Kate & Anthony

Chapter 8, Morning

The chirping of the birds stirred Kate up, she felt so warm and giddy. She tried to stir a little to get in a different position but could not, that is when she realized that she is not in the warmth of her bed in her bedchamber but she was in the warm embrace of the man who is immensely infuriating, vexing man who has a pleasing smile and also the man who she loves, that moment she remembered where she was and what she had ... or more like where they were and what they had done. There was a roller coaster of emotions going in her mind some parts of her were making her feel guilty, ashamed of herself while the other was justifying her for doing something for herself telling her she deserves to be happy too. She wanted to run away from him but she also wanted to just stay besides him. She was feeling overwhelm and didn't know what she should do.

Anthony had spent every moment of the night observing her, admiring her, tracing every part of Kate in his mind. He had made sure her body was covered properly and he was holding her tightly to him. He didn't even want to blink, if possible, to make sure she was not a dream but reality. He has dreamt of holding her like this so many times in his subconscious so he needed to make sure she was the real Kate sleeping in his embrace with a peaceful soft smile. When she started stirring, he didn't move to make sure she is not startled and could observe her surrounding herself so that he could know her genuine reactions. Sometimes she was smiling others she was kitting her brows. He knew she was getting overwhelm and was struggling to decide what to do. He could not see the distress on her anymore so he bent down a little and kissed her on her forehead.

The kiss on her forehead was so calming that she could not help but start opening her eyes to see Lord Bridgerton, Anthony. They smiled at each other. "Good morning, sweetheart." She could feel her heartbeat increasing and butterflies twirling in her stomach at his words. She could only manage a small hushed good morning while the blush on her started creeping.

"Miss Sharma, Kate, I need to apologies for taking these liberties, ... I did not want it to happen like that."

Kate was quiet utterly quiet like she could not even breath, she was not sure how to react to him. Was he regretting what happen between them? Was she the only one who felt things? Was she the only one who was in love? Was she only some desire game for him? Is she not enough to be loved by him? Did she really not deserve any love from the people she loves? Kate was on verge of crying when she felt his warm palm caressing her face and making her looking into his eyes.

"But I will not ever be able to regret this perfect moment we shared. Kate, you make me feel so much even when you are not in front of me. I didn't want love in my life so that I do not leave behind the people I love to be heartbroken when I die early like my father." Kate could not help but put her hand on his hand which was caressing him but she let him continue "But seeing you lying there on the floor in that closet was such a nightmare, it should have been me not you, that was the only thing I could think." "Anthony" Kate was horrified by his thinking, but he continued "I was fearful of losing you. It is why I could not visit you after your accident. I couldn't bring myself to--" he took a deep breathe before he could say more.

He moved closer to her "I love you. I've loved from the moment we raced each other in that park. I've loves at every dance, on every walk, every time we've been together, and every time we've been apart. You most know in your heart. But you most know. I love you (while he subconsciously placed his hands on his heart)"

"I don't know what to say." Kate said with teary eyes. "You do not have to say anything" Anthony said in a whisper. With determined voice Kate spoke "I do not think there is anything else to say... other than I love you too." Anthony took a much needed breathe he was holding "I want a life that suits us both. I know I am imperfect but I will humble myself before you because I cannot imagine my life without and that is why I wish to marry you." She just shook her head and with a smile said "you do know there will never be day where you do not vex me." He grinned and came as closer as he physically can but not enough for him "Is that promise Kathani Sharma." She gave him a biggest most genuine smile "Yes. Yes, it is a promise." "Well then. It seems the two of us are finally seeing eye-to-eye on something." "I suppose we are." She whispered before pulling him so that she could kiss him. The kiss pass so different from the kisses they shared yesterday there was no lust, need or passion what there was, was true love and their overwhelming feelings for one another.

When the breeze sends shivers to her skin, they remembered what they want, what they desire with each other to get that they will have to fight for it. "Kate, I would love to stay here with you like this for as long as we can but sweetheart, we need to get you dressed it's getting cold." Anthony said will tucking her hair. Kate could not help getting shy at his comment and started getting up with his help. Anthony helped her with tying her lace of her bodice and help her with the buttons of her dress. She could not help herself and said "Why are you so good with women clothing?" She said it as a teasing statement, because knew his past and didn't mind it, she trusts Anthony enough to not question his loyalty to her.

Anthony paused for a moment but then continue with her buttons and said "Miss Sharma let me remind you I have 4 sisters, who are stubborn and I needed to help them at times as especially Hyacinth." While kissing her on the shoulder before fastening the last buttons. To which she just made and 'ah-ha'.

"Kate, I know it is going to be really difficult path but you being by my side would be enough if only you will have me. I would ask you to marry me at this very moment but that is not how I want to do it. I want to make you feel appreciated, wanted, loved and how it feels to be courted..." Before he could say more Kate pulled him by the neck and kissed him so that he stops speaking "Anthony, you and I have demons and I know this is a difficult path but I do not think I want to wait anymore then what is required to get married with a proper license.... Anthony we will have to work on our insecurities but let's do it together, I for once just want to be selfish enough to hold your hands to walk towards the life full of love and hope. I love Anthony and now I know you love me so that is enough. Is it not?"

Anthony was quiet for some time before grinning and pulling her closer and whispered "It is, it is more than enough.... But let's send you back to Danbury mansion before anybody else than Lady Danbury knows you were missing." Kate just laughed at that because she knew that can miss the dragon lady's eyes. "Yes sure, but I am sure your mother would also have noticed it." "Yeah, surely she would have."

After some struggle (as they didn't want to leave each other) Anthony return to his room after sending Kate to the Danbury mansion, to get cleaned up to begin the day and prepare himself for the inevitable. When this valet came to help him, he asked him to send a message to the duke and Duchess of Hastings to come as soon as they can.