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Jonathan held her close, his own emotions stirred by her heartfelt response. “I’m glad,” he murmured. “I love you, Ciara. I want us to have a place where you feel at home.”

“Youaremy home, Jonathan,” she gushed, her heart swelling to the brim.

As they embraced, Jonathan’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.

Drawing back slightly, he looked into Ciara’s eyes and with a playful grin, said, “Taim i’ ngra leat.”

She knew those words immediately. She had not heard them too many times in her life, but she did hear them when she needed them the most as was the case now.

“What does it mean?” Rebecca asked curiously.

“Unless it is something too private,” Archie teased.

Ciara chuckled. “It means I love you in Irish.”

Uncle Brendan, who had been observing with interest, couldn’t help but chuckle. “Ah, Jonathan, that’s a charming sentiment, but your pronunciation needs a bit of work!”

Ciara’s eyes flashed with mock severity as she turned her glare towards her uncle. “Uncle Brendan, that’s not very nice of you! It’s the thought that counts,” she said, her tone half exasperated and half amused.

Jonathan, taking the teasing in his stride, laughed softly. “Perhaps I need a lesson or two from you, my dear,” he said, making her blush. “But I meant every word of it.”

With a tender smile, she looked up at Jonathan and responded in Irish, her voice filled with affection.

“Taim i’ ngra leat freisin,” she said, responding to his expression of love.

Jonathan’s smile broadened, but his curiosity was piqued when Ciara continued speaking in Irish. The words were a soft murmur, and while he recognized the emotional weight of her tone, he didn’t fully grasp their meaning. He simply listened to the melodious sound of her voice, lulling him into a sensation of love and serenity.

Uncle Brendan’s eyes widened in surprise, and he glanced between Jonathan and Ciara with a look of incredulity. Jonathan noticed it immediately, his own inquisitiveness rising with each passing moment. Seeing the confusion on the Duke’s face, Uncle Brendan couldn’t hold back any longer.

With a mix of amazement and excitement, he cleared his throat. “Jonathan, perhaps you would like to know—Ciara just told you she’s with child.”

Jonathan’s eyes widened in shock and delight as he turned to Ciara, his mouth slightly agape. The gravity of her words sank in, and a profound wave of joy and astonishment washed over him.

Ciara’s cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and happiness. She looked up at Jonathan, her eyes sparkling with love.

“I wanted to tell you in a special way,” she said softly.

The world seemed to stand still as he looked at Ciara. Without a second thought, he swept Ciara up into his arms, lifting her effortlessly. He twirled her around in a jubilant spin, his laughter mingling with her delighted squeals.

“Jonathan!” Ciara exclaimed between laughs, her tone tinged with a hint of amusement. “This isn’t helping my nausea, you know!”

He gently set her back on her feet, his face still radiating the joy of the moment. His eyes were filled with affection and wonder as he looked at her.

“Are you sure?” he asked softly, his voice a blend of curiosity and concern.

“Yes, my love,” she gushed softly.

Tears of joy filled his eyes as he pulled Ciara into another embrace, holding her close.

“Are you… happy?” she asked with a slight tremor in her voice. He knew why she would ask that. He remembered their last conversation about children well. Her fear was justified. But at the same time, he was not the man he was before.

“Yes, my love. This is the most wonderful news,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so incredibly happy. I promise we’ll create the best life we can for our little one.”

Uncle Brendan, still looking both surprised and delighted, added with a warm smile, “Congratulations to both of you. This is truly wonderful news.”

With a look of joy and satisfaction, Rebecca raised her glass in a toast. “To the future and the new addition to your family. May it be filled with love and happiness.”

Everyone did the same as Jonathan and Ciara gazed at each other lovingly. The joyful celebrations had filled the air with a warm and festive atmosphere, but now, Jonathan’s heart was set on a more intimate moment with Ciara.