.

She drew in a calming breath, closing her eyes and leaning into his hand.

“But I will not be going to India,” he finished.

Lark’s eyes flew open, and she straightened, pulling away. “What?”

He took her fingers with his own, bringing up her hands to hold against his chest. “The letter I sent,” he began, “it was to Lord Blackstone. I told him quite clearly that I would no longer be agreeing to any further excursions unless he allows me to set my own schedule—and bring along my wife and future family.”

Lark stared. She hadn’t heard him clearly. Had she?

“You…you really wrote that?” she asked.

“I did.”

“The…the part about…your wife?”

He grinned.

“And your future family?”

“Yes.”

“But how did you know I would change my mind?”

“I didn’t know. I merely had to hope.”

Lark was certain she would melt into a puddle at his feet. How could she ever thank Heaven enough for blessing her with such a man?

“You would truly wish to take me with you?” she asked, still finding the knowledge hard to believe.

“More than anything,” he returned, pulling her closer. “Now that I have you, why would I ever wish to be parted from you?”

She couldn’t help her growing smile. She must be dreaming. Such magic did not happen in reality—at least not hers.

“But what if Lord Blackstone doesn’t agree?” she asked, trying to diminish any gap in their otherwise perfect ending.

“I expect I’ll be blackballed from his club, too,” he joked. “But worry not. I’ve another article planned. This time…pigeons.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Truthfully, Henry. You cannot give up your excursions, your writing and publishing, your traveling. It’s who you are. I said before, I cannot have you lose that…not for me. I will wait years if I must. I will fund the excursions myself. They might be fewer and farther between, and you might not see as many birds or have the best guides or travel to the best places, but I will be your benefactor. I…”

She trailed off at the sight of tears shimmering in his blue eyes.

“What have I said?” she asked, concerned she’d upset him.

“Your willing to do all of that for me?”