A Lesson in Forgiveness (29 page)

compared to what I plan for you later. For now, you might want to get some sleep. I shall be waking you soon enough.”

Ginny did laugh at that. She turned her back, so they could snuggle against each other for a bit before she moved over to sleep. To her surprise, she fell asleep against his warm body. Colin knew instantly that she was dozing. He listened to her steady breathing for a few minutes, then succumbed to his own sleepiness.

He did wake her two more times before the sun rose. They were both exhausted, but content. When Ginny woke at her usual time, Colin suggested breakfast in bed. Pulling the sheets up to cover his wife, he pulled the bell pull by the side of the bed. When Charles entered, saw his mistress in his master's bed, he turned his back and asked of how he could be of service.

“Please have a bath readied for my wife, Charles. First, we would like coffee and toast in my chamber. Inform Lady Whitmore's maid that she will be running a little late this morning.” The last part he said while smiling at his wife.

“Yes, my lord.” Charles wanted to be as far away as possible before those two started anew.

“Maybe we should get up. Your sister and brother-in-law are still here.” Cuddling up to her husband, Ginny didn't really care what his relatives did.

“They can fend for themselves. I believe I might be very busy today.” Ginny laughed until Colin began to describe all the things he planned to do to her that day. Her laughter ceased, mostly because she was too busy allowing him to get his busy day started.

Charles returned too quickly with their breakfast. He set up the tray on a table by the hearth and left to take care of the bath. Colin got up and retrieved each a cup of coffee and some buttered toast. Ginny watched him, admiring his naked body, while he gathered the offering.

She sat up and leaned against the pillows and headboard. Colin handed her a cup and watched her as she drank deeply. Lifting her eyes from her cup, she watched him watching her. After one more sip, Colin took the cup from her hands, gingerly placed it on the side table and began to take advantage of his wife one more time.

“You have quite a bit of energy for someone who only had a few sips of coffee,” she stated as Colin nuzzled her neck.

“Love will do that to a man.”

Ginny stiffened. “What?”

Colin sensed the change and stopped what he was doing. “I love you,” was all he replied, staring deeply into her eyes.

Ginny knew he wasn't lying, he did truly love her. And it scared the hell out of her. Did that mean she would leave? When would it happen? She didn't leave Ian until she was pregnant. Would it be the same now? The panic began to set in and her eyes widened in what must have looked like horror.

Watching her, Colin misunderstood. “Bethany, I will never leave you again. I promise. I am exactly where I want to be.”

Trying to calm herself down, she took a deep breath. “I'm sorry, Colin. I'm just tired and I guess I'm overreacting. I know you won't leave me again.”
But I may be leaving you
, she thought somberly.

He smiled and pulled her against him. “You should get some more rest. I will tell Charles to hold off on the bath...”

“No. I think the bath will help. Perhaps you will join me?” She smiled slyly, letting him know that she had every intention of being naughty.

He raised his eyebrow in response and bent down to kiss her soundly. “I shall make sure that the tub is not filled too high. I will be back for you in a moment.” With that, Colin got out of bed, put on his nightshirt and walked through the door.

Ginny sat back and thought about what was inevitably going to happen. Did she do it right? Would she go home this time? If she didn't get to go back to her own time, she would prefer to stay here. She couldn't claim love yet, but everything was right. She would eventually love him and she had no doubt they could make a life together.

But Ginny didn't get a choice. So when the dizziness came, she drew in a deep breath and whispered, “Goodbye, Colin.” And like before, there was nothing.