Page 78 of Anger
“What a sapskull you must have thought me!”
“No, I just thought you were nervous. Even the most confident men become tongue-tied when they propose.”
“Do they? I could not quite believe it, even then. It was a dream… far too wonderful to be real. I was never sure you truly meant it until you appeared in the chapel at Corland. Right up until that moment, I was wholly certain that you would turn meoff. And afterwards I was terrified of giving you cause to regret it. I think… I believe… I hope you do not regret it?”
The anxious expression on his face twisted Izzy’s heart painfully. Even now, the foolish man was in need of reassurance.
“Ian, my love… my dearest… you are the best of men, and the finest husband any woman could hope for. I haveneverregretted my choice. I may have wondered how my life might have been different, but I was always thankful for your gentleness with me, no matter how great a trial I was to you, and yes, I was a very great trial to you, so do not shake your head at me.”
“You were unhappy for a long time, though.”
“Not unhappy, precisely, but… aware that there was something missing. But when you kidnapped me, you absurd man, and threatened to hold me prisoner until I agreed to marry you again… everything dropped into place. Those first five years, it is as if you were filling me up with your love, slowly, drip by drip, except that I never knew it was love. Then, when you chased after me and kidnapped me, I understood, and I found I was already full of love. I am so full of love, husband… for you, for the children, for everyone. I am sohappy, far happier than I deserve. Do you understand? I love you, I will always love you, and you keep my world in perfect alignment.”
“My sweet Izzy,” he murmured, leaning towards her.
Just at that moment, the Honourable Charles Farramont uttered a whimper that Izzy understood all too well.
“He is getting hungry again,” she said apologetically.
Ian laughed. “Well, I suppose I come second to the baby, but I shall have my kiss later.”
“That you may depend upon,” Izzy said, smiling at him as he placed the baby in her arms.
THE END
