Page 17 of The One With the Scoundrel of a Duke (Wicked Widows’ League #31)
A Little Later
LIFE HAD THE STRANGEST way of meeting people’s needs. Of bringing people together when they least expected it, and of providing a place of reprieve for all the rest of the times life kept people in waiting.
Lucas had met and fallen in love with Audra over a song. And then some. She had fallen for him more gradually, but all the same, less than forty-eight hours was still considered quickly falling.
Lucas had sent his man of business to the meditation cabins first, which was exactly what everyone needed. It cleared heads and opened hearts.
So now it was Lucas and Audra’s turn to visit.
The cabin was small and cozy. Windows, a fire, and a comfortable bed.
It was perfect. They decided to spend a weekend there with the days in quietude, more or less, and then the evenings coming together with some of the other visitors, including some of Audra’s sisters.
In the evening they joined together with music and singing.
Audra noticed how Freya had made herself available to the other guests for talking and even just company.
She knew how blessed she was to have such an entourage of female support. Her life was good. And she hadn’t felt like she was treading water in a long time.
Sitting in the boat was a nice place to be, especially because it was with Lucas. The man cared about her in all the little ways, proving his faithfulness, passion, and care time and time again.
She rubbed her hand over her belly, wondering when she should tell him her news. How would he react? Would he be as excited as she was? Or would he think it was too soon?
The table was clear before her as she waited for him to turn from the little kitchen and join her.
When he approached, he had two glasses in his hand of wine.
It was now or never. She had to tell him or he would guess on his own, and there was something to be said for being the messenger of such good news.
“Darling,” he said, extending the glass to her as she graciously took it from his hand.
Her nerves were balling in her stomach, clenched tight like little fists. That was likely impossible at this stage, though she wasn’t really sure.
“Lucas, my love,” her lungs sought the maximum amount of air they could inhale, “I have something to tell you.”
“Yes?” He took a sip of his wine calmly and offered a little smile. “Have you selected a new song to sing tonight?”
“Well, actually yes, I have. I would like to sing the new song we have been working on together.”
“I’d like that. Now, what should we do this evening?” he said it with a wink and a tilt of his head toward the bed. “Shall we get comfortable?”
“Yes, but I have other news to share with you.”
“Oh?”
Subconsciously, she rubbed her hand over her belly again.
“You’re going to be a good father,” she whispered.
“Thank you, it’s nice—wait.” He caught her hand rubbing over her stomach. “You mean in the future?”
“About eight months or so.”
He flew out of his chair and it crashed against the floor, then he swept her into his arms. “Audra,” he murmured her name repeatedly, intermingling kisses to her neck and her mouth. “I’m so happy.” His voice was raspy. “You’re going to be the most wonderful mother.”
A few tears trickled down her cheeks and when he felt them, he gently placed her back in the chair. Dropping to his knees he wrapped his arms around her and placed several kisses against her stomach.
“We’re going to be a family,” he said with a gleam in his eyes.
“Yes, my love.” And her heart was overflowing with joy. This man, the perfect man for her, was on his knees, delighted at the news of growing a family together.
“I love you so much, Audra.”
“I love you, Lucas.”
More kisses on her stomach and then on her lips. Finally he looked up and vowed, “I’ll do my best to make you as comfortable as possible. Always and forever.”
“I know you will, my love. Your comfort is all I seek.”
And of course comfort meant so much more than just…comfort. It was songs and laughter. Toasts to their happiest moments in life. Holding each other through it all. And joy forever after.