“Try to stop us,” Charity said.
They moved away together. Stephen guided her, lightly, along a side corridor and out through a door that opened to a narrow balcony. The cool night air hit her face instantly. He closed the door behind them, not shutting it fully, just enough to make a little pocket of privacy.
“Are you all right?” he asked after a moment.
“Yes,” she said. “Are you?”
“Always when I am with you.”
It was little check-ins like this that she valued dearly. It was as though both of them were always trying to make sure that the other was not in any sort of discomfort.
“You’ve impressed quite a few people tonight,” he said. “I might have heard little whispers.”
“That is nice to hear, but I have come to realize that the only validation that really matters is from those whom I love,” she shrugged.
Funny, she had always wanted to be accepted into society, and now that she was, it was not the most important thing for her.
“I felt you were yourself the moment we stepped in,” he nodded. “You’ve been light all evening. It looks good on you.”
“You are going to make me blush,” she said.
“Good,” he said softly, and then he kissed her.
It wasn’t a long kiss, but it was enough to send an explosion of good sensations inside her. She did not wish for it to end. When he drew back, he stayed close, his brow almost touching hers.
“I want to take you home,” he said. She noticed the shift in his tone. “Soon.”
“Soon?” she questioned, curious about his sudden urgency.
“Very soon,” he said. “I am failing at polite conversation. All I can think about is you in our house, in our room, and the fact that no one else will be there.”
She blushed wildly at the assumption.
“You seem rather...” she started, not knowing what words to say. “Well.”
“In urgency?” he said, “You could say that. It is a need.”
Her face warmed, and she didn’t mind it.
“Stephen.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve not known you this smooth,” she said. “Or so impatient.”
“I’m just being honest,” he said, seeming amused. “I want you to myself and I want us to start trying, if you are ready.”
“Trying?” she echoed, though the implication was clear as day.
“For a child,” he said, “If that still is something that you wish for.”
Her heart lurched at his words. It had been a while since they had spoken about this.
“I do.” There was so much that she wanted to say, but somehow, those were the only words that she could utter.
“You’re sure?”
“I’m sure about wanting you,” she said. “And to expand our family. We can take our time when we need to. But yes… oh heavens yes.”