Page 63 of An Arranged Betrothal with a Contrite Duke
“I will prove it to you, darling,” he said. He reached for her hand once more and this time, she did not pull away. He was disheartened to feel how cold her hand was, despite the warm weather. He put her hand in both of his and raised it to his lips, kissing it gently. “I promise you, I will prove myself to you. I love you. And there is nothing more important to me than showing you just how much I love you.”
Lydia took a shaky breath, and her lips trembled.
“I want to trust you, Michael,” she whispered. “But I do not know if I can.”
Michael’s heart ached. He couldn’t lose Lydia. He found that he was rapidly falling more in love with her with each passing moment.
“Please, Lydia,” he implored. “Give me a chance to make you happy. I promise to devote myself to you, to our life together. We will have a family and share in the joys and sorrows of life. I will even get rid of my entire collection, and I will give your father back that accursed vase, if it proved how sincere I am to you. Please, Lydia. I love you. Let me show you.”
As he spoke, Michael held Lydia's hands in his, his eyes never leaving hers. He hoped that she could see the sincerity in his gaze and the depth of his love for her. He had no idea if his words would have any effect on her. In truth, he understood that what he had to say could have come far too late. But he knew what he wanted with her, and he had to hope that his heart was leading him in the right direction.
Lydia’s eyes filled with fresh tears, and Michael held his breath. He knew that whatever she believed, whatever she said next, decided his entire future.
“Michael, I believe you,” she said. “I believe in your love for me, and I accept your apologies. And I love you, too. I will come home to be your duchess.”
A smile of pure relief and joy spread across his face, and he pulled her into his arms, embracing her tightly.
“Oh, Lydia,” he said, sobbing with joy. “I will spend the rest of my life proving to you just how much I love you.” He paused, looking at her lovingly. “And you love me, as well. Oh, my darling. I am so grateful that I shall get to bring you home. And I promise, tonight, we will share a bed, to further prove my love and affection for you.”
As he spoke those words, he leaned down to capture her lips in a passionate, lingering kiss. In that moment, Michael knew he had found the love of his life and realized what he had been in danger of losing forever. As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, it was as if the whole world had come alive with the vibrant colors of their love, rekindled under the clear spring sky.
Epilogue
Lydia gazed out the window of the parlor of Strawbridge Manor, marveling at the picturesque landscape that stretched out before her. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow on the lush greenery and vibrant flowers that surrounded the manor. It had been a year since her wedding to Michael, and their love had only grown stronger with time. The incident with the vase had been long forgotten, save for a loving private joke they shared with one another. She had never been gladder for any decision she had ever made in her life. Except, that was, for her school.
She lovingly stroked her swollen belly, knowing that she was due to give birth any day now. With a tender smile, she thought of the quiet celebration they had planned for their first anniversary. It had been the best year of her life, and she and Michael had shared a bed every night since she had returned to Strawbridge Manor, often just staying awake all night and talking. She was glad to have given him a second chance, as he turned out to be the wonderful, loving man she thought he was, and much more.
“Lydia, my love,” Michael called as he entered the room. “I have a delightful idea. Why don't we go for a walk down to the lake?”
Lydia smiled up at her husband as he leaned down to give her a gentle kiss.
“But, Michael, darling,” she protested gently, “I'm so close to my time. Shouldn't I be resting?”
Michael gave her a loving smile and shook his head.
“I will take good care of you, my dear,” he reassured her with a loving grin. “A little walk will do you good, and I have a surprise in store for you.”
Curiosity piqued, Lydia nodded, giggling.
“You’re right,” she said. “And I wouldn’t mind a bit of fresh air.”
Michael nodded, grinning.
“Good,” he said. “Besides, I believe you deserve a break from the school.”
Lydia laughed.
“You behave as though I have been there every day,” she teased.
Michael studied her as though deciding whether she was being serious. When he realized she was teasing, he, too, laughed.
“Oh, no, not every day,” he said. “Just all the days that end in ‘y.’”
Lydia giggled again, shaking her head, even though her husband had already won her over to whatever he had planned.
“Surely, it is not that often,” she said, barely concealing a fresh peal of laughter.
Michael looked at her as though she had suddenly gone mad.
