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“I have a smart little wife,” he grinned. “Playful as well.”

“Do you like it?” she asked, smiling.

“I love it, you know that,” he nodded, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her onto himself.

She cupped his face, staring at him. Every time she looked at him, she found something new to love. Every experience was new with him. And everything he did, everything he said, excited her beyond words. She loved him more than she loved herself. She lived for him. She was completely consumed by this love, and she knew that it was only the beginning because she had some very important news to share with him.

As he buttoned himself up, she still refused to get up from his lap. He smiled at her, keeping his hands on her waist as they faced each other.

“Do you know how happy you make me?” she asked through a smile.

“No,” he smiled back. “How?”

“Immensely,” she said. “Endlessly. Completely.”

“I like that,” he said as her heart thundered in her chest. “I am also complete with you by my side.”

“Do you feel like… we could be happier?” she wondered.

He frowned, not understanding. “Happier?” he echoed. “Is there anything I could do to makeyouhappier? Is there anything you don’t have that I could give you? Is there something you wish to change? Just tell me, my love and I will do it all for you.”

She smiled, incredulous at love that was emanating from this beautiful man. This man who was her husband.

“No, no,” she shook her head as tears of joy streamed down her face.

“Penelope, my love, are you all right?” he asked, concern etched on his face.

“Beyond all right,” she assured him, wiping away stray tears. Penelope took a deep breath, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach. “I’m with child,” she confessed, her words hanging in the air between them.

For a moment, there was silence as James processed her words, his eyes widening in astonishment. And then, a wide grin spread across his face, his heart swelling with joy. “Penelope,” he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe, “that’s wonderful news!”

James cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently brushing away her tears. “Penelope, you’ve made me the happiest man in the world,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. “I love you more than words can express. And I promise, I will do everything in my power to be the best husband and father for you and our child.”

“I know you will, my love,” she replied, with a sparkle in her eyes.

Hand in hand, James and Penelope made their way back through the maze, their hearts light with joy and excitement. As they emerged from the labyrinth, they saw Grandfather, Adeline, and Ciara still enjoying the picnic, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the scene.

James cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “Everyone,” he began, his voice trembling with excitement, “Penelope and I have some wonderful news to share.”

Adeline and Ciara looked up, curious expressions on their faces while Grandfather raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Well, out with it, boy,” he urged, his tone playful.

Penelope squeezed James’ hand, taking a deep breath. “I’m pregnant,” she announced, her voice filled with joy. “We’re going to have a baby.”

For a moment, there was stunned silence as the news sank in. Then, Grandfather let out a whoop of joy, leaping to his feet. “A baby! By Jove, that’s splendid news!” he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with happiness. He pulled Penelope into a warm embrace, his laughter ringing out. “Oh, my dear girl, you’ve made this old man very happy.”

Adeline clapped her hands, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. “Penelope, that’s wonderful!” she cried, rushing forward to hug her sister. “I’m so happy for you both!”

Ciara smiled warmly, her eyes filled with compassion and happiness. “Congratulations to both of you,” she said softly. “This is truly wonderful news!”

James beamed, his heart swelling with pride and love as he watched the joyous reactions of their loved ones. “Thank you, everyone,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “We’re so grateful to have you all here to share this moment with us.”

Grandfather clapped James on the back, his grin wide. “You’re going to be a wonderful father, James,” he said confidently. “And Penelope, you’ll be a marvelous mother.”

Penelope blushed, her eyes shining with tears of happiness. “Thank you, all” she whispered, feeling overwhelmed by the love and support surrounding them.

Adeline took Penelope’s hands in hers, her smile radiant. “We’re going to spoil that child rotten,” she said with a laugh. “Aunt Adeline and Grandfather will make sure of that.”

Ciara nodded, her expression serene. “And I’ll be here to help in any way I can, whenever you need me,” she added, her voice gentle. “You’re going to be a wonderful family.”

That evening, as they got ready for bed, James pulled Penelope into his arms, holding her close. He looked into her eyes, his expression filled with love and devotion. “Penelope,” he began, his voice soft but steady, “I want you to know how much I love you. You are my heart, my soul, and my everything. I promise to love you and our child with every breath I take.”

Penelope’s eyes filled with tears of joy as she wrapped her arms around James’ neck. “I love you too, James,” she whispered. “More than words can ever say. You’ve given me so much happiness, and I can’t wait to share this new chapter of our lives with you.”

James leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender, passionate kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of promises kept and dreams fulfilled, of a future bright with love and laughter. When they finally pulled away, both were breathless and smiling.

And so, wrapped in each other’s arms, they drifted into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of the beautiful journey that lay ahead.

The End?