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“Actually,” Magnus stepped further into the house, his shoulders relaxing some, “I saw them on their way out. We spoke for a moment, and I was happy to see how well they are both doing. I have invited them to a family dinner in the coming weeks. You and Frederick are, of course, invited as well. It would mean so much if you came.”

That was indeed a shock but undoubtedly a pleasant one.

Charlotte smiled, walking up to her brother and placing her hand on his. “I would love that. I am sure Frederick will as well.”

Magnus sagged under Charlotte’s touch, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“Thank you.” He smiled, chuckling as the relief visibly washed over him. “Excellent.”

“Would you care to join me, Brother?” She gestured toward the dining room. “I have yet to eat since being with the physician, and I am famished.”

Smiling even bigger, Magnus wrapped an arm around Charlotte’s shoulder and nodded.

“Nothing sounds better. Thank you.”

“Of course, Magnus.” She grinned back at him, hope brimming inside her stronger and stronger. “After all, we’re family.”

Epilogue

Charlotte exited the kitchen, having checked on the menu for the meal at least ten times now. She was certain that the cook was becoming irritated with her, but everything needed to be perfect.

It had been a wonderful day spent in the estate, out in the gardens and talking in front of the fireplace, but Frederick was finally healthy enough to be permitted for all strenuous activities, and they were owed a seventh night together.

He was up in their room, Charlotte having moved into the space since she was in there so regularly while he was healing, and anticipation bubbled through her at the thought of their private dinner. She had planned for them to dine in their room and then enjoy a bit of after-supper entertainment.

Being each other, of course.

It had been several days, nearly three weeks, and Frederick was finally able to join her in bed once more. She would be lying if she said that she had not been missing it. They had done what they could up until now, but it didn’t replace the connection she had felt with him when they were able to be truly intimate.

And they both deserved to feel that way once more.

All is well at hand, Charlotte. You can relax. Just breathe.

She knew that she was a bundle of nerves. It had been such a protracted time that it nearly felt as if this would be their first time again. They had only had intercourse the one time before this, and Charlotte had to admit that she still felt so new at it.

It is Frederick. It will fall into place naturally.

As she ascended the stairs, Charlotte smiled, so very ready for their wonderful evening together—and whatever else the future held.

“Ugh! That was incredible. I shall be full for a week.” Frederick smiled, his hand going to his stomach, and Charlotte laughed.

“The cook truly outdid herself. I am so glad that you enjoyed it. I’ve been planning this for?—”

“Two weeks,” Frederick interjected. “Yes, you have told me.”

Charlotte felt herself blush, rolling her lips between her teeth as she fought a grin. It was true, however. She had been going on about this evening for some time. She was just glad that it had not been a disappointment, living up to her expectations to the last.

At least so far. There was still the final part of this “seventh evening” together ahead of them.

“Well, I am still quite glad that I did. Personally, I think it was a stroke of genius to have our evening entirely conducted at the estate.”

Charlotte tipped her chin up as she spoke, putting out the air of being soverypleased with herself. It only lasted a moment before she couldn’t contain her laughter.

Frederick chuckled along with her, eyeing Charlotte playfully. “And you are certain that it had nothing to do with you still being nervous about my injuries?”

She blushed all the harder—the tiny facet of her true motivations called out into the open.

“It was only apartof it.”