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“A slower pace,” Amelia chuckled, “yes, that does sound quite pleasant. I have taken my turns feeling nearly ill and then entirely ravenous.”

Richard looked down at her. “Oh? Is something the matter?”

Amelia grinned, no longer able to keep the secret. “No. Not at all, though, I should imagine that I trip to the modiste will be required soon. I shall require looser fitting gowns.”

There was a hesitation, and then Richard cocked his head, studying her. As his eyes flicked between Amelia’s face and her midsection, he took her hands, gripping them tightly.

“Amelia, dearest, are you telling me that…”

His words died off, and Richard raised his brows up to his hairline.

“Look under your pillow.”

She had taken to placing a small item there earlier, thinking that tonight might be the perfect occasion to inform Richard of the good news. He did, following her order with a confused smirk, and when his hand came back out from underneath the billowy softness, her husband held a small silver rattle.

“Amelia!” He grinned from ear to ear, pulling her in to kiss her. “Truly?!”

She nodded, her own smile filling her face as the tears stung in her eyes. “We shall be a family properly in a few months’ time. It is true, Richard.”

He kissed her again, and when Richard pulled back only slightly, whispering against her lips, Amelia was so overjoyed it was a miracle she could contain it all.

“The future looks indeed quite fair, dearest. I will be at your side through the entire endeavor.”

“Don’t fret, darling. I’m quite sure it will all work out splendidly.”

She patted his cheek, reaching up to kiss him again. Richard returned the move in kind, sweeping his tongue through the seam of her lips and pulling her against him more firmly.

Laughing, Amelia leaned back enough to say, “What are you doing?”

“Carrying my future child is no reason to avoid preparation for making another.”

Amelia giggled again, giving up any hope of going straight to bed. In truth, this was an excellent way to end the evening, and she would pride herself in making Richard see to her needs several times for all the discomfort she’d already endured.Curse early pregnancy.

Gesturing at her hips, Amelia smirked. “Very well. Get to work then, darling.”

Richard grinned, then worked his kisses down her neck with the promise to take them lower still.

Excellent indeed.

The End?