Harriet did not move or even flinch when Charles sat down next to her on the step, although still kept his distance, which for the moment she was thankful for, she may still love and want him but she was a little unsure how she would react should he pull her into his arms, like he had done countless times before. Actually, she did, for Harriet Rayleigh had never been a predictable woman, her temperament was often as changeable as the weather, her decision and actions surprised people on a daily basis, but if she were predictable in any aspect in her life, it would be when it came to her husband. She could have wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him as close to her body as was physically possible and wept into the crook of his neck, too long had she gone without his presence and now she simply craved it, Charles was her impulse.
āI donāt wish for them to be threats Hallieā¦ā Hearing the moniker he often called her caused her heart to leap, it was a term of affection for him, some men called their lovers by āsweetheartā or ādarlingā but Charles always referred to her as āHallieā or āHattie.ā Names which she had once hated with a passion, but now loved and craved, such was the power of their love. "I admit, I apologize for my rash behavior on...that day...but, I had asked you explicitly to leave the room, Hattieā¦And perhaps I was being selfish, but I simply didn't want you to die. I didn't want the baby to die, either...surely you must understand, Harriet. Right?"
A breath left her body in a resounding sigh; he wasnāt being selfish, she had been the selfish one wanting to add to his grief by threatening her own life and something which she was ashamed about now. Harriet should have followed his warning and left, but that did not mean she regretted her decision to stay, if anything she was glad she got to spend those final hours with Lizzie, no matter how painful they had been. Tilting her head slightly, Harriet turned to look at her husband, her eyes heavy and apologetic, āNo, I should be the one to apologiseā¦ā[color] Harriet whispered, [color=#A4A4A4] āI know you only wanted our safety, I put myself at risk, worst of all I put our baby to risk. But I just couldnāt leave her Charles, she was my baby also.ā Her hand came to her mouth as she suppressed a quick sob before doing what she could to regain herself.
It was euphoric, utterly intoxicating, then again he had always had that effect on her, every stoke of his tongue only stoked the fire burning in the pit of her stomach, pulling back slightly, she smiled affectionately running a hand gently down the side of his face before resting her forehead against his. āI love you so much Charlesā she uttered almost breathlessly, before looking up into his eyes, āCome to bed? I have missed you so much.ā