The Butchers Love

Chapter 41

The day went smoothly compared to most dinners, just an odd debate between O'hara and William (William won). As usual William had a gentle yet firm grip on my hand underneath the table, every so often he would nudge my foot with his and act innocent about it. Honestly this man.

After we had finished eating William offered to walk me back to our room, I accepted due to not wanting to be alone with around 20 men. Once we were back in our room William took his coat off and threw it onto a chair, he looked panicked for some reason.

"Will?" I mumbled and tried to take his hand "what's wrong love?"

"I've been asked to lead a charge at Cowpens in January, So I accepted"

"That's good news, isn't it?"

"I've also discussed how I'm stepping down as colonel after that battle, I'm spending my life with you"

I looked up at him and shook my head "Is this what you truly desire?"

"Mable you're my one desire, you're my f-f-f" He cleared his throat before smiling "You're my family"

"I love you" I threw my arms around him and he let out a small but hearty chuckle.

"And I you, that is why I'm doing this. By February we will be together, living on our plantation" He wrapped his arms around me and rested his head on my shoulder "No matter how this war goes, I'll be yours" before I could say anything, he lifted me into his arms and nuzzled against my shoulder.

I cupped his jaw with my hands before kissing the tip of his nose "No matter what?"

"No matter what"

"So if my brother shoots you, you'd still love me?"

"you do understand the meaning of 'no matter what' don't you?"

I smiled and tapped his cheek "very funny" in response he leant into my touch and kissed my wrist before placing me back on my feet "Now what do you intend to do this evening?"

William shrugged slightly before unbuttoning his waistcoat "I haven't a clue"

"That's very productive"

"I'd rather hold you close to me for the days before the battle"

"Well, I could agree to that" I smiled and placed a hand on his chest "How long will you be gone for?"

"If we win it'll be 2 weeks , if we loose it'll be a week at most"

"Let us hope you emerge victorious then, a last hurrah"

"I don't care if I win or loose" he picked me and and rested his forehead against mine "my main goal is to return and spend my days with you and watch our children grow. That is my goal in life"

"How did Colonel William Tavington become such a softie?"

"I married you, the love of my life"

"you're still short"

"Is that the lasting joke? I thought it was when you frantically covered yourself the last time we were here"

"Well I was in a nightgown, we weren't even courting then"

"If I were courting you, I would have needed around 10 minutes alone with you in the stable"

"William!" I whisper shouted and rested my head on his shoulder "You wouldn't have done anything of the sort"

"You're absolutely right" He hitched me up slightly "I would've needed 3 minutes" William let out a laugh and quite literally threw me onto the bed before getting above me.

"William Benedict James Tavington!" I laughed and pushed his shoulder.

"I love you" He muttered before running his fingertips down my cheek "My precious love"

"I love you too but at least let me get changed for the evening" He rolled his eyes before standing up and walking over to his desk. I started getting undressed for the evening before I not William staring at me "It isn't nice to stare, Will"

"I'm not, I'm admiring my wife"

"Very kind of you" As I spoke, I pulled on my nightgown before picking up my book from my bedside table. William walked over towards me and smoldered his eyes "that doesn't work with me love"

"I know, but it was worth a shot"

I sat in the edge of the bed and he sat beside me "You're like a limpet"

"I'm not that clingy"

"William" I smiled and wrapped my arms around him "You are, but I wouldn't change it"

"Will you write to me? I know it's only a couple of weeks"

"Of course as long as you write back"

"I'll send one each eaxh, that way it will be delivered by the next evening"

"And I'll already have one written for you"

William pulled me onto his lap and rested his chin on my shoulder "And on new years eve, I wish to take you to our plantation"

"And why is that?"

"I was notified that it has been furnished" he spoke before groaning slightly "Why does your nightgown need to be this long?"

"Because It keeps my dear husband at bay"

"Darling, it's called a knife, if I were that needy I would have done that"

"But would you risk cutting your wife's delicate skin?"

William spoke and kissed my neck "I wouldn't dream of it" He muttered and wrapped an arm around my waist "I love you"

I cracked a smile and mumbled "I love you too"

He let out a soft chuckle before lifting me up and laying me back on the bed. Moments later he covered me in a blanket "If I were to do something different, would you let me?" William asked as he took off his shirt.

"of course" I smiled before propping myself up on my elbows "Why what do you have in mind?"

He didn't say anything, he just got in bed next to me and pulled me into a kiss "look at me love" William whispered before tilting my chin up.

"Yes darling?"

"Are you happy? I mean, would you rather be with your family?"

"Will, that's a very difficult question, of course I'm happy with you but I do indeed miss my family"

He nodded slightly before resting his hand on my side "Tomorrow I'm going to take you there"

"Seriously?" I asked to which he nodded.

"I want you to be happy"

I huddled up to him and kissed him softly "You're the literal best!"

William wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer "Happy Christmas my love"

"I love you so much!" I beamed and nuzzled into his chest "You've made me the happiest woman on earth!"