My Darling Wife by EpicFaerieTale

Andrew sighed, hugging Claudia and nuzzling her neck. His face was wet from tears and already it seemed his face was hot from holding back so much anger. "How could I have not noticed? I'm no father..." he said, sighing and shaking his head.

Andrew sighed, closing his eyes tightly and hugging Claudia. He knew that Richard had nothing to do with it, but how could he be so proud of himself, as a parent? His own daughter was taken and he never noticed something was up, especially with the discontinuance of visits or even letters. "I must've been a real bastard, huh?" he muttered.

Andrew nodded, understanding Claudia's words. He had to move on. This was a long while ago. No wonder Richard tried to keep it under wraps. It was an ugly reality! "I know....I'll try my best, I just need to be alone." he mumbled, taking a deep breath.

Richard sat down on one of the chairs, rubbing his face with one hand. "I just hope your father can forgive me." he mumbled. Andrew however took at least an hour to calm down and try to forget. Standing, he went downstairs, looking to his son in law and hugging him tight. "I'm sorry, son." he said, sniffing and patting his back. They both patted each other's backs. It seems things were resolved for now.

Of course, it would take a long while to get over. The only one of the four that couldn't ever forgive what happened is probably Richard. He still was trying to understand how he couldn't differentiate between the two cousins. It was his wife for gods sakes! After a long while, he looked to Antionette. "We should get going. Autumn is probably awake by now."

Richard nodded, bidding goodbye to Antionette's parents and leaving the farm. As they got in the cart and began being taken home, he held her hand, kissing it. He swore, that night he would be very grateful to have his rightful bride by his side again, and this time the right one. "I love you..." he said, his eyes glossy from coming close to tears.

Andrew however still remained silent as he stared at the floor, wondering how Antionette's own cousin could do such a thing. "Did it ever strike you that Darlene could do such a thing?" he asked Claudia, feeling eerie just talking about the subject.

Andrew nodded, groaning. "I never really noticed. She didn't come around much to the farm and when she did, she was very respectful. It was all a front I guess." he muttered, nodding again. "So, how do you feel about all this?" he asked.

"Well, seeing that Antionette had married a man of wealth, it must've hurt them deeply with their egos." Andrew shrugged, sighing and getting up. "Either way, let's put this away for now, they're gone, as far as we know." he said, smiling and hugging Claudia. "Now, why don't we enjoy the rest of our afternoon?" he chuckled, kissing her cheek.

Andrew yawned, hugging Claudia. At least Richard had brought his daughter back, safe and sound. All he worried about now was Autumn. Would anything like this happen to her? He hoped not. As Richard and Antionette arrived home, he could hear Autumn crying in her room, one of the caretakers trying to calm the baby down.

Richard wouldn't want to imagine when Autumn is two. He had heard that those are really tough years. Sighing, he followed Antionette in and smiled as the baby calmed down in her mother's arms. Cooing, she cuddled and hugged her around the neck loosely. "Well, looks like everything's fine now." he chuckled, kissing his daughter's head and smiling. "Hungry, dear?" he asked, kissing her cheek.

Exactly. Soon the years will come by and it'll be easier. Richard however wondered whether there'd be more children in the future. He shook his head, not wanting to repeat it. Antionette would tell him if she wanted more. For now, one was enough. Getting a servant to tell them to start lunch, he hugged the two. "Hm, lunch is being started, girls." he chuckled, trying to still talk to Autumn like an actual adult, he was told that babies would learn better that way.