Epilogue
Five years later – The London Docks
Cora stood at the railing of the SS Dover.
She was thrilled to finally be leaving the ship.
She and Damion had traveled on several vessels in the last few years, but he’d turned into an overprotective bear of a man since they discovered she was pregnant.
She patted her round belly, happiness coursing through her.
Cora had assumed she couldn’t have children after so many years had passed without them.
Her wonderful husband always assured her it didn’t matter, explaining he had plenty of nephews to take over his title.
Still, Cora had secretly longed for a child.
When she’d missed her monthlies twice, she’d promptly burst into tears.
For some reason, it hadn’t dawned on Damion what that meant until she happily explained she was with child. Unfortunately, Damion, since then, had hovered over her, alarmed that she would hurt herself. It drove her mad.
“Why are you standing? You shouldn’t be on your feet,” he demanded.
She sighed. “I wanted to wave to the people on the dock as we arrived. I promise, my love, I’m fine.”
Cora tried to be a little understanding about his grumpiness. They’d fought about it recently, and Damion confessed he was afraid she might die. She, of course, assured him women had babies all the time. Hopefully, now back in England, he would be a little better.
“Let me retrieve a chair.”
“Damion, I do not want one.”
His expression turned sullen, and Cora said, “Stop worrying. It isn’t good for you. I’m fine, and the baby is fine.”
He brushed a kiss across her lips. “Have I been horrid on the voyage?”
She tapped his chest. “An absolute beast, but I love you, so you are forgiven.”
Cora turned to face the docks, and Damion wrapped his arms around her, placing his hand on her belly. The baby kicked, and he patted her bump. “Soon enough, little one.”
She leaned against him. Cora did adore him even if he’d been so moody lately.
Over the last few years, they’d traveled to the Continent and America.
It had been a splendid time. In some ways, not getting pregnant right away allowed them to grow together.
She felt lucky they had so much time, just the two of them.
Still, she couldn’t wait for their little one to come into the world and was happy she’d be near her family when she gave birth. Damion interrupted her musing and said, “Look, there is Stanton and your mother.”
Cora looked to where he was pointing. Excitement flared in her. It was good to be home. “I love you, Damion.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I love you, my temptress.”