When Robins Appear (Book 3)

Chapter Four

"I would completely understand if you two never spoke to me again, either. I don't deserve it," Robbie said, wiping away a tear from the corner of his eye.

I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Slow down, Robbie. You haven't explained why the sudden change of heart."

"Because I'm not good enough for her!" he blurted out.

"Why on Earth would you think that?" I asked.

"Because of what Mr. Valentine has been saying."

Lucky for Robbie, I was no longer drunk, as I would've expressed some not-so-nice feelings for that meddling so-and-so.

"What has he been saying to you, Robbie?" Nicholas asked.

"Don't get me wrong, he doesn't intentionally say these things to scare me... But ever since he gave Isabella and I permission to court, he talks non-stop about parties and balls and dinners that I will now have to attend. And not as the stable boy, but as Isabella's husband. I must look and act the part, he says. He wants me to go to Hobart Town and be measured up for formal wear." He buried his face in his hands.

"But all of that is true, Robbie. I don't see the problem. You knew your position would change after you two wed," Nicholas said.

Robbie looked up. "I suppose I never really thought about it."

Nicholas' eyes widened. "Really?"

"I mean, I never thought my dreams would ever come true. My dream of being with Isabella, that is. And when it did, all I could think about was how I couldn't wait to buy her and the children a home, and start to have children of our own, and, well, live happily ever after. I suppose I just forgot about the rest."

"It's easy to do, Robbie," I said. "Nicholas and I have just spent three weeks in our own little bubble, forgetting about the outside world.  It was hard to pull us out of it. But there's a time where you have to come back to reality, face the outside world. But what makes it possible is you're not facing the world alone. You have someone by your side that will face it with you. Someone you love more than anything. And I guess the question you have to ask yourself is, is Isabella the one you want to face the world with?"

"Do you love her, Robbie?" Nicholas asked him seriously.

"Yes," he replied without hesitation.

Nicholas nodded, pleased with his quick response. "Now envision yourself sitting beside her at a Valentine family dinner. She reaches across and takes your hand under the table. Does it seem as scary now?"

He shook his head. "No. No, it doesn't."

"Mr. Valentine already treats you like a son and he welcomed you into the family long before you started courting his daughter. You are more than just a stable boy to him. Don't ever feel like you're not good enough," I assured him.

"I don't blame you for being scared, Robbie. You have been comfortable in a role since you were fourteen. Now you realise you have to leave that role for a new one. But it will be a much better one. Trust me. I've been there and I will be forever grateful that I took the chance." Nicholas glanced down at me, a small, proud smile forming on his lips.

"So, what do you say, Robbie? Are you still having second thoughts?" I asked, but could tell by the look on his face that he was feeling much better about the situation.

"No. God, I want to marry her right now. But she's mad at me. What if she never forgives me? I lied to her."

"Just tell her what you just told us," I replied. "She will come around, I promise."