Selena’s eyes widened, but she stayed quiet.
In that tranquil moment, Gerald found the courage he needed to speak the words he had rehearsed in his head. “Selena Bowles, for years I ignored our betrothal, believing I had beenwronged by my father to have been committed to a future wife at such an early age. However, little did I know back then (I was a fool by the way) that the most incredible woman in the world that I would ever hope to meet was right there all along. I thank God for your courage and strength in riding through a rainstorm in the dead of night to reach Bellwood. And since that fateful night, I have gotten to know your heart, your bright and clever mind. I have been mesmerized by your beauty, both inside and out. And I have been captivated by those incredible blue eyes. I have come to realize the wisdom of my father, and yours, and how they wisely had our best interests at heart. And with all of this, I hope you will consent to be my wife. I love you, Selena. And I will love you forever.” As Gerald finished his heartfelt proposal, he opened the small black velvet box and displayed a gold band with a large sapphire stone, surrounded by small diamonds. The ring sparkled in the light drawing a smile from her lips.
Selena’s azure eyes sparkled with tears of joy as she flung her arms around him with such fervor, she nearly toppled them both to the ground.
"I think that bodes well,” he chuckled.
“Yes, it does my love! Oh Gerald…yes, yes, a thousand times yes!”
As their lips met in a searing kiss, Gerald thought he was the luckiest man in the world.
~*~
Epilogue
Bellwood Estate
The week before Christmas
One year later
Selena picked up two baskets she had prepared for the tenants and moved them to the pile in the corner of the kitchen. Looking at the one she just finished-- full of fruit, cheese, and cheese, she gave a satisfied sigh. They had been a lot of work, but so worth it. At almost nine months into her pregnancy, she felt like a waddling duck. Only a month earlier, she started acknowledging she was in her confinement. From Selena’s perspective, it made things go more quickly.
“Darling, you may continue to work on the baskets, but I must insist you allow me or one of the footmen to move them,” Gerald said entering the kitchen and kissing her on the cheek before taking the baskets from her. He placed them on a nearby table. “Doctor Baker relented to allow you to walk around, instead of the standard bedrest, but you need not overtax yourself.
Selena blew out a big sigh. “I’m ready to deliver this child,” she admitted. “I walk like a duck and I feel like a cow.”
Despite being warned by both his father and brother-in-law, Gerald laughed. Banbury had been the most recent to warn him about the frustrating, self-deprecating comments that women make in their final months of pregnancy, but still, Gerald took the bait. And Selena immediately turned and gave him a teary-eyed response—one Banbury had also warned him about.
“Am I fat and ugly in your eyes?” she sobbed, as heavy tears crested over her lower lashes and rolled down her cheeks.
Damn! I’m going to have to dig myself out of this one with wit and charm.“No, darling. You are carrying our childand are the love of my life. And you could never be anything but beautiful,” Gerald said, kissing her nose. Using his handkerchief, he wiped her tears away. “It’ll soon be your birthday, darling. I want to spoil you.”
Hiccupping through her tears, she said, “And you love me like this?”
“Selena, I find you to be the most beautiful woman in the world,” he said, covering her mouth with his and kissing her ravenously. “I love you.”
When he finally pulled away, his wife reached up, wrapped her hands around his neck, and pulled him closer. “It’s just that these past few weeks have been uncomfortable to move and sit and sleep,” she said. “And as much as I love carrying our child, it feels like I can’t get close enough to you, Gerald. I know I’m being ridiculous, but I cannot seem to help these feelings. Diana was right. I’ve become a watering pot these past few days. She told me that her emotions escalated during the weeks before she gave birth and warned me that I would most likely feel the same.” Selena leaned her head against his chest and then, pulled back, looked up at him.
Affectionately, he tapped her nose with his index finger. “Thatis probably why Doctor Baker wanted you to stay close to the house and recommended bed rest. You’ve been busy of late, but now the nursery is complete. The baby has piles of new clothes, all washed and folded. You’ve even hired a nanny. From the planning perspective, I think we’re ready.”
Her mouth formed a large O, while her eyes still brimmed with tears. Despite her previous tears, she smiled. “I will rest more. I promise. I’ll just finish packing the baskets and let you and the footmen move them.”
He grinned. “I can agree to that. By the way, I almost forgot the reason I came to the kitchen. My family just arrived.Mrs. Evans is helping to get them settled, and I told her I would watch you and make sure you weren’t overdoing it.”
“I heard fromMamanearlier today, too. She said that she, along with Angus would be here with Paul and Kat today. I’m grateful they took Paul and Kat for a visit at Rose Point.”
“Me too, it gave us the chance to get everything ready for Christmas.”
“Mamanmentioned that she and Connery had a surprise to share. I truly enjoy surprises, especially on my birthday,” Selena remarked, as she fought back her earlier emotions.
“This year, we have much to be grateful for,” she said, adopting a more positive attitude. “Your horses have done so well.” Both Selena and Gerald were thrilled when Aphrodite placed second at Newcastle and Hermes won at Epsom Downs.
“Yes! You helped so much with the training. I’m almost certain we couldn’t have done as well, had you not worked your magical gift.”
“It’s not a magical gift,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “I simply talk to them.” To her, it seemed a natural skill. But Angus and Gerald touted it as something strange and not based on the animals, whom she enjoyed being around.
“Well, you were invaluable in helping us choose that gray mare. She is the perfect mate for Azure. Their offspring will be fine thoroughbreds. Connery and I are looking forward to seeing the foal and seeing if it looks like its sire,” Gerald said.
