"And somewhere between the arguments and the bird, I realized I could not imagine my life without her."
Their daughter smiled. "That sounds like love."
"It was."
She looked at Eliza. "And Mama?"
Eliza looked at Julian. "I tried very hard not to love him."
"Why?"
"He was arrogant."
Julian nodded. "Fair."
"He was stubborn."
"Also fair."
"He was impossible."
"Frequently. But he listened." Julian's expression softened. "And he made me laugh."
Their daughter smiled. "That sounds like enough."
"It was."
She ran outside. Julian looked at Eliza.
"Did you really try not to love me?"
"Yes."
"How long?"
"About three weeks."
"Only three?"
"You were difficult."
"I still am."
She smiled. "I know."
He took her hand. "Would you do it again?"
"Marry you?"
"Yes."
She looked toward the garden. The old white bird sat on the wall. She laughed. "Yes."
Julian followed her gaze. "No."
She laughed harder. "Yes."
"Absolutely not."
The bird flew toward them. Julian stepped backward. Eliza caught his arm.
"Stand still."
"I have survived assassination attempts."
"And yet—"
"And yet I do not trust that bird."
She kissed his cheek. "You are ridiculous."
"I married you."
"That is true, and I have never regretted it."
She rested her head against his shoulder. "Neither have I."