Page 137 of Adored

“When there were two teenage boys here, who had friends over, it was always empty. Now, it’s not nearly as full of snacks on stock up day. My brother had a hollow leg, and he’d eat nonstop.”

Gamble remembered being a teen boy.

Only, there had been no pantry.

He knew that if they had kids, at least they’d be fed and have something in their life to give them stability. They’d never want for anything.

That was also another reason why he felt secure with them having children.

“We should probably fill the house with some little ones,” Poe suggested.

Gamble grinned.

“Doctor, are you hinting?” he asked.

Only, what he said next made Gamble laugh because he wasn’t expecting it.

“Do I have to write it on my forehead, Gamble? Really?” he asked. “Am I hinting? I can’t make it more clear that I want you to propose to me, other than proposing to you first!”

Yeah, he loved this man. Poe made his heart feel light.

If he’d just wait a few minutes…

He’d get his proposal.

Now, though, Gamble changed the subject.

“I managed to pull together some food for us in that pantry of yours. Care to join me, Duke of Gordon? Happy Coronation Day to you.”

He laughed.

“It’s just a piece of paper.”

Was it?

Gamble didn’t believe that for a second.

“I don’t think it is. It’s your history. I did a little research,” he said, reaching for the bottle of champagne and uncorking it.

The top flew off, and Gamble poured some into glasses for them.

“You did?” he asked.

The Marine shared what he’d learned.

“That Gordon isn’t your last name. In sixteen eighty-four, the Marquess of Huntly created the title. Gordon is the territory. I was not aware of that since we kicked your asses in seventeen seventy-six.”

That little poke made him laugh.

“For the record, Mate, I have dual citizenship, and I went to college in the States. I know what happened, Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

Gamble winked at him.

While Poe loved that he’d researched, he was well aware of the family history.

His father was a history fan.

“My great-great-great grandfather liked the territory since it was where he was from, so he took Gordon, but he also wanted to use Seville too. He stuck them together. My official name is Duke Poe William Seville of Gordon.”