A Proposal
Chapter thirty
Christopher could have kissed Juliet for the rest of the night, but he knew that unresolved matters still existed between them. Matters he needed to address before he could formally ask for her hand in marriage.
Breaking their kiss, Christopher moved his hands from her soft curves to the unyielding door in her back. “As much as I want to continue,” he whispered, looking down into her sparkling green eyes, “there is something we need to talk about.”
Drawing in a steadying breath, Juliet nodded. “I know.”
Removing his hands from the door, Christopher stepped back, then gently took her hand and guided her over to the fire.
There, they sat down upon the settee. “I love you, Jules,” Christopher said without preamble, delighting in the smile that came to her face, “and I wish to marry you, but…” He swallowed, then heaved a deep sigh, his insides tensing.
“I cannot place my happiness above my son’s.
” His eyes sought hers. “I hope you can understand that.”
Juliet reached to grasp his hands. “Of course. Of course, you cannot. I would never ask that of you.”
“I know.” He cast her a tentative smile. “I know I hurt you, and for that, I am deeply sorry.” He squeezed her hands tightly. “Do you think…? Is there any chance you could…?” Christopher could not find the words or perhaps the courage to ask the question that might separate them once again.
A gentle smile blossomed on Juliet’s lips, and the look in her eyes held something almost wise. “I know what you’re asking, and I need to tell you honestly that a part of me is…upset,” she swallowed, “that you have a child that is not mine as well.”
Christopher nodded. “I would be as well,” he admitted, the mere thought of Juliet bearing another’s child a torture he was not strong enough to endure. “I do not blame you if you cannot—”
“What about…Alice?” Juliet asked, her features tense. “Is she still a part of your life?”
Christopher shook his head. “I have not seen her in years. She received…fair compensation and then disappeared.”
Juliet inhaled a slow breath, and, for a moment, her eyes became distant. Then she blinked and her eyes found his once more. “I want to be Sebastian’s mother.”
Christopher stilled, uncertain if he had heard her correctly. “You…?”
Juliet nodded. “He is your son, and I want him to be mine as well. I want him to be ours. It is my only condition. Can you agree to it?”
Pulling her into his arms, Christopher closed his eyes. “Yes,” he murmured into her hair. “Yes, I agree.” He sat back and looked into her eyes. “It is what I want as well.” He frowned. “Are you certain?”
Placing a gentle kiss upon his lips, Juliet nodded. “Seeing you tonight with Samantha made me realize that I would be a fool to refuse your son, a precious little child who deserves happiness more than anyone else in this world.” She took his hand. “I want you to bring him back here.”
Christopher stilled. “What?” In all honesty, he had yet to think of where they would go from here—geographically speaking. Always had he seen his future in Ireland. But now?
Juliet nodded. “I remember well how your parents’ disapproval and rejection hurt you, Kit.
It made you feel unwanted and unloved, and you did not deserve to feel like that.
” Gently, she cupped her hand to his cheek.
“Neither does he.” The softness in her voice vanished, replaced by something fierce.
“I do not want him to feel rejected. Yes, I know society will frown upon his existence, but that is all the more reason for us not to hide him away. He is a child now, but he will grow up, and one day, he might come to think that we are ashamed of him.” She shook her head, her jaw set in determination.
“There are always people who disapprove.” A faint chuckle left her lips.
“Heaven knows that my family has pushed the boundaries, even leaped over them, more than once. Yet nothing people say or do matters so long as we stand as one.”
Touched by her words, Christopher nodded, belatedly realizing that tears stood in his eyes.
“You’re right,” he murmured. “You’re absolutely right.
” Then he sank down onto one knee and took her hands in his.
“Jules, my Jules, will you do me the honor of accepting my hand?” He had meant to say more, but his throat closed up with the emotions her heartfelt declaration had roused.
Blinking back tears of her own, Juliet all but threw herself into his arms, almost knocking him over. “Yes,” she sobbed. “Yes.”
Half-sitting, half-kneeling on the floor in front of the fireplace, Christopher held his betrothed crushed in his arms as the joy of that moment brought more tears to his eyes.
Only days ago, he had thought all hope lost, and now, here he was, with a future as bright as the most wonderful summer day ahead of him.
Yes, he would bring Sebastian home, and to hell with his mother. If she said one wrong word to his son—her grandson!—he would send her from the house. Juliet was right. Family stood together.
Now and always.