After Jo had crushed Laurie’s heart by rejecting his love, he thought he’d never recover. His melodramatic nature led him to believe life would never feel whole again. Who would have guessed that just a year later, he’d be married to you and expecting his first child?

Laurie was, for once, truly content. Realizing Jo wasn’t the one for him had been painful, but you were always there—steadfast and kind. It had always been meant to be you, even if Laurie had taken longer than he should have to see it.

From the moment you told him about the baby, Laurie had been overjoyed, throwing himself into the role of a doting husband and soon-to-be father. He’d learned everything on parenting, asked his grandfather endless questions about family life, and was determined to be present every step of the way. “You’re carrying the future of the Laurence name,” he’d joke, though there was no denying the sparkle of pride in his eyes.

You’d spent most of your pregnancy at the Laurence estate, as requested—well, more like demanded—by his grandfather, Mr. Laurence. The older man had waited years to see Laurie truly settle down, and now he delighted in the preparations for the new baby. “It’s about time,” he’d say with a gruff smile, always followed by a softening look as he watched you.

One afternoon, as you rested in the sunlit drawing room, Laurie walked in with a tray of tea and biscuits, a proud smile on his face. “I made these myself, well, with a little help from the cook.”