Page 73 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
“I am so sorry this happened, my love,” Reginald apologized.
Dominic could understand that he felt as if all of that was his fault. But Dominic knew better, and he was certain that Annabel felt the same way. He watched as the reunited family clung to one another in the darkness, their bond unbroken by the trials they had endured, their faith in each other now stronger than before.
He frowned as the onslaught of pain attacked him again. Suppressing a groan, he addressed them.
“I really hate to interrupt you, but perhaps you would rather do all this with a hot cup of tea in your hands and some nice food?” he suggested.
“Scones?” Rosie wondered.
“With strawberry jam?” Dominic asked tenderly.
“Please!” Rosie smiled, clapping her little hands. Dominic was glad to see that she wasn’t as affected by this ordeal as her mother. Then again, it was probably because of her mother that she endured it without an effect on her psyche.
By the time they had returned to Tim, the constables were already there. It turned out that Tim had anticipated it would take some time, so Charlie was called in for a favor: to fetch the constables at exactly the right hour and send them to that house.
Dominic patted Tim on the back. “That was great timing, old boy. Truly great.”
“I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if something had happened to that little girl,” Tim said sorrowfully, his voice filled with melancholy for the mistakes that would never be undone.
“You are a good man, Timothy Hallifax,” Dominic said compassionately. “I am proud to call you a friend.”
“I feel the same way,” Tim smiled. “All’s well that ends well, eh?” And just like that, he was back to his usual self. Dominic was glad to see that.
“I expect you at dinner tomorrow, old boy,” Dominic reminded him.
“With that gunshot wound in your side?” Timothy gestured. “I doubt you’ll be having anything but soup for the next month.”
“Want to bet?” Dominic replied playfully. His wound acted up again, as if it too sided with Timothy.
Dominic convinced Reginald to join that evening, and for the next few evenings, as well.
“Catherine would love to have you all,” Dominic said. “And you know I don’t argue with your sister.”
“Ah, what a good husband,” Annabel chuckled, leaning into Reginald. “You should learn a thing or two from this man, Reggie. He is smart.”
Reginald chuckled, approaching Dominic. Dominic had no idea what would happen next. Maybe another shake of the hand, some words of gratitude. He was fine with anything. Hopefully, he had managed to prove himself. If not… well, hopefully there would be no more abductions that would require their attention and more proof of his own righteousness.
However, what Reginald did next left him completely stunned. Without a word, Reginald wrapped his arms wound around Dominic, pulling him close into a brotherly embrace. He didn’t say anything at first. He didn’t need to. Dominic could feel all the words that Reginald could not say. After all, they were men. Men were not supposed to express their emotions, but this was a special occasion. A very special one.
Dominic returned the hug, allowing Reginald to dictate the length. When Reginald finally released him from his grip, Dominic could see a stray tear in the man’s eyes. He had rarely seen a man cry, but when he did, it was always for the right reason. And this was no exception to that rule.
“I… I don’t know to thank you for everything you have done for us,” Reginald spoke with a tearful voice that was on the verge of breaking. With a deep breath, he continued, his wordsa testament to the bond of friendship that had sustained them through the darkest of times.
Dominic wanted to prove himself to both Catherine and Reginald, and he finally managed to do that, not out of any selfish reasons, but on the contrary, out of the right ones.
“You risked your own life to save us,” Reginald continued. “To protect us from harm when it was most dangerous. You… got shot to save me. Without your courage and bravery, I doubt any of us would be standing here together today.”
Dominic listened quietly, his heart swelling with pride and humility at Reginald’s words. “It was my honor to stand by your side and help you get your family back. Nothing is more important than family, as you yourself already know.”
“I am glad that you have become ours,” Reginald said with a smile. “I disapproved of this union at first, you and my sister. But that was before I knew you. You are not only my sister’s husband, but you are a brother to me. You are a good man, Dominic Worthington.”
Dominic grinned. “All right, but let’s keep that a secret, shall we? I don’t want your sister to know.”
His comment made everyone laugh, although it pained him to do so. However, it was worth it. “Now, how about we head on home, before I bleed out, shall we?”
Everyone nodded concernedly, to what he assured them that he was in no pain. The truth was, he wasn’t. And that was exactly what worried him. He was shot. He was supposed to be in a mountain of pain, yet he was walking and laughing as if it were just a scratch.
The carriage ride home felt slow. Dominic wanted it to take a single instant and for him to have Catherine in his arms, showing her that he had kept his promise. Nothing would have prevented him from doing so. The carriage passed through the familiar cobblestoned streets of London, finally taking him home through the gates. A small light flickered at the threshold, and something assured him it was Catherine.
