‘Are you upset?’
‘Why would I be upset?’ He couldn’t help but reach down and stroke his fingers gently against her belly. ‘It takes two to tango, after all. We’re having a baby, that’s something to celebrate.’
She relaxed against him, the stiffness in her body melting away. ‘It is?’ Her voice was full of hope.
‘Of course it is. It’s amazing.’ He was getting used to the thought. Loving it. There was a new life growing inside her – something they’d made together. He could picture her now, belly rounded, face glowing. He couldn’t wait to see it. ‘I guess that explains the emotions.’
She nodded. ‘I guess so. Will you still love me though I’m a hormonal mess?’
‘London, I’ll love you even more.’ He was grinning now. Couldn’t get the smile off his face if he tried. ‘You’re carrying our baby. What’s not to love?’
For the first time her lips curled up. ‘I am, aren’t I?’
He reached out, tracing his fingers around her stomach again. ‘It’s the best surprise I’ve ever had.’
‘I was so afraid you’d be upset,’ she confessed. ‘That you’d think I was trying to tie you down.’
He looked at her, confused. ‘Babies don’t tie you down. Not if you don’t let them. Look at you, you moved continents when you were pregnant. And Charlie was born in the middle of nowhere in a goddamned hospital tent. Babies are the most portable humans you want to come across.’ He took her hand and pressed his lips against her palm. ‘I’m delighted I’m going to be a dad again. And when the time is right, Poppy and Charlie are going to be delighted, too.’
She groaned. ‘They’re going to be a nightmare. Imagine how often they’ll bicker over the baby.’
‘Ah, let them fuss. We could even turn it to our advantage. Who knows, we may never have to change a dirty diaper again.’ His grin widened. ‘This baby will be loved, Juliet. And it’s already so wanted.’ Kissing her palm one last time, he folded his hand around hers. ‘Now let’s go and dance and celebrate your sister’s marriage.’
‘Yes, let’s do that.’ Her eyes glinted, and this time it had nothing to do with tears. ‘Just remember what you do to me when you get me out on that dance floor.’
‘Oh I remember.’ They walked into the hallway and he slid his arm around her waist, pulling her in to his side. It felt so good to hold her, to have her close. Everything he wanted was here in this castle. Juliet, Charlie, Poppy and now the baby growing inside Juliet.
Home wasn’t a building. It wasn’t even a country. Home was where your family was, and that was exactly where Ryan wanted to be, too.