For Janeen and Esther...

12.

January, 1782

He stared at her very intently, studying her, memorizing her face as if he might forget who she was when he woke again.

Her blue eyes stared back. She smiled and said something to him which he could not understand but felt soothed by anyway. Just a few moments ago he was feeling cranky, tired and maybe just a bit hungry. And there she was, whisking him away to someplace quiet where they could rest and she could comfort him.

Teddy Bordon relaxed against the plush sofa where she had situated herself with her infant son, Patrick. It had been quite a long journey from the Colonies to Hampshire and on to her new home nestled in the lowlands of Scotland. She would be the new mistress here and someday, Patrick would be master.

At five months old, Patrick Bordon was a pretty baby. Even his grandpa, the earl, agreed. He was already proving to be as strong as his papa and at times as stubborn as his mama, and Teddy absolutely adored him. With Teddy's dark hair and his father's eyes, Teddy was certain Patrick would someday break hearts all over the world.

But for now, the baby was tired and over-stimulated from travel. He had proven himself to be a good little sailor and traveler-even in the dead of winter. But a baby could only take so much and Teddy was also relieved to be away from the curious eyes of the new staff.

She looked down at her son at her breast and watched his eyes become heavy, eventually closing the delicately lashed lids as he nursed himself to sleep.

Such a pretty baby…

Bordon reached over and stroked his son's cheek with the back of his finger. Then he fluffed the baby's dark curls with his thumb. Patrick sighed, heavenly contented. It made Bordon smile; he couldn't blame the little fellow.

Was it possible his son already knew how much he was loved and adored? Whether he understood or not, the baby thrived on it.

He looked down at his wife, who was resting her head in the crook of his shoulder. She had her eyes closed as well and looked so blissfully peaceful he almost resisted the urge to peck her lips with a gentle kiss. Almost.

Teddy responded with a dreamy smile.

Suddenly the intensity of what he felt for her became almost overwhelming to Bordon. For a brief second, time seemed to stand still and his love for her stared him straight in the face, hitting him full force. They had journeyed so far in so many ways and they hadn't even been married two years. Teddy had transcended from someone Bordon could barely tolerate to the center of his Universe. He never wanted her to change, yet he knew she would, and if he were a lucky enough man, he would continue that journey with her.

There had been countless times in the past year that Boron truly thought he wouldn't be given that joyful opportunity. During that time Teddy rarely left his side. Through the slow, painful recovery of his injuries and the series of fevered infections and jaundice that followed, Teddy cared for him, tended to his every need, fussed over him and fought for him during the entire ordeal. Even as she carried his child, she had been like a terrier with a rat. Teddy never once gave up or complained even when Bordon wanted to. To think he had ever considered leaving her behind as if he could simply forget her made him sick now.

In fact, it had been her steadfastness and determination to see Bordon hale and hardy again that had won Teddy the favors of Lady Westcliff. Once his mother teamed up with his wife, they became a force to be reckoned with. His poor father had no choice but to concede that his new daughter in law- his American daughter in law- might possibly be deserving of their son and everything that came with him. When Westcliff witnessed firsthand how well Teddy cared for his grandson, she had his devotion as well.

Teddy had single handedly made every one of Bordon's dreams come true without even realizing it. He was not a religious man, yet everyday he woke next to her he was thankful that whatever powers that be had thrown them together. Was he besotted? He didn't care. He was going to relish it while it lasted.

Later, after Bordon managed to get Teddy to pass the baby off to his highly overpaid and under worked nanny, he made an effort to repay her. It was a small measure; a miniscule grain of sand compared to what he felt he owed her.

Teddy was exhausted from the traveling and Bordon felt like he could use some rest as well. The quiet time in the library had not only been for Patrick's benefit but had also allowed his parents time to catch their breaths. It also made Bordon realize this was the first time in weeks he could have his wife all to himself.

When Andrew suggested they retire for the evening, Teddy weakly protested claiming it was far too early. But the lure of a bath and bed was too much to resist. She let Andrew lead her to the master bedchamber and for the first time in their marriage, climbed into the awaiting tub with him. Remarkably, they both fit and Teddy sighed with a smile as she leaned back against her husband's chest.

She never imagined this would ever come to be. So many times since the attack Teddy thought she would lose Andrew forever. Every time he pulled through, she wondered how much more his body would tolerate before it eventually gave up and killed him. He was so much stronger now. She would let him care for her, knowing from now on, they would care for each other.

Watching the wisps of steam rise, Teddy relaxed as Andrew picked up a cake of soap and began his ministrations. His big soapy hands moved over her, washing her weariness away. Through the water, a glint of light caught on the wedding band he now insisted upon wearing no matter how his wife teased him about how unfashionable it was. Teddy smiled, glancing down at her own new, gold band. It was the inscription in the gold that always seemed to tug at her heart.

My beloved is mine, and I am his.

"How many times I thought of this with you," Andrew spoke low against her ear. His hand rested across her chest and she lifted it and kissed it, holding it against her face. His voice caressed her skin. "I dreamt of it every time I had to leave you."

"I wanted to win you, Andrew," Teddy confessed randomly.

"Win me?" He sounded perplexed.

Teddy nodded slowly as she explained.

"Fair and square. At Middleton Place. Do you remember? That massive bed? I don't believe it's quite as large as yours," she said gesturing to the sumptuous looking bed waiting at the other side of the room. "But we could have slept anywhere on it without coming close to touching each other. When I woke in the morning, there we were, in the middle of the bed wrapped up in each other. I knew then that I wanted you….that I never wanted to be in anyone else's arms again….that I wanted to win you over. I love you, Andrew, very much."

"And I love you, Teddy," he said a touch softer this time. "My only regret was refusing to admit it sooner. You have made me so happy that I am certain whatever you ask for I will make yours. Always."

"All I want is you." she said. Then after a pause she turned her head to look at him. "Always."

Andrew was smiling; a real smile that reached his eyes and pulled at a dimple in his cheek Teddy never noticed until now. Teddy couldn't help but smile back.

"I think I'm going to enjoy being spoiled by you, Captain Bordon. I think I'm going to enjoy it very much."

Suddenly his eyes flickered. He looked like a boy-a very wicked boy- and his hands began to do something naughty beneath the water.

"And I think I'm going to enjoy the spoiling, Mrs. Bordon," he replied nipping at her neck.

"Good."

"Mmmm….very good," he agreed.

Bordon kept her there in that master chamber as much as possible for nearly a week. His only excuse was that they had never experienced a honeymoon and after such a long journey they deserved a good long rest- although they didn't do much resting. In fact, it was during that first week in Scotland that their oldest daughter was conceived- followed by three more daughters and two more sons.

Through the years Teddy Bordon kept her promises just as Andrew kept his. Where ever Andrew went, Teddy gladly followed until he was eighty-three. Then, she kept her second promise. For another ten years, she never forgot him until she followed him one last time...

But rest assured dear readers, in case there was ever any doubt, The Bordon's did indeed live happily ever after with their children, grandchildren and the occasional visit from Banastre Tarleton, who became affectionately known by the children as "Uncle Ban."

~ The End!