the difference

Chapter Twenty-three

After the ball, Evelyn and William made their way back to their separate rooms before giving each other a final kiss goodnight. Fortunately

William closed his eyes for a moment before someone knocked on his door "Come in?" he was confused more than anything, especially at this time of night. But when he saw Evelyn, his confusion slipped away.

"I'm sorry muffin...I just...I-I" she flushed when she saw his naked appearance.

"Do you not like the storm?" She shamefully nodded. William smiled and gestured for her to shut the door "come here dove" he mumbled and opened his arms for her.

Evelyn rushed up to him and hugged him tightly "I'm sorry for waking you" she mumbled into his bare chest.

"There is no need to be sorry, It's my job to keep my little nugget happy" He cooed and wrapped his arms around her "and safe, I'll always be here" William mumbled and kissed the top of her head "anyway, I've got something to ask you"

"Yes?"

"Will you be comfortable if my son came here? I want to consult you first"

Evelyn nodded and tilted his chin up "If you want your son here, that's alright, we have a nursery upstairs" she gently stroked his cheek before smiling "It would be nice to have a child here again"

"Will you help raise a child that isn't yours?"

"Of course I will, he's a child, he doesn't know right from wrong" She smiled and kissed the tip of his nose "Although he isn't mine, I won't treat him less than I would treat my own son"

William nodded and looked to the side "anyway, I wish to comfort you through this storm" he smiled and pulled her down with him when he fell against the bed.

She let out a small laugh and playfully straddled his waist "You're perfect muffin" then a clap of thunder made her shudder and look around the room.

"Hey shh, I'm here"

"I'm sorry..." She looked down, she was frightened

William took her hands into his and pulled her down to him "Don't you dare be sorry" he smiled and kissed her softly before wrapping his arms around her "It's a job I take pleasure in doing" With a grin, William spoke his words as Evelyn snuggled into his chest. She put one of her hands on the Colonel's chest and felt how fast his heart was beating "You are beautiful. And besides, you are my future wife may as well get some practice now"

Evelyn felt herself blush a little at the words of her fiancé. Her whole body felt warm and excited but not in a sexual way. She just loved his company and him in general "Oh I'm sorry! Your wound" She quickly sat up causing William to laugh.

"It doesn't bother me" he smiled and looked at the fully scabbed wound on his shoulder "I'll be fine"

Evelyn smiled sweetly before leaning down to kiss him. He let out a small lust filled growl and rolled them both over so he was on top "William!" she squeaked and started giggling when he pouted like a schoolboy.

"Yes miss?"

"You are so annoying"

"you want to marry me"

She traced his lip with her fingertip and looked into his eyes "Indeed, I love you"

He brushed his nose against hers before kissing it softly. She looked at him expectantly wearing a small smile, and then he closed the distance as their lips met in a soft, chaste kiss.

"Do you now? How much?" he smirked and kissed her forehead.

"this much" She cutely stretched out her arms before wrapping them around him "And to the moon and back"