Page 120 of The Viscount and the Vixen
“All I did was place the advert. You answered it.”
“Thinking I was to marry you.”
“But I told you it would be better if you married him.”
“Indeed you did.”
When they reached the center of the room, he took her in his arms and swept her over the floor with an ease that she imagined had characterized his moves in his youth. While she couldn’t hear the music, it was obvious that he did, a tune that had no doubt played when he danced with his beloved.
“Thank you for my heir,” he said quietly, smiling.
“You’ve thanked me enough.”
“I shall thank you as often as I want. I love both those children. They’ve been a great gift. Although you must watch the boy carefully. I caught him climbing shelves in the library the other day.”
Since Maddie’s birth, Marsden had begun to spend less time in his bedchamber. He was a more active part of their lives, especially the children’s. It had been years since Locksley had turned the key in the door to his father’s bedchamber. None of the rooms in the residence were locked any longer.
Portia smiled brightly. “He is his father’s son.”
Marsden grinned. “He is that.”
The patter of running feet had them stopping, and just in time. Both children slammed into Marsden’s legs.
“Grandpapa, will you read to us?” Maddie asked.
“I will, but only one story.” He leaned down. “Father Christmas is coming tonight.” Taking their hands, he began leading them from the room.
Watching them go, Portia felt a joyful ache in her chest. Her children knew love, so much love.
“Dance with me.”
Turning into her husband’s arms, she found herself gliding once more over the floor.
“You’ve made him very happy,” Locksley said.
“I think the children do that.”
“You, the children, the way the manor is once again bright. I love you, Portia.”
“Good, because I love you, too.”
He lifted her into his arms.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“After all these years, you still have to ask? I’m taking you to bed.”
“Not until the children are asleep.”
“Father will see to them. I told him I was planning to give you another child for Christmas.”
Laughing, she pressed her head to his shoulder. “That must have made him happy.”
“It made him ecstatic.”
“Wait until you see what I’m giving you for Christmas.”
“What would that be, my little vixen?”
