Love me not

16. Papers and pens

Colin led Penelope to a secluded area of the yard with a gorgeous gazebo. When they were kids, they used to spend a lot of time there. He recalled that Penelope and Eloise would spend hours discussing books and all the things they liked to read, or sometimes they would just sit silently while each of them read a book.

He recalled a certain day when they fled through the garden and into the house after getting caught in the downpour. They were laughing and drenched in water. They were something like 15 or 16 back them and that was the first time Colin observed Penelope's features. Her flawless contours were perfectly clung to by the wet yellow dress. Benedict gave Colin a smack on the back of his head to wake him up after he had gazed fixedly at her breasts for the first time. Even though he realized that was a highly impolite thing for him to do, he couldn't help himself and kept admiring her shapes in the years that followed.

They stepped into the gazebo, its beams adorned with vibrant yellow and blue flowers. Penelope looked around, a smile spreading across her face as she took in the beauty of the scene. When she turned back, she was startled to find Colin on one knee.

"What are you doing?" she chuckled, both surprised and amused.

Colin gazed up at her with earnest eyes. "I should have done this a long time ago, Pen," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "But I was a fool, blind to what was right in front of me." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, opening it to reveal a ring. "I didn't give you a ring before we were married, but I hope this one marks the start of something new, something beautiful for us."

He carefully slipped the ring onto her finger, and Penelope's eyes welled with tears. She looked at him, her heart full.

"I love you, Pen," he continued, his voice thick with emotion. "Without you, I can't imagine my life. You've been my best friend for years, my greatest support. You're the beautiful girl in yellow with whom I love to sit in the back of a ballroom, gossiping about anything and nothing."

As he stood, Penelope stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his neck, her heart swelling with the depth of his words.

Penelope gazed lovingly at Colin, her heart full. "Colin, you are the love of my life, and I can't imagine my world without you. We will have a beautiful life together, I promise."

Colin smiled, his voice filled with conviction. "I have no doubt we'll lead an incredible life. I promise to always be the best husband I can be."

Penelope smiled warmly at him. "Colin, you already are. You've always been kind and caring, and that hasn't changed."

He leaned in slowly, brushing his lips against hers, savoring the moment. After a tender kiss, they pulled away and locked eyes.

Penelope hesitated before speaking again. "I've been thinking about... Whistledown."

Colin raised an eyebrow, his voice soft. "What about Whistledown?"

"I want to keep writing as Whistledown; I truly love it," she said, her voice a bit more serious now. "But I don't want to hide behind that name anymore. Even though I'd rather not be the center of attention, I think it's time to let go of the alter ego and take responsibility for the paper."

Colin's expression grew concerned. "Pen, I don't know what to say." He took a step back, his brows furrowed. "Whistledown has offended a lot of people. If they find out who she really is, they'll be furious, and it could be dangerous. The Queen wouldn't forgive you either."

Penelope nodded, her gaze steady. "I know, but I feel like it would be more dangerous to keep this secret, always looking over my shoulder. I don't want to hide anymore, and I don't want to hurt anyone with my words either."

Colin reached out, taking her hands in his. "I think we should speak with Lady Danbury," he said, his tone thoughtful. "She's close to both my mother and the Queen. Maybe she could help us navigate this."

Penelope looked at him, unsure. "Do you really think she would help us?"

"I do," Colin replied with confidence. "I believe Lady Danbury might actually be an admirer of yours, or more accurately, an admirer of Lady Whistledown."

Penelope gave him a soft smile, appreciating his faith in the plan. "Alright, we'll speak with her when we return to London." She reached up and gently caressed his cheek. "Thank you for supporting me in this."

Colin smiled warmly, brushing his lips against her forehead. "I'll always stand by you, Pen." He kissed her softly, and together, hand in hand, they made their way back to the house.

As the family prepared for Kate's birthday celebration, the afternoon flew by. The ballroom was transformed into a beautiful space, with blue hues and Indian influences honoring Kate's heritage. Throughout the evening, Colin and Penelope danced, laughed, and cherished the moments they had together, surrounded by family and love.

As the festivities came to a finish, the two husbands went to their room and enjoyed their mutual passion and desire while helping each other undress. Colin was a patient and passionate husband who took his time indulging his wife, but Penelope seized charge and rolled over him to put his back on the mattress.

Startled by his wife's confidence, he opened his eyes wide. As she moved slowly in an attempt to achieve her own pleasure, he simply stood there taking in the view and relishing the sensation of her moving on him and experiencing such pleasure. Allowing himself to get swept away by luxury and the urge to feel her as close to him as possible, he pulled her to him and gave her a passionate kiss.

As she found her release and stretched over his member, pushing him into bliss, her moans filled the room. Penelope slid off him and curled up next to him, wriggling in his arms and resting her head on his shoulder.

"My darling, you surprise me every day."

With a little ashamed laugh, Penelope planted a kiss on his cheek. They continued to caress one other in silence.

Penelope smiled softly, her eyes meeting Colin's. "You know... I did read the letters you sent while you were away."

Colin's eyes widened in surprise. "You did?" he asked, his voice filled with astonishment. "I thought you said you burned them."

Penelope's smile faded slightly as she looked at him. "I said that because I was angry, and maybe there were times when I wanted to, but I couldn't. The way you describe the places you've been and the feelings you experienced... it's beautiful. You're a talented writer, Colin. Did you know that?"

Colin shifted slightly, looking modest. "I don't think I'm all that great. Maybe it's just that I pour everything I have into the letters I write to you."

Penelope's expression softened with admiration. "You should write more—perhaps a collection of all the places you've been."

Colin chuckled lightly. "I do keep journals to record my travels, but I'm not sure anyone would care to read them."

Penelope's smile grew. "I would love to read them." Her words were genuine, and her warmth filled the space between them. Colin, surprised by her praise, returned her smile, feeling both humbled and touched by her appreciation of his writing.