Back at Mossy Rock Retreat, Leopold caught sight of Nova who was supposed to have returned home, "Isn't Nova supposed to be
back with her folks? How'd she wind up here again?"
Aurelia chuckled, "The place is just buzzing with excitement, and Nova wanted to soak up a bit more fun. So | brought her back
with me."
Nina and Mira cbounding over, and Nina scooped Nova into her arms, "Nova, you're back. Awesome. Let's go play house."
"Okay." Nova clapped her hands with glee.
The kids scampered upstairs to play.
Leopold wrapped an arm around Aurelia and asked, "Tired?"
"Not at all," she shook her head, her voice light and breezy, "I'm not made of glass, you know." She was past the first trimester,
just feeling a bit heavier, nothing more.
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Sipping her tea, she lowered her voice, "William filled Arnold in on all the recent ."
Leopold had figured as much, "Maybe William's got a special bond with Arnold. After all, he was kidnapped at birth before | even
got a chance to lay eyes on him."
Aurelia shrugged, "Arnold's been good to him. Better than a lot of real dads, that's for sure."
Leopold frowned slightly, "Are you implying I'm not up to snuff? That | don't measure up to Arnold?"
She smiled, her arms wrapping around his neck, "How could I? You're the best, and no one holds a candle to you."
He liked the sound of that. His lips curved into a charming smile, "Looks like I've got your seal of approval.”
"I'm a genius designer. I've always had an eye for quality, and the man | chose is obviously top-tier," Aurelia teased, then
remembered he wasn't exactly her choice, and it was more like fate had played matchmaker.
If the decision was solely hers, she would have never dreamed of snagging a catch like Leopold. He was a big shot who wouldn't
have glanced her way back then. She wasn't one for daydreaming.
Leopold's kiss landed softly on her lips, "And I've chosen the best wife. I'll make sure you are the happiest woman in the world."
Aurelia felt truly happy, and if it weren't for Geoffrey's occasional meddling, it'd be even better. Who knew what the future held? No
point worrying about things that hadn't happened yet. Why not bask in the moment? If Leopold ever changed, she'd simply show
him the door, taking everything with her. Her sons would always have her back.
Leopold's hand gently caressed her slightly swollen belly beneath her coat, "After the new year, we should schedule a check-up."
She grinned, "Yeah, let's see if we can add a little princess to the mix."
He smiled back. Jessica had hinted at a pigeon pair, something the Stirling family hadn't seen before. Boy or girl didn't matter to
him. He just hoped she wouldn't be disappointed if there was no daughter, wanting to try again. He didn't want her to go through it
all again because it was too taxing.
Just then, Beverley descended from upstairs, and Leopold quickly withdrew his hand. Despite his speed, Beverley's keen eyes
caught the gesture.
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Skyler had mentioned Aurelia's pregnancy. Could it be true? Were they keeping it a secret?
"Leopold, we're planning to hold another séance tonight. You in?" Beverley asked.
Leopold coughed lightly, "Cut the nonsense. There's no such thing as ghosts."
"But there are. Mira and | saw one. It was Liam." Beverley insisted with utmost seriousness.
Aurelia nearly choked on her drink, instantly recognizing one of William's pranks.
"Beverley, that's just William and Kane playing magician with you guys."
"Magician?" Beverley paused, shocked, "Like raising the dead?"
No, more like raising the 'ghost'.
Aurelia nodded, suppressing a laugh, "Something like that."