Page 165 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke
“And now he’s safe.”
The simple truth struck deeper than Hector expected.
“He doesn’t need me.”
“No.”
“He has Colin.”
“Yes.”
“And suddenly...” He struggled to find the words. “...I’m standing somewhere I’ve never stood before.”
Ambrose nodded slowly. “You’ve reached the point where your own life begins.”
Hector laughed without humor. “I find myself remarkably unprepared.”
“I imagine most men are.”
“I should know what comes next.”
“Why?”
“Because everyone assumes I do.”
Ambrose leaned forward. “Hector.” His voice carried none of its usual teasing. “You have spent half your life sacrificing your own happiness.”
“I did what was necessary,” Hector said gruffly.
“I know,” Ambrose said. “You have done so admirably.”
“You’d have done the same.”
“Perhaps.” Ambrose smiled faintly. “But I also know something else.”
Hector looked at him. “You love that woman.”
The words hung between them.
Hector did not deny them. “I do.”
“So stop punishing yourself for wanting a future.”
Hector closed his eyes briefly. “It isn’t that simple.”
“Nothing worthwhile ever is.”
A long silence followed.
Finally, Ambrose stood. “I won’t pry anymore.”
“Thank you.”
“But I will give you one piece of advice.”
Hector waited.
“When you go home tonight...” He rested a hand briefly on Hector’s shoulder. “...stop thinking about whether you’d make a good father.”
