Two Years Later…

Thomas was sat on the floor with his daughter, Willow, watching with gleaming eyes as the sweet girl, only eleven months of age, wobbled her way into standing. She would fall down, look at him, and cackle with laughter before trying again. Willow had been the other woman in his life proving the man he was yesterday was a liar, as each day was somehow more joyous than the last. And how could they not be, with a little one as brilliant and adorable as his daughter?

Willow had only a tuff of hair, but it had already turned a shade of deep brown, matching her chocolate-colored eyes. She had her mother’s nose, his chin, and both of their endless love. As she once again attempted to keep her balance on her little feet, Thomas’s eyes shifted to Phoebe.

She was on the sofa, her legs folded to her side, and head propped in her hand. She had been ill with a headache that day, but she didn’t complain with their daughter’s laughter. There was only a smile to be seen on her face.

He nibbled on the side of his cheek before saying, “I think she’s ready to walk.”

“Walk?” Phoebe echoed, and then shook her head. “I think she’s a couple months away from that, my love.”

“No, I think she has the tenacity now,” he grinned and watched again as Willow fell but then stood back up.

“Tenacity and coordination are two very different things.”

“Where is your encouragement?” Thomas teased with a tutting sound. “I think she’s ready to try.”

As he took his daughter’s hands and started to get to his own feet, Phoebe spoke up in protest. “Oh, let’s not try so soon. She’s already working to bruise her bottom.”

“I won’t let her fall,” he promised.

His heart was pattering away in his chest as he remained hunched over as the baby held onto his fingers with her entire fists. Willow’s entire body rocked and swayed with every movement, high-pitched sounds of excitement coming out of her. Phoebe giggled and moved to sit up on the couch, opening her arms wide to encourage the little one.

“Come on, Willow. Come to mummy.” With hold on her father, the baby attempted to coordinate her feet forward, and was successful, though Thomas held her up to help her balance. Phoebe’s face lit up, her eyes wide as she opened her hands repeatedly to goad their daughter on.

Then, with great thought and consideration, Thomas dared to let go of Willow’s hands and both parents watched as the child toddled a few steps forward. Just as she began to lose her balance and was about to fall over, Thomas walked her way and scooped her up. But it wasn’t just a couple of steps he took himself—they were steps without a limp or the use of his cane. It had been subtle, and so he wasn’t sure if Phoebe would have noticed, but the look on her face said otherwise.

“You… you’re not limping,” she breathed and rose to her feet.

Thomas gave a modest shrug and gave Willow’s cheek a kiss. “I know I once promised to never keep things from you again, but this was fueled by good intentions,” he told her. His wife neared him, studying him closely. “Some of my business meetings haven’t been exactly business. Moses contacted a physician from America that’s now in London… and he’s been treating my leg. His exercises seem to be working.”

“It’s… cured?” she asked, a hand on her chest.

“I don’t think it will ever be fully healed,” he admitted, but a smile crept back onto his face. “But I’ll be able to keep up with this one better as she becomes mobile. Maybe even take the occasional family stroll without the cane.”

“That’s so wonderful,” Phoebe exclaimed, hugging him tightly and giving him a big kiss on the lips. She shook her head when she pulled back, rubbing his chest affectionately. “I can’t believe you kept this from me. What an awfully wonderful surprise. And the two of you took first steps together,” she crooned before kissing Willow on the cheek. “I’m so proud of you, little one.”

The baby cooed and hugged his other side. Thomas’s arms held them both, a sigh escaping him. “I am the happiest, luckiest man in all of London. Dash it all—likely, in all of England! I don’t think it gets better than this.”

“Well, I have a surprise of my own,” Phoebe admitted. When he looked to her with a raised brow and curious eyes, he watched as she nibbled her lip and took a deep breath. “Willow is going to be a big sister.”

He didn’t have to ask if she was certain or joking, as he knew that she wasn’t the type to declare it unless she was serious and sure. His hand reached to the back of her head, bringing her face to his as he molded his lips to hers possessively and lustfully. There was something so special, so intimate knowing she was carrying his child. While Thomas felt as though he always treated her well and her best, he made sure to pamper her and keep her as stress-free as possible when she was with child.

“This is a day that rivals the day of our wedding,” he beamed before kissing Willow’s head. “And the day you were born, of course.” She clapped her clumsy little hands and Thomas was certain he would burst from the joy in his heart.

The moment was interrupted by a sound at the door. In the next instant, little Graham was bounding into the room ahead of his mother. He collided with Phoebe’s legs, burying his face in her skirt. “Auntie!” he exclaimed.

Phoebe chuckled and bent down enough to rustle his hair. “Hello, Graham. Are you having a good day?”

He looked up to her with his blue-brown hazel eyes and grinned, “Paint?” Little Graham was nearing three years old and was talking more and more each time he saw the child.

“After luncheon, my little darling,” Phoebe promised.

“Looks like you all were having a moment,” Ruth commented as she beckoned her son back to her. Graham dutifully listened to the instruction of his mother, taking hold of her hand as he shifted his weight side-to-side with excitement. He was a little ball of energy that ran Ruth ragged, but he didn’t think she would have it any other way.

“Thomas has been given treatment for his leg,” Phoebe shared. “He and Willow took a couple of steps together, both unaided.”

“That’s remarkable!” Ruth gasped. When they walked over to her, she pinched her niece’s cheek lovingly, “And so impressive for such a little thing.”

Willow was smiling so wide that her eyes were squinted almost shut. As soon as Ruth opened her arm, the little girl extended her body toward her, and he happily handed the child over. The bond between the aunt and niece was almost too sweet to bear, and it always left him wondering if Ruth would one day remarry and have another child. She would be a good mother to a daughter. Thomas peered to Phoebe as he wrapped his arm around her waist, wondering if she would come right out with the news of their second child. His wife gave him a wink, letting him know it was to come.

The group moved into their dining room to enjoy a meal, laughter, and joy to be shared along with the bread. Thomas was notably quiet through the luncheon, as he was completely moved by just how wonderful life had been. As much as he once thought the military had ruined his life, he knew that every little thing had happened so that he could find himself there. Married, a father, and surrounded by people who loved him selflessly.

But that time, he didn’t tell himself the typical lie. Life would get better than that moment, and he couldn’t wait to see what delights the future held for him and his wonderful family. If the past couple of years had anything to say for the future, he knew that it would be nothing short of heaven.

Readers who enjoyed this book also bought

★★★★★ 86 ratings

Read the book

★★★★★ 86 ratings

Read the book

★★★★★ 109 ratings

Read the book